Spring-Loaded Non-Slip Surface Pegs Without Abrasive Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-slip surfaces often damage objects or body parts due to sharp or rough features, and coatings can wear off or become ineffective when coated with contaminants, while mechanical solutions limit movement and are not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A modular non-slip surface system featuring a plate with apertures and spring-loaded pegs that extend above the surface, allowing them to move downward under pressure and return to an extended position when pressure is removed, providing a stable and non-abrasive surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sharp or rough features are included in the surface to increase the coefficient of friction, then the non-slip property is improved, but the surface can cut or damage objects placed upon it and accelerate wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable spikes that can dynamically adjust their position between extended and retracted states. When no pressure is applied, the spikes extend upward to provide high friction and prevent slipping. When pressure is applied (such as when a person steps on the surface), the spikes move downward into the surface, reducing the risk of damage to shoes or injury to bare feet. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining non-slip properties and preventing damage.
2Reliability
If non-slip devices such as spikes or bumps are placed on the surface to increase friction, then the non-slip property is improved, but the contact area is small which can be painful on bare feet and damage shoe soles
Solution Approach 1:
The spikes are designed to be movable rather than fixed. Under normal conditions, they extend to provide effective grip. When weight is applied, they pivot or move downward into the surface, increasing the contact area and distributing the pressure. This dynamic behavior reduces the harmful concentration of force on small contact points while maintaining non-slip effectiveness.
3Reliability
If sticky surface coatings are used to increase the coefficient of static friction, then the non-slip property is improved, but the coatings may wear off, adhere to objects, and become difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical/adhesive mechanism of sticky coatings with a mechanical system of movable spikes. Instead of relying on adhesive forces that can wear off or transfer to objects, the non-slip effect is achieved through controlled mechanical contact. The spikes provide friction through their geometry and movement, eliminating the problems associated with adhesive coatings while maintaining effective slip prevention.
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 system creates a stable, non-abrasive surface that prevents slipping without damaging objects or body parts, maintains effectiveness by preventing contaminants from interfering, and allows for free movement, making it suitable for various applications including walkways and cargo transport.
Implementation Method 1
springs, the springs being pre-loaded to hold the pegs in the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are surface sections for creating a non-slip or minimal slippage surface. The surface section includes a plate, a plurality of plate apertures, at least one elevator, a plurality of pegs, and a plurality of couplers to couple the pegs to the plate. Each of the plurality of pegs is at least partially located within, and aligned with, one of the plate apertures. Each coupler couples one of the plurality of pegs to the plate in a normal, extended state in which at least a portion of the peg is extended above the upwardly facing surface of the plate. Each coupler allows each of the plurality of pegs to move within its respective plate aperture to a non-extended state upon application of pressure to the peg. When the pressure is removed, the coupler moves the peg back to its normal, extended state.