Vehicle Support Tile Assembly With Interlocking Frame Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle support mats lack adequate attachments between tiles, leading to unintentional shifting, are difficult to manufacture in multiple colors, and have limited strength and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A tile assembly comprising a base and a frame that attach to each other via keys and keyholes, allowing secure interlocking and color differentiation, with grooves for traction and enhanced load support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tiles are assembled without adequate attachments, then assembly is simple, but tiles shift unintentionally when vehicles move over them
Solution Approach 1:
The mat system is divided into multiple individual tiles that can be assembled independently. Each tile is a separate component with standardized attachment features (keys and keyholes) that enable modular assembly without requiring complex interconnections, thus maintaining ease of assembly while improving stability through proper interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism extends beyond simple surface contact by incorporating vertical interlocking elements (keys protruding upward and keyholes receiving them). This adds a vertical dimension to the attachment, creating mechanical interlocking that prevents lateral shifting while maintaining simple assembly through drop-in engagement.
2Ease of manufacture
If tiles are made monolithic, then manufacturing is simple, but color differentiation is limited to tile-to-tile only
Solution Approach 1:
The tile is divided into distinct functional components (base and frame) that can be manufactured separately using different colors or materials. This segmentation allows for versatile color differentiation and design options while maintaining simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile combines different materials or colored components (base and frame) to create a composite structure. This allows for color differentiation both within a single tile (between base and frame) and between adjacent tiles, expanding design versatility while keeping each component manufacturable through standard processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If tiles lack reinforcement structures, then manufacturing is easier, but load-bearing capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tile structure is segmented into a base and a separate frame component. The frame acts as a reinforcement structure that can be attached to the base, providing enhanced load-bearing capacity without complicating the manufacturing of either individual component. Each part remains simple to manufacture, but their combination creates a stronger overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A tile assembly for supporting vehicles can include a base and a frame attachable to the base and surrounding a portion of the base. A support mat system for supporting vehicles can include a first tile assembly, the first tile assembly comprising a base and a frame attachable to the base and surrounding a portion of the base; and a second tile assembly, a portion of an outer perimeter of the first tile assembly attached to a portion of an outer perimeter of the second tile assembly.