Raised Floor Support with Rotating Head for Inclined Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current raised floor supports require multiple models and accessories to accommodate different installation requirements, leading to increased storage needs and shipping costs due to varying dimensions and components, and often necessitate the use of specialized materials like PVC tubes that are hard to find on the market.
Innovation Solution
A support system for raised floors that includes a base, an adjustable connecting element with interchangeable portions for inclined or horizontal installations, and a resting head that can rotate 180° to adapt to different orientations, using easily available tubular elements and reducing the need for additional accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support models with different head types (fixed and self-leveling) are used to accommodate both horizontal and inclined floor installations, then adaptability to different installation requirements is improved, but device complexity and storage volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single support model that can function in both horizontal and inclined floor installations. The support includes a base, a tubular element, and a head assembly that can be oriented in different positions. By rotating the head assembly 180 degrees around the tubular element, the same support can accommodate both horizontal floors (with the head in its normal position) and inclined floors (with the head rotated), eliminating the need for separate fixed-head and self-leveling support models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the head assembly rotatable relative to the tubular element. This dynamic feature allows the installer to adjust the head orientation according to the installation requirements - either in the standard position for horizontal floors or rotated 180 degrees for inclined floors. This dynamic adaptability replaces the static distinction between different support models, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support models with different base dimensions and additional parts (couplings, threaded extensions) are used to achieve different floor heights, then adaptability to different height requirements is improved, but device complexity and storage volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the height adjustment function into modular components: the base, the tubular element, and the head assembly. The tubular element can be selected in different lengths to achieve various floor heights, while the base and head assemblies remain standardized. This segmentation allows flexible height adjustment without requiring multiple complete support models or additional coupling parts, as the tubular element itself provides the height variation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the base and head assemblies as standardized components that work with tubular elements of various lengths. This universal design eliminates the need for different base dimensions and additional coupling parts for height adjustment - the same base and head can be used with different tubular element lengths to achieve any required floor height, significantly reducing inventory complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized PVC tubes with very precise characteristics are used in support construction, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but ease of manufacture and availability of materials worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying that the tubular element should have a wall thickness of at least 3.5 mm, which provides sufficient structural strength and precision for floor support applications. This parameter specification ensures manufacturing precision and reliability while allowing the use of commonly available PVC tubes rather than specialized materials, thereby improving ease of manufacture and material availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A support for raised floors including a base for resting on a lower surface, an element for connecting and adjusting the local height of a raised floor, and a resting head for one or more tiles of the raised floor. The connecting and adjustment element has a first portion for providing floors that are inclined with respect to the lower surface. The connecting and adjustment element further includes a second portion, which lies opposite the first portion, for providing floors that are parallel to the lower surface. The first portion and the second portion interacting alternately with the head by rotating the element through 180°.