Movable Mat With Recessed Connectors And Rotatable Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground cover mats for heavy equipment lack efficient lifting mechanisms, making them difficult to move and place using standard equipment like hoists or cranes, and often have protruding connectors that pose hazards.
Innovation Solution
A mat system comprising elongate beams with notches and pockets, featuring a rotatable coupler and connectors that can be easily accessed for lifting, with recessed connectors and sleeves to enhance stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are positioned on the surface of the mat for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are nested within recesses formed in the beams of the mat. This allows the connectors to be easily accessible for operation while being recessed below the surface to eliminate tripping hazards. The recesses provide a safe, flush surface while maintaining operational access to the connectors.
2Ease of operation
If lifting mechanisms are added to the mat, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors serve multiple functions: they join beams together to form the mat structure and simultaneously serve as lifting attachment points for cranes and hoists. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lifting mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling easy lifting and placement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If notches are formed in beams to create recesses, then safety is improved by reducing protruding elements, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mat structure is segmented into discrete beams with notches formed at specific locations. These notches create recesses that eliminate protruding hazards while providing access points for connectors. The segmentation approach allows standardization of notch locations and dimensions, making the manufacturing process more controllable and precise.
Data Source
AI summary
A movable mat is formed from a plurality of elongate beams arranged in side-by-side relationship. The mat features a recessed area formed from a pair of adjacent notched beams. An elongate connector passes through both of the adjacent notched beams at the recessed area. A portion of the connector within the notch is surrounded by a rigid sleeve. At least one pocket is formed in an upper surface of one of the beams. A rotatable coupler is situated within the pocket. The mat may be moved by attaching lifting equipment to the connector at one of the recesses or to the coupler. To form a flooring system, a plurality of mats may be arranged adjacent each other on a surface of the ground.