Modular Solid Surface Assembly for Thermal Expansion Gaps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Solid surface structures face issues when mounted on support frames with different thermodynamic properties, leading to gaps that can harbor bacteria and mold, particularly in sterile environments, due to mismatched expansion and contraction rates with temperature changes.

Innovation Solution

A solid surface structure is designed with a flexible engaging member, such as a semi-permanent adhesive, applied between the solid surface and the support frame, allowing for expansion and contraction while maintaining attachment, even with differing coefficients of thermal expansion between the two components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a solid surface is mounted to a support frame with different thermodynamic properties, then the structure can be assembled with different material options, but gaps will form between the components due to mismatched expansion and contraction rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial selection flexibilityVSAvoidgap formation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flexible engaging member as an intermediary component between the solid surface and the support frame. This flexible member has different thermodynamic properties than either the solid surface or the frame, allowing it to accommodate differential expansion and contraction. The flexible engaging member acts as a buffer that absorbs dimensional changes, preventing gap formation while still allowing attachment of different material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the solid surface and support frame have similar thermodynamic properties, then gap formation is reduced, but material selection becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap preventionVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible engaging member serves as a mediator that enables the use of materials with different thermodynamic properties. By placing this intermediate component between the solid surface and the support frame, the system can utilize the advantages of different materials (such as durability, aesthetics, or cost) without suffering from the disadvantage of mismatched expansion rates, as the flexible member absorbs these differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a rigid attachment method is used to secure the solid surface to the frame, then strong attachment is achieved, but the structure cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidthermal movement accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid attachment methods with a dynamic attachment system using a flexible engaging member. This flexible member can dynamically adjust its shape and position in response to thermal expansion and contraction forces, maintaining attachment strength while accommodating dimensional changes. The flexibility allows the system to move with temperature changes rather than resisting them, preventing attachment failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stress or pressure

If gaps are allowed to form between the solid surface and frame, then thermal stress is reduced, but bacteria and mold can grow in the gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stress reductionVSAvoidbacterial and mold growth

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible engaging member acts as an intermediary that eliminates the harmful effect of gap formation. By maintaining continuous contact between the solid surface and the support frame through this flexible component, the system prevents the creation of stagnant areas where bacteria and mold could grow, while still managing thermal stress through the flexibility of the engaging member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution prevents the formation of gaps between the solid surface and the support frame, maintaining a sterile environment by allowing for flexible movement with temperature changes while ensuring a secure and seamless attachment, suitable for use in healthcare settings.

Implementation Method 1

The inherent thermodynamic properties of solid surfaces cause them to expand or contract, even if slightly, depending on the surrounding temperature. Similarly, the frame or base onto which the solid surface is applied will tend to expand or contract in accordance with the surrounding temperature.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the flexible engaging member flexibly permits said solid surface to expand and contract relative to the support frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8950832B2Modular solid surface structure

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 FUTRUS LLC

AI summary

A solid surface structure including a skin engaged to a support frame by a flexible engaging member. The skin is disposed adjacent the support frame. The engaging member preferably is a layer of adhesive that flexibly engages the solid surface to the support frame while simultaneously allowing the solid surface to expand and contract in a relative manner to the support frame when the solid surface structure is exposed to a change in ambient temperature.