Raised Flooring Support with Frustoconical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing raised flooring systems lack accurate and firm positioning of elements, suffer from instability during partial assembly, and are not suitable for seismic events due to insufficient rigidity and mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising a metal plate with a horizontal bearing surface, hollow shaft for height adjustment, and frustoconical coupling elements for precise panel positioning, combined with polymeric materials for seismic resistance, allowing cyclic plastic deformations without resistance loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cylindrical pins are used in supports, then the flooring can be assembled, but accurate and firm positioning of flooring elements cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cylindrical pins with frustoconical coupling elements that have a conical shape. This curvature allows for self-centering and accurate positioning of flooring panels during assembly, eliminating the positioning inaccuracies caused by cylindrical pins while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If prior art raised flooring systems are used, then flooring panels can be mounted, but sufficient stability during partial assembly cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The frustoconical coupling elements are designed to engage with the flooring panels in a predetermined sequence and orientation. The conical shape provides preliminary stabilization during assembly by guiding the panels into proper position and providing immediate mechanical interlocking, ensuring stability even when the flooring is only partially assembled.
3Strength
If prior art flooring supports are used, then the flooring can be installed, but sufficient rigidity and mechanical strength to withstand seismic events cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining metal supports with frustoconical coupling elements made of different materials. This composite approach enhances the overall rigidity and mechanical strength of the flooring system, enabling it to withstand seismic events while maintaining a relatively simple support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical shape of the coupling elements provides superior mechanical interlocking compared to cylindrical pins. The conical geometry distributes seismic loads more effectively across the connection interface, increasing the system's resistance to lateral forces and improving overall seismic performance without adding structural complexity.
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
Ensures stable and accurate assembly, provides safe escape routes during seismic events, and maintains stability even when partially assembled, with the support system resisting loads equivalent to an earthquake over 10 on the Richter scale.
Implementation Method 1
polymeric materials for seismic resistance, allowing cyclic plastic deformations without resistance loss
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support (13) adapted to bear one or more flooring elements having a surface finish (12A), said support (13) comprising a top end (26A) that defines a bearing surface (16) designed to have a substantially horizontal orientation in operation, to support a bottom face (17) of a flooring element (12), The support (13) is characterized by comprising a connection element (26) interposed between said bottom face (17) of said flooring element (12) and said bearing surface (16) of said top end (26A), said connection element (26) comprising first coupling means (14) designed to fit into corresponding seats (18) formed in said bottom face (17) of the flooring element (12) when the latter is supported by the support (13) and second coupling elements (14A) designed to fit into corresponding seats formed in said bearing surface (16) of said support (13).