Modular Sprung Floor with Elastomeric Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular sprung floors face challenges in providing optimal stability, balance, and shock absorption while being easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport, with existing materials often compromising on durability and cost.
Innovation Solution
A modular sprung-floor system comprising standardized frame and edge modules made from linear structural members with elastomeric joints and support members, which are easily assembled and disassembled, featuring a grid pattern with elastomeric joints to dampen vibrations and support a performance surface, utilizing elastomeric materials for shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modular sprung floors use traditional construction methods with woven slats and rubber pads, then shock absorption is provided, but assembly and disassembly become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The floor system is divided into discrete modular units, each containing a frame, performance surface, and integrated shock absorption elements. These modules can be independently assembled and disassembled, transforming a complex continuous structure into manageable segments that simplify installation and reconfiguration while maintaining shock absorption performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorption pads are integrated within the frame structure itself, with pads positioned between the frame members and the performance surface. This nesting eliminates the need for separate attachment steps and reduces overall assembly complexity while ensuring consistent shock absorption across the entire floor system.
2Ease of operation
If modular sprung floors are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then transportation and reconfiguration become simpler, but stability and balance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements, fastening mechanisms, and alignment features are pre-integrated into the modular frame structures during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when modules are assembled on-site, stability and balance are automatically achieved through precision-engineered connection points, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable connection parameters and modular configurations that allow optimization of stability characteristics during assembly. By varying the tightness, positioning, or engagement of connection elements, the system maintains floor stability across different assembly scenarios while preserving the inherent ease of modular assembly and disassembly.
3Reliability
If permanent sprung floor structures are constructed, then stability and durability are maximized, but adaptability and reconfigurability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The floor system transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic modular system where individual modules can be repositioned, reconfigured, or replaced as needed. The standardized connection mechanisms maintain structural integrity during use while enabling flexible reconfiguration, allowing the floor to adapt to different spatial requirements and usage scenarios without compromising durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frames and connection elements are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same components to serve both permanent installation and temporary reconfiguration needs. This universality enables the system to function as a durable permanent structure when needed while simultaneously providing the flexibility for easy reconfiguration and adaptation to different applications.
4Reliability
If high-durometer rubber pads are used for shock absorption, then impact protection is improved, but the floor becomes too soft causing foot fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption system uses varying durometer rubber pads positioned at different locations within the frame structure. Softer pads are placed in areas requiring maximum impact absorption, while firmer pads are positioned where excessive softness would cause foot fatigue. This localized variation in material properties optimizes both impact protection and comfort across different zones of the performance surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced stability, balance, and shock absorption, allowing for easy installation and reconfiguration while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness, ensuring a safe and performance-enhancing surface for dance and sports applications.
Implementation Method 1
Joints are standardized components of an elastomeric material that join linear-structural members at right angles where X-axis members meet Y-axis members. These joints join structural members to form a frame while dampening vibration and impact.
Implementation Method 2
Elastomeric supports between frame modules and linear channels dampen vibrations between performance surface panels and frame modules.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, a method, system and apparatus for a modular sprung floor is disclosed. An example embodiment is a sprung floor module having interchangeable components. Interchangeable components make up standardized assemblies. An example embodiment has a frame module that may be installed in a series to cover a given area. The frame and edge modules comprise a frame that supports a performance surface. Standardized components include fiber-reinforced, composite linear-structural members combined with elastomeric joints and support members.