Switchable Performance Floor Assembly with Movable Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprung floor systems for performance and rehearsal spaces require significant storage and manpower for switching between sprung and rigid modes, limiting versatility and efficiency, and often cannot support heavy objects or varied performance needs.
Innovation Solution
A floor assembly with a primary resilient support system and a secondary support system comprising movable and fixed support members that can transition between a sprung and unsprung configuration, allowing for adjustable resilience and load-bearing capabilities without energy consumption, using non-elastomeric materials like wood, metal, or plastics for the support members and elastomeric materials for resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sprung floor is stored in wagons and laid on top of the fixed stage floor when required, then the floor can provide cushioning for dance performances, but significant storage space is required and laying and dismantling takes time and significant manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sprung floor system with the fixed stage floor by integrating resilient supports into the stage structure itself. The secondary support system with movable support members is incorporated directly into the stage floor assembly, eliminating the need for separate stored sprung floors and their associated wagons. This merging allows the stage to inherently provide sprung functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable support members that can dynamically transition between different positions to change the floor characteristics. These support members can be moved to provide sprung configuration during dance performances or repositioned to create rigid areas for theatrical performances, allowing the floor to adapt its properties in real-time without complete dismantling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sprung floor is stored in wagons and laid on top of the fixed stage floor when required, then the floor can provide cushioning for dance performances, but significant storage space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sprung floor system with the fixed stage floor structure, eliminating the need for separate stored sprung floors in wagons. The resilient supports and secondary support system are integrated into the stage itself, removing the storage volume requirement for separate floor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage floor is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide sprung configuration for dance performances, rigid configuration for theatrical performances, and support both mobile and fixed scenery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stored sprung floors, as the stage itself becomes the universal surface for all performance types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sprung floor is in use, then it provides cushioning for performers, but it is not possible to move heavy objects such as vehicles or scenery across the floor without risking damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses movable support members that can dynamically adjust their position to change floor properties. When heavy objects need to be moved, the support members can be repositioned to provide rigid support paths, allowing safe transport of vehicles and scenery. When dance performances occur, the support members are positioned to provide sprung cushioning. This dynamic adjustment allows the floor to adapt its load-bearing characteristics based on current needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different areas of the floor to have different support characteristics simultaneously. The secondary support system can be configured to provide rigid support in specific locations for moving heavy objects while maintaining sprung characteristics in other areas for dance performances. This localized control of floor properties resolves the contradiction between cushioning and load-bearing capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a performance requires a floor with a rigid area and a sprung area, then it supports both dance and theatrical needs, but existing systems require separate stored sprung floors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic secondary support system with movable support members that can be repositioned to create different floor configurations. This allows the creation of mixed rigid and sprung areas within the same performance space by simply moving the support members to appropriate positions, rather than requiring separate stored sprung floors and complex assembly procedures.
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 a reliable, space-efficient, and cost-effective system that can be easily configured for different performance requirements, reducing storage needs and operational complexity, while allowing for both resilient and rigid floor configurations without energy consumption, enhancing versatility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a planar resilient floor board supported by a primary support system comprising a plurality of resilient supports for load-bearing support
Implementation Method 2
the movable support member is movable in a direction parallel to the plane of the floor board between a first position spaced from the fixed support member and a second position in contact with the fixed support member
Data Source
AI summary
A floor assembly for a performance space is disclosed. The assembly has a planar resilient floor board supported above a base board on a primary support system comprising a plurality of resilient (preferably elastomeric) supports. A secondary support system comprises a plurality of fixed support members and a plurality of movable support members. Each movable support member is movable in a direction parallel to the plane of the floor board between a first position spaced from a corresponding fixed support member such that the floor board is unsupported by the support members and a second position in contact with the corresponding fixed support member such that the floor board is supported by the support members. In the first position, the floor board is in a sprung configuration and in the second position, the floor board is in an unsprung configuration. The invention therefore provides a performance floor which is switchable between sprung and unsprung configurations.