Safety Surfacing Tile Grid Voids Impact Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cushioned surfaces for protecting against falls lack effective impact absorption and interlocking mechanisms for secure installation, leading to potential injuries and installation difficulties.

Innovation Solution

The safety surfacing tile features a grid of voids formed by intersecting horizontal and vertical members on its underside, which absorbs impact energy, and an interlocking mechanism with tabs and grooves on its edges for secure tile-to-tile connection, allowing for easy installation without lifting already laid tiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cushioned surface is used to protect against falls, then impact absorption is improved, but installation security and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidinstallation security

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioned surface is divided into modular tiles that can be individually installed and interlocked. Each tile contains the full structural framework with horizontal and vertical members forming a grid pattern, allowing independent installation while maintaining overall system stability and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements are combined into a single integrated tile structure. The framework members, voids for impact absorption, and interlocking mechanisms are merged into one unified component that simultaneously provides cushioning, structural stability, and secure installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional cushioned surfaces are used, then impact absorption is provided, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surface is segmented into standardized tiles with consistent dimensions and interlocking features. This modular approach allows simple, systematic installation without requiring complex tools or procedures, as each tile can be independently placed and locked into position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tiles are pre-manufactured with integrated interlocking mechanisms and framework structures during fabrication. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of structural components, simplifying installation to merely positioning and locking the pre-configured tiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a solid cushioned surface is used, then impact absorption is achieved, but energy dissipation capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidimpact energy dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioned surface employs a porous framework structure with voids between horizontal and vertical members. This porous configuration allows impact energy to be dissipated through the deformation and movement of the framework members, enhancing energy absorption capacity while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The tile combines different material properties within a single structure. The framework members provide structural support and energy dissipation, while the voids create compressible spaces that further absorb impact energy. This composite approach optimizes both impact absorption and energy dissipation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides enhanced impact absorption, secure tile interlocking, and easy installation, reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring a stable protective surface, as demonstrated by its ability to absorb impact energy and meet Critical Fall Height standards.

Implementation Method 1

a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS8596001B2Safety surfacing tile

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 RUBBER DESIGNS LLC

AI summary

One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.