Profiled Element for Raised Floor Gap Concealment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional raised floor systems have an unappealing visual impact due to exposed clips and require time and cost for clip installation, and existing profiled elements do not effectively conceal gaps or simplify the fixing of vertical covering elements.

Innovation Solution

A profiled element with a longitudinal first flat portion and a transverse second flat portion, featuring grip protrusions for adhesive application, allowing easy fixing of vertical covering elements without clips, and a flange to contain adhesive, creating a L-shaped or L-shaped with edge configuration for optimal concealment of gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If T-shaped profiled elements are used to cover the perimeter of raised floors, then the gap underneath the flooring is concealed, but the visual impact remains unappealing and the installation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealment effectivenessVSAvoidprofiled element configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profiled element is divided into two distinct flat portions (first and second flat portions) that can be separately configured and installed. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function: the first portion provides structural support while the second portion provides concealment, simplifying the overall design and installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profiled element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the flooring, conceals the gap underneath, and offers a mounting surface for vertical covering elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If clip fasteners are used to fix vertical covering elements, then the visual impact is improved by being more discreet, but the installation time and cost increase due to requiring at least one clip per vertical element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual discretenessVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing function for vertical covering elements is merged into the profiled element structure itself through the second flat portion. This integration eliminates the need for separate clip fasteners, allowing vertical elements to be fixed directly to the profiled element using conventional adhesives, thereby reducing installation time and material costs while maintaining visual discreteness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional adhesives are used without grip protrusions, then the application is simpler, but the bonding effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive application simplicityVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Grip protrusions are added only to the second flat portion of the profiled element where adhesive application is needed. This localized modification provides enhanced bonding effectiveness specifically at the adhesive interface without complicating the overall structure or application process, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables a visually appealing raised floor with easy installation and intuitive use, as the profiled element allows vertical elements to be fixed using conventional adhesives, eliminating the need for clips and ensuring complete concealment, thus optimizing the visual impact.

Implementation Method 1

Grip protrusions 13 are defined on the second flat portion 12, for an adhesive for coverings or floors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3279407B1Profiled element for laying raised floors, and raised floor comprising such profiled element
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 PROGRESS PROFILES
  • EP3279407B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3279407B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3279407B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A profiled element (10) for laying raised floors, which comprises a first flat portion (11) that extends longitudinally and a second flat portion (12) that extends longitudinally in the same direction as the first portion and is arranged transversely with respect to the arrangement of the first portion (11), grip protrusions (13) for an adhesive for coverings or floors being defined on the second flat portion (12).