Interlocking Raised Floor Panels for Load Transfer and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing raised floor systems for terraces and balconies lack flexibility in use, have inadequate load transfer capabilities without adjustable feet, and suffer from poor water drainage when not using adjustable feet.
Innovation Solution
A raised floor system with detachable connectors and recesses on each outer edge, featuring a pre-tensioned spring element for positive locking, allowing horizontal and vertical connections without additional fasteners, and incorporating recesses for water drainage, with optional adjustable feet for height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If floor panels are connected without adjustable feet, then installation is simpler and cost is reduced, but load-bearing capacity and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into connectors on one panel and corresponding recesses on adjacent panels. This modular approach allows panels to be connected without adjustable feet while maintaining load-bearing capacity through the distributed connection points along panel edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and recess design merges horizontal and vertical connection functions into a single integrated system. The connector features a locking element that engages with the recess to provide both lateral alignment and vertical load transfer, eliminating the need for separate adjustable feet.
2Strength
If floor panels use adjustable feet for support, then load distribution is improved, but water drainage capability is reduced when feet are not used
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection between panels, enables load distribution across the floor system, and simultaneously creates drainage pathways. The same connector-recess arrangement that ensures stability also allows water to flow through the panel assembly without requiring adjustable feet.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses water drainage by creating three-dimensional pathways through the panel structure. The connector and recess design incorporates vertical and diagonal openings that allow water to drain through the panel thickness, adding a drainage dimension independent of the adjustable feet height adjustment function.
3Ease of manufacture
If floor panels are connected only in the horizontal plane, then manufacturing is simpler, but vertical load transfer between adjacent panels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element in the connector is designed to engage dynamically with the recess, providing automatic mechanical interlocking when panels are assembled. This dynamic engagement ensures vertical load transfer capability while maintaining simple manufacturing processes, as the same connector structure provides both horizontal alignment and vertical stability.
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 provides flexible, high-stability load distribution and effective water drainage without adjustable feet, ensuring no individual slab deformation and maintaining an even surface, with easy panel removal for access or repair.
Implementation Method 1
each connector (20) having a locking element (24) designed to engage in a recess (31) of the recess (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a raised floor system (100) for receiving slab-shaped floor coverings, for example on terraces and balconies, comprising at least two floor panels (1a, 1b) arranged side by side, wherein each floor panel (1a, 1b) has a top (OS), a bottom (US), and four outer edges (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), and at least one connector (20) and a recess (30) are arranged on each outer edge (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), wherein the connector (20) of a first floor panel (1a) is designed to engage positively in the recess (30) of a second floor panel (1b).The invention is characterized in that the connector (20) of a second base plate (1b) is designed to engage positively in the recess of a first base plate (1a), so that the base plates (1a, 1b) are detachably connected to each other in a horizontal plane, and that each connector (20) has a locking element (24) which is designed to engage in a recess (31) of the associated recess (30).