Modular Reinforcement for Raised Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional raised floors fail to provide adequate support and stability for heavy or sensitive equipment, particularly during seismic events or external disturbances, leading to potential damage or data loss due to inadequate stiffness and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A modular reinforcement system comprising vertical and slanted support members with adjustable lengths, connected via caps and bolts, which absorb tension and compression forces without relying on friction, providing enhanced stability and support within the hollow void of the raised floor structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional raised floors are used, then the floor structure is simple and easy to install, but the floor lacks adequate support and stability for heavy or sensitive equipment during seismic events or external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is divided into separate modular components including vertical support members, slanted support members, adjustable length mechanisms, and connection caps that can be independently manufactured and assembled within the hollow void of the raised floor structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are positioned and installed within the existing hollow void of the raised floor structure, nesting the reinforcement system inside the available space without requiring external construction or modification of the floor structure itself
2Reliability
If fixed-length support members are used, then the installation is simpler, but the system cannot absorb tension forces due to acceleration of the bottom tier and reaction of the top tier
Solution Approach 1:
The slanted support member incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with multiple positioning holes and a movable element that allows the support length to be dynamically modified during installation to match the specific spacing between floor tiers, enabling the system to absorb tension forces from acceleration while maintaining structural stability
3Ease of operation
If heavy machinery is used for on-site adjustments, then the adjustments can be made, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support members incorporate manual adjustment mechanisms including threaded elements, positioning holes, and movable components that can be easily configured and repositioned by hand or with simple tools during installation and maintenance, eliminating the need for heavy machinery while enabling flexible on-site adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
System, device, and method of reinforcement for raised-floors and for equipment thereon. A system includes a vertical support member to fixedly connect to a top-tier of a raised-floor and to a bottom-tier of the raised floor. The vertical support member includes an internal rod surrounded by an external pipe. The internal rod and the external pipe are connected via a top-side cap and a bottom-side cap. A modular-length slanted support member is further connected to the vertical support member. The slanted support member is fixedly connected to the bottom-tier of the raised floor, or to another, neighboring, vertical support member.