Staggered Coupling Mechanism for Threshold Ramp Construction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing threshold ramp constructions are cumbersome to assemble, require separate snap-lock coupling pieces that can be lost or cause damage, and are difficult to disassemble without damaging the elements.

Innovation Solution

A combination of tile and ramp elements with bottom and upper coupling members arranged in a staggered relationship, eliminating the need for separate layer connection elements and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without damage, using a matrix configuration for versatile and adaptable ramp constructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate snap-lock coupling pieces are used to connect layers, then the ramp construction can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and the separate pieces can be lost or cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members are integrated directly into the ramp and tile elements themselves, merging the connection function into the structural elements. This eliminates separate coupling pieces and simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of components and steps required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling members serve dual functions: they provide vertical connection between layers and horizontal connection within layers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coupling pieces for different connection directions, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate snap-lock coupling pieces are used to connect layers, then layer connection is achieved, but transport and storage of separate pieces is required and they may get lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of connectionVSAvoidnumber of separate components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If elements are connected horizontally in layers first, then layers are stacked vertically, but the assembly process becomes multi-step and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of ramp constructionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members serve dual functions: they provide vertical connection between layers and horizontal connection within layers. This multi-functionality allows for simplified assembly where elements can be connected in either horizontal or vertical orientation using the same coupling mechanism, reducing the number of distinct assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of repair

If disassembly is attempted on existing ramp constructions, then elements can be separated, but considerable effort is required and damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoiddamage to elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members are designed as discrete, separable components that can be independently removed from the ramp and tile elements. This segmentation allows for easy disassembly by simply removing the coupling members without applying excessive force to the main structural elements, preventing damage during separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3197800B1Combination of elements to construct a threshold ramp construction, ramp construction, and method to construct a threshold ramp construction

Publication Date: 2022.07.20 SECUPRODS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention provides a combination of elements to construct a threshold ramp construction, comprising tile elements each having a horizontal upper surface, ramp elements each having an upper surface comprising a sloped surface part and a horizontal surface part, wherein the horizontal surface part adjoins the higher side of the sloped surface part, wherein the tile elements and the ramp elements are configured to be arranged in superimposed layers to form the ramp construction, in which the superimposed layers comprise a lower layer and an upper layer, the upper layer supporting on the lower layer. In the ramp construction, the tile and/or ramp elements of the upper layer are arranged in a staggered position with respect to the tile and/or ramp elements of the lower layer, such that a first bottom coupling member of at least two bottom coupling members of a tile or ramp element in the upper layer couples with the upper coupling member of a first tile or ramp element of the lower layer, and a second bottom coupling member of the at least two bottom coupling members of the same tile or ramp element inthe upper layer couples with the upper coupling member of a second tile or ramp element of the lower layer.