Progressive Flooring Underlayment for Impact Absorption and Load Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flooring systems lack effective load distribution and absorption, leading to increased risk of injury from falls and discomfort due to rigid surfaces, while also failing to reduce noise and vibration effectively.

Innovation Solution

A dual-purpose progressive load-distributing and absorbing system with multi-tiered, hat-shaped absorbing members that transition from a compliant region for initial force absorption to a stiffer protective region, providing a graduated response to loads and returning to their original configuration after impact, interposed between a flooring material and a foundation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid flooring system is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but comfort underfoot and injury protection are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinjury risk from falls

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flooring system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a rigid barrier layer for structural strength, an intermediate compliant layer for comfort and impact absorption, and a foundation layer for stability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite construction combining rigid materials (concrete, stone, ceramic) for the barrier and foundation layers with compliant materials (elastomers, foams, rubber) for the intermediate layer. This composite approach integrates both strength and comfort properties in a single flooring system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a compliant flooring system is used, then comfort underfoot and injury protection are improved, but structural strength and stability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and injury protectionVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flooring system applies local quality by making different layers have different mechanical properties: the barrier and foundation layers are rigid for structural support, while the intermediate layer is compliant for comfort. Each layer's properties are optimized for its specific location and function in the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If a multi-layer absorbing system is used, then load distribution and absorption are improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distribution and absorptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated flooring structure: the barrier layer provides structural support and defines the surface, the intermediate layer simultaneously provides comfort, impact absorption, and load distribution, and the foundation layer ensures stability. This merging reduces the need for separate components while achieving comprehensive performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If a rigid flooring system is used, then durability is improved, but noise and vibration are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful effects of rigid surfaces (noise and vibration) into beneficial ones by introducing the intermediate compliant layer. This layer absorbs impact energy, dampens vibrations, and reduces noise transmission while maintaining the durability of the rigid barrier and foundation layers. The compliance of the intermediate layer transforms potential harm into comfort and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 significantly reduces the risk of injury from falls, enhances comfort underfoot, dampens vibrations, and minimizes noise, while maintaining durability and low profile, with demonstrated reductions in injury risk and improved mobility for both older adults and caregivers.

Implementation Method 1

the curvilinear wall section return to their pre-impact configuration and strength after the applied load is removed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The compliant region has one or more compliant tiers that at least partially absorb forces initially resulting from the applied load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20240309658A1Dual-purpose progressive stage load-distributing and absorbing system

Publication Date: 2024.09.19 VICONIC SPORTING LLC

AI summary

A multi-purpose progressive stage load distributing and absorbing system that has a flat ceiling and lies below a barrier layer that is exposed to percussive forces. The progressive stage load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the barrier layer and a foundation. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members that have a relatively compliant region, an optional intermediate region and one or more relatively stiff regions. In response to an applied load, there is a telescoping engagement between wall sections of the regions. During and after the load is removed, the system reverts to its undeflected state non-destructively.