Progressive stage load distribution and absorption underlayment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underlayment systems for flooring in elder care facilities fail to provide consistent impact protection and comfort due to inconsistencies at seams and increased costs, complexity, and reduced durability, leading to potential injuries and uneven wear patterns.
Innovation Solution
A progressive stage load distribution and absorption system with 'hat-shaped' absorbing members, featuring a stiff initial load transmission subsystem transitioning to a compliant absorption phase, interposed between the flooring superstructure and foundation, with a barrier layer for load distribution and a compliant subsystem for energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional underlayment layers are added to provide impact protection, then injury risk reduction is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load distribution barrier layer and load absorption underlayment into a single integrated underlayment system that works together to provide both impact protection and comfort, eliminating the need for separate layers and reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The underlayment system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes concentrated loads across the subfloor, absorbs impact energy from falls, and provides comfort underfoot, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a multi-functional design
2Reliability
If conventional underlayment layers are added to provide impact protection, then injury risk reduction is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load distribution barrier layer and load absorption underlayment into a single integrated underlayment system that works together to provide both impact protection and comfort, eliminating the need for separate layers and reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The underlayment is provided in modular tile formats that can be easily installed in sections, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the integrated multi-functional design for impact protection and comfort
3Reliability
If conventional underlayment layers are added to provide impact protection, then injury risk reduction is improved, but durability of top flooring material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a barrier layer specifically positioned between the flooring and underlayment to distribute concentrated loads, protecting the flooring material from stress concentrations that would otherwise cause premature failure, while the absorption layer provides impact protection
4Area of stationary object
If seams are present between adjacent energy absorbing materials, then coverage area is improved, but impact performance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a barrier layer specifically positioned between the flooring and underlayment to distribute concentrated loads, protecting the flooring material from stress concentrations that would otherwise cause premature failure, while the absorption layer provides impact protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the load distribution barrier layer and load absorption underlayment into a single integrated underlayment system that works together to provide both impact protection and comfort, eliminating the need for separate layers and reducing overall system complexity and cost
5Ease of operation
If multiple layers are added to provide both comfort and impact protection, then comfort under foot is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load distribution barrier layer and load absorption underlayment into a single integrated underlayment system that works together to provide both impact protection and comfort, eliminating the need for separate layers and reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The underlayment system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes concentrated loads across the subfloor, absorbs impact energy from falls, and provides comfort underfoot, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a multi-functional design
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 effectively reduces injury risk, noise, and vibration while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness, ensuring consistent performance across the flooring surface and enhancing comfort, with a low profile design compatible with various flooring materials.
Implementation Method 1
a stiff initial load transmission subsystem that transitions to a progressively more compliant absorption subsystem
Implementation Method 2
distribute concentrated loads across a broad area
Data Source
AI summary
A progressive stage load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material which is exposed to percussive forces. The progressive stage load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation. The system has a barrier layer that lies below the superstructure material and an underlayment infrastructure positioned below the barrier layer. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members that have a relatively compliant stage subsystem and one or more relatively stiff stage subsystems.