Tray Container With Bellows For Modular Paving Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular floor covering systems, particularly 'slabs on pads' systems, are complex in construction, require multiple components and mounting accessories, limit interchangeability between slabs and containers, and necessitate precise adjustments, making them difficult to install and maintain, especially on uneven surfaces and with heavy content loads.
Innovation Solution
A modular floor covering system featuring a hollow container with a rigid frame, a deformable bellows structure, and a separate support cup, allowing for easy substitution of slabs, no additional mounting accessories, and adjustable positioning without special adjustments, while supporting high weights and enabling liquid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If containers are completely carried by studs (suspended), then interchangeability is improved, but device complexity and mounting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as an integrated unit where the bottom rests directly on the support surface between studs, merging the support function into the container structure itself rather than requiring separate mounting mechanisms. This eliminates complex assembly requirements while maintaining interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows it to serve multiple functions: it can be supported by studs when suspended, or rest directly on the support surface when placed. This universal support capability enables the same container design to work in different configuration modes without requiring specialized mounting accessories.
2Device complexity
If containers rest on support surface between studs, then construction complexity decreases, but interchangeability with slabs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with a bottom that can rest on the support surface while maintaining the same outer dimensions and stud interface as slabs. This allows containers to function as both ground-supported elements and potentially suspended elements, enabling seamless interchangeability with slabs without requiring different support structures.
3Strength
If container bottom dimensions match frame dimensions, then structural strength is improved, but liquid circulation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The container bottom is designed with differentiated zones: central raised portions provide structural strength and support, while peripheral recessed areas create gaps that allow liquid circulation. This local variation in bottom topology simultaneously achieves both structural integrity and fluid flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The container bottom incorporates a flexible or semi-rigid membrane structure that can deform to accommodate both load-bearing requirements and fluid flow paths. The bottom surface is not completely rigid but allows controlled deformation to maintain circulation channels while supporting loads.
4Quantity of substance
If container supports heavy content, then utility is improved, but reinforced structure and expensive materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The container design distributes the weight of heavy contents evenly across multiple support points including both stud connections and direct contact areas with the support surface. This equipotential weight distribution prevents localized overload and eliminates the need for expensive reinforced structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The container combines multiple support mechanisms (stud suspension and direct surface contact) into a single integrated structure. This hybrid support system distributes heavy loads across both support paths, achieving high weight capacity without requiring costly reinforcement of any single support element.
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 simplifies installation and maintenance, allows for interchangeable slabs and containers, supports heavy loads, and facilitates free liquid circulation, reducing construction complexity and maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
un bellotise déformable (7) reliant le cadre (5) au fond (6) et formant des parois latérales (4')
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a paving system of the slab-on-pedestal type comprising at least one container. This system comprises, in place of one or more slabs, one or more container(s) of the tray type. The system is characterized in that the hollow body of each tray-type container comprises, on the one hand, a rigid frame (5), the external peripheral dimensions of which are substantially identical to or a multiple of those of a slab (1) and which rests at least at its corners on the relevant pedestals (2), on the other hand, a substantially rigid base intended to rest directly or indirectly on the support surface (3), and, finally, an elastically deformable bellows structure (7) connecting the frame (5) to the base (6) and forming the lateral walls of the hollow body (4), the base (6) advantageously having dimensions smaller than the free area (3') of the support surface (3) located between the pedestals (2) supporting the container (4) in question.