Reversible Stair Tread Insert for Durable Anti-Slip Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-slip solutions for stair treads, particularly on concrete stairs, suffer from issues such as groove clogging, lack of durability, and alteration during construction, leading to compromised anti-slip functionality.
Innovation Solution
An anti-slip device comprising a female and male profile system, where the male profile can be reversibly attached to the female profile, allowing a construction site configuration for protection during installation and an operational configuration for enhanced anti-slip functionality, using materials like PVC for durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear grooves are cut directly into the concrete tread, then anti-slip function is provided, but the grooves become clogged with construction dust and lose effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip function is segmented from the concrete tread structure. Instead of cutting grooves directly into the concrete, a separate removable male profile with anti-slip features is used that can be inserted into a female profile embedded in the tread. This segmentation allows the anti-slip element to be easily removed and replaced, preventing permanent clogging issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip device transitions from a static, permanent groove configuration to a dynamic, removable profile system. The male profile can be inserted and removed as needed, allowing the anti-slip function to be activated only when required and replaced if clogged or worn, rather than being permanently fixed in a clog-prone configuration.
2Reliability
If inserts are permanently fixed to stair treads during construction, then anti-slip function is provided, but the function is compromised by worker movement and exposure to elements
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip device is made dynamic and reversible rather than permanently fixed. The male profile can be inserted into the female profile during construction and removed or protected when not needed, allowing the system to adapt to construction site conditions and maintain functionality throughout the building process and beyond.
Solution Approach 2:
The female profile is embedded in the concrete tread during construction to provide a ready receptacle for the male profile. This beforehand preparation protects the anti-slip function by having the receiving structure in place before the anti-slip element is added, preventing damage during construction operations and allowing easy installation/removal as needed.
3Reliability
If permanent anti-slip inserts are installed during structural construction, then anti-slip function is provided, but additional construction steps and potential alteration of function occur
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip device is segmented into two parts: a female profile embedded in the concrete during construction and a separate male profile with the actual anti-slip features. This segmentation allows the concrete pouring and anti-slip installation to occur as simple, separate steps rather than requiring complex integrated processes, reducing overall construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The female profile is installed in the concrete tread during the pouring process as a preliminary action. This beforehand preparation creates a ready receptacle that simplifies subsequent installation of the male profile, eliminating the need for complex post-construction modifications or difficult installation procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the male profile is designed to be reversible in the female profile, then modularity and replacement capability are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a female profile (receptacle) and a male profile (insert), allowing independent manufacturing and replacement of each component. This segmentation enables modularity where the male profile can be removed and replaced without affecting the embedded female profile, providing versatility for maintenance and adaptation while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
This anti-slip device is intended to be fitted to a flat structure, and in particular the treads of a staircase. It comprises: ▪ a female profile (5), intended to be fixed in said flat structure; ▪ at least one male profile (6), having two principal faces, said male profile being intended to be reversibly attached within the female profile (5), and being provided with means (11) capable of cooperating with antagonistic means (10) provided within the female profile to define two configurations distinct from each other when the male profile is attached within the female profile: - a first configuration called the working or construction site configuration, in which one (13) of said two principal faces of the male profile (6) is coplanar with the flat structure fitted with the device of the invention, - a second configuration called the operational configuration, in which the other principal face of the male profile is projecting from said flat structure.