Offset Parallelogram Floor Slab Assembly for Error-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor covering slabs require visual keys for determining the laying direction, which complicates the installation process, increases costs, and is prone to errors due to the need for turning the slabs and potential erasure of markings.
Innovation Solution
A parallelogram-shaped floor covering slab with identical male assembly means on all sides, where opposite sides are offset by half a pitch and adjacent sides by a non-zero value, ensuring that assembly can only occur in one direction without visual indicators, allowing for quick and error-free installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual keys are used to indicate laying direction, then the laying direction can be determined, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the visual key marking from the floor slab surface, extracting the function of direction indication from separate markings and integrating it into the assembly means structure itself. The assembly means configuration inherently guides the laying direction without requiring additional visual indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the direction indication function with the assembly means structure. The male and female assembly means are configured with asymmetric geometry that simultaneously provides both mechanical connection and directional guidance, merging two functions into a single integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If visual keys are engraved or printed on the underside of slabs, then the laying direction can be indicated, but the keys can be erased leading to installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the visual key marking that is susceptible to erasure, extracting the direction indication function from fragile surface markings and relocating it to the durable mechanical assembly structure that cannot be easily erased or damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the erasable visual key (short-lived information carrier) with a permanent structural feature of the assembly means. The geometric configuration of the male and female connection elements provides enduring directional guidance that persists throughout the product's lifecycle.
3Ease of operation
If the male assembly means are offset by half a pitch on opposite sides and by a non-zero value different from half pitch on adjacent sides, then the laying direction is automatically determined, but the assembly means configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric offset configuration of the male assembly means on different sides of the slab. The offset distance varies between opposite sides (half pitch) and adjacent sides (non-zero value different from half pitch), creating an inherently asymmetric pattern that automatically indicates the correct laying direction without additional markings.
4Productivity
If the slabs are laid floating without visual keys, then the installation is quicker and easier, but errors in laying direction may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the assembly means to automatically indicate the correct laying direction through its own geometric configuration. The asymmetric offset pattern of the male assembly means on different sides serves as a self-guiding mechanism that allows workers to quickly determine the correct orientation without external visual aids, thereby maintaining high installation speed while ensuring directional accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a slab (1) for floor coverings, of the type in the shape of a parallelogram and comprising on the four sides male assembly means (2) in projections in complementarity of assembly with female assembly means (3) defined between two male assembly means (2), the male assembly means (2) being identical on the four sides of the slab (1);said slab is remarkable in that the male joining means (2) on two opposite sides of the slab (1) are offset from each other by half a step and in that the male joining means (2) on two adjacent sides are offset from each other by a non-zero value different from half a step or a step, or a multiple thereof, said step corresponding to the distance between the crest of two adjacent male joining means (2) on the same side of the slab (1), so that the male joining means (2) on one side of a slab (1) is only capable of interlocking with the female joining means (3) on one side of an adjacent slab (1) without there being an offset between the edges of the two adjacent slabs (1).