Windproof Head for Raised Floors Integrating Locking Forks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windproof heads for raised floors require modification of standard flat elements and are prone to component loss and complex assembly, making them unsafe and costly during strong winds.

Innovation Solution

A windproof head design featuring a body with through holes, a central compartment, and attachment elements with forks that lock lower pins, allowing secure fastening of flat elements without modifying their shape, using interlocking couplings and a curved surface for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clips are used to bind raised floor flat elements to septa, then windproofing is improved, but device complexity increases and components are prone to loss

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewindproofingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the clip function directly into the support structure by forming attachment elements as integral parts of the support body. The attachment elements include locking protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the flat elements, eliminating the need for separate clips. This merging of functions reduces component count and assembly complexity while maintaining windproofing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment elements are designed to automatically engage and lock flat elements to the support structure without requiring additional fastening operations. The locking protrusions and recesses create self-aligning, self-locking connections that secure flat elements in place through simple placement, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for separate clip installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If notches are provided on edges of raised floor flat elements for clip coupling, then windproofing is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewindproofingVSAvoidelement manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the flat elements with notches and using separate clips, the patent inverts the approach by providing the locking features directly on the support structure. The attachment elements with locking protrusions engage with simple recesses or slots in the flat elements, reversing which component carries the complex locking geometry. This simplifies flat element manufacturing while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If multiple separate clips are used for each septum, then windproofing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to component loss and assembly difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewindproofingVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple clip functions into integrated attachment elements that are part of the support structure. Each support includes attachment elements positioned at multiple locations, eliminating the need to handle and install multiple separate clips. This reduces installation steps and eliminates the risk of losing small clip components during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment elements are designed to automatically engage and secure flat elements through their locking protrusions and recesses. The system self-aligns and self-locks during installation, requiring no manual manipulation of separate clips or complex assembly operations. This makes installation simple and foolproof while maintaining secure windproof attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3967830B1Windproof head for a support of raised floors
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 PROFILPAS SPA
  • EP3967830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3967830B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3967830B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A windproof head (4) for a support of raised floors is described, comprising a body (22) having a flat upper surface (10), a central compartment (40) having a central surface (16) with a central through hole (17), and a curved surface (14) in a lower portion of the windproof head (4). The windproof head (4) further comprises attachment elements (21) of flat elements (50) of raised floor, and two forks (23), each of which is able to lock two attachment elements (21) so that the attachment elements (21) remain associated with the body (22). (Figure 1).