Modular Sub-flooring Bridge Connectors for Sports Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional concrete and asphalt support bases for synthetic sports flooring are permanent, costly to install and relocate, poorly suited for water drainage, rigid, and prone to cracking, limiting accessibility and safety of play areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular sub-flooring system comprising interlocking synthetic sub-floor tiles with bridge connectors that allow controlled lateral movement and restrain vertical movement, providing a flexible, easily relocatable, and drainage-friendly support base with impact absorption characteristics similar to concrete or asphalt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional concrete or asphalt support bases are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support base is divided into multiple interlocking modular tiles that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each tile is a discrete unit with connection features that allow rapid assembly without expensive concrete pouring equipment or extensive labor, while maintaining structural strength through the interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties are changed from traditional concrete/asphalt to a synthetic composite material that provides comparable structural strength but with reduced weight and simplified installation. The connection mechanisms use friction-based and mechanical interlocking parameters rather than permanent chemical bonding.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional concrete or asphalt support bases are used, then structural stability is improved, but relocatability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support base is segmented into discrete modular tiles that can be easily disconnected and relocated. The interlocking connection features allow for simple assembly and disassembly, enabling the entire support base structure to be moved and reconfigured at different locations while maintaining structural stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms are designed to be dynamic rather than permanent, allowing the support base to transition between stable (assembled) and mobile (disassembled) states. The friction-based and mechanical interlocking connections can be easily engaged and disengaged, providing both stability during use and relocatability when needed.
3Strength
If traditional concrete or asphalt support bases are used, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but water drainage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic tile material incorporates porous structures that allow water to pass through, providing effective drainage capability. The porous design does not compromise load-bearing capacity because the structural strength is maintained through the rigid frame structure and interlocking connection mechanisms rather than relying solely on material density.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular tile design creates natural gaps and channels between adjacent tiles that facilitate water drainage. The segmented structure allows water to flow through the system more effectively than solid concrete or asphalt surfaces, while the interlocking connections maintain structural integrity.
4Strength
If traditional concrete or asphalt support bases are used, then impact resistance is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to ground conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The modular tile design allows each individual tile to independently adapt to variations in ground conditions beneath it. The discrete units can settle or adjust locally without affecting the entire structure, providing flexibility while maintaining overall impact resistance through the rigid material properties and interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms use friction-based and spring-loaded parameters that allow for controlled flexibility and movement. This enables the support base to adapt to ground irregularities and settling while maintaining sufficient rigidity to provide impact resistance for sports applications.
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 modular system reduces installation costs, enhances safety by improving impact absorption and water drainage, and maintains a smooth playing surface while being easily relocatable and adaptable to varying ground conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge connector is configured to facilitate controlled relative lateral movement and to restrain relative vertical movement between the sub-floor tiles
Data Source
AI summary
A modular sub-flooring system for supporting an overlayment above a ground surface includes a plurality of sub-floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each sub-floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface that is adapted to receive and support an overlayment, and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The sub-flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent sub-floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent sub-floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the sub-floor tiles.