Modular Tile System with Pivotable Protrusions for Acoustic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular tile systems lack flexibility in design and acoustic control, as they are limited in shape and material options, and do not easily allow for the creation of desired partitions or spherical shapes with varying acoustic properties.
Innovation Solution
A modular tile system comprising tile elements with central main bodies and elongated protrusions that are pivotable along embossments, connected by resilient connecting means, allowing for flexible assembly and support through slits for nails or screws, enabling the creation of partitions and spherical shapes with customizable designs and acoustic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If modular tile systems use rigid connecting mechanisms, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility in design and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means incorporates a resilient body that can flex during assembly and then maintain a stable locked position. The resilient nature allows dynamic adaptation during installation while providing stable connection when assembled, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for stability and flexibility for design variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means changes its physical state from flexible during insertion to rigid when locked in place. The resilient body deforms elastically during assembly to accommodate positioning adjustments, then maintains a fixed rigid structure for stable tile connections, enabling both design flexibility and structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If tile elements are made with pivotable protrusions along embossments, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tile element is segmented into a main body and protrusions that are formed separately through embossing. The protrusions are created as distinct features along the embossment lines, allowing them to pivot independently during assembly while maintaining structural integrity, thus improving ease of assembly without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The embossments create flexible hinge regions in the tile elements that allow protrusions to pivot during assembly. These embossed features act as flexible zones that guide the pivoting motion, enabling easy assembly through simple embossing processes rather than complex mechanical hinges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connecting means are made resilient, then adaptability in positioning is improved, but connection strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient connecting means provides dynamic positioning adaptability during assembly by flexing to accommodate misalignments and adjustments. Once positioned, the resilient body maintains sufficient connection strength through elastic recovery forces, balancing adaptability and strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient body of the connecting means is designed with curved or elongated geometry that provides both flexibility for positioning adjustments and sufficient structural integrity for maintaining strong connections. The elongated resilient body acts as a flexible yet strong connector between tiles.
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 allows for easy assembly of tile elements into larger units with varied appearances and acoustic properties, achieving desired design and functional effects, including acoustic control in rooms.
Implementation Method 1
the central region of said elongated body is resilient
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular tile system comprising various tile elements, which can be assembled to form flexible partitions, wall coverings or spherical shapes, the extent, appearance and characteristics of which can be changed according to specific requirements by choosing appropriate tile elements and method of assembling said elements. The invention furthermore relates to means and methods for assembly. The invention furthermore relates to the use of said tile system and method for attaining given, desired design effects, functional effects and for providing the possibility to apply acoustic control of a room or local areas within a room, for instance around a work place. Specifically the present invention relates to a modular tile element (1 ) comprising a central main body (3) comprising side parts, the central main body (3) being provided with protrusions (4) extending in an outward direction from said body (3) along some or all of said side parts for releasable engagement with another modular tile element (1 ), where said protrusions (4) are separated from said central main body (3) by embossments (7) along said side parts of the central main body (3), whereby the protrusions (4) become substantially rectilinearly pivotable along said embossment.