Wide Tab Slot Tile Coupling for Modular Flooring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of modular synthetic flooring is laborious due to the time-consuming and error-prone process of coupling numerous tiles, which requires precise alignment and positioning of small couplings, often leading to miss-attachments and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A modular tile design featuring an elongated shape with a support grid, hinge members for longitudinal alignment, and tab and slot coupling portions on lateral sides, where the coupling length is at least one-third the width of the tile, facilitating easy identification and attachment of tiles to form a secure and aligned array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous small couplings are used on each tile for secure attachment, then the flooring assembly achieves reliable connections, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling functions into a single integrated coupling structure that spans across tile boundaries. This wide coupling configuration merges what would otherwise be separate coupling operations into one unified attachment action, achieving both reliable connections and faster installation by reducing the number of discrete coupling steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is segmented to extend across multiple tiles simultaneously, with coupling portions positioned on adjacent tiles that work together as a unified system. This segmentation approach allows the coupling to distribute attachment forces across multiple tiles while being installed as a single operational unit, improving both reliability and installation efficiency.
2Reliability
If multiple small couplings are positioned on each tile for proper attachment, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but precise alignment and positioning become difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple coupling functions into a single wide coupling structure, the patent reduces the number of alignment operations required. The extended coupling span provides built-in alignment references that guide proper positioning, eliminating the need for precise alignment of multiple separate small couplings and reducing installation errors.
3Reliability
If numerous couplings are used per tile, then secure attachment is achieved, but the complexity of the coupling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces coupling system complexity by merging multiple coupling functions into a single integrated structure. This wide coupling configuration achieves secure attachment through one unified design rather than multiple separate coupling mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining or improving attachment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus providing a tile configured to form a modular floor covering including an array of substantially identical tiles. The tile includes a top surface, bottom side, front and rear sides and first and second lateral sides. The top surface includes an elongated shape and the bottom side includes a support grid. The front and rear sides are defined along a longitudinal length of the elongated shape. The front side includes at least one first hinge member and the rear side includes at least one complementary second hinge member configured to be engageable with the at least one first hinge member of an adjacently positioned tile. The first and second lateral sides define a width of the elongated shape with the first and second lateral sides including a respective tab and slot coupling portion each having a coupling length at least one-third the width of the elongated shape.