Prefabricated Wood Flooring Substructure with Criss-Cross Lattice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wood flooring substructures are costly, complex to install, and lack dimensional stability, particularly when constructed on-site for sports and recreational facilities.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated substructure unit with a criss-cross lattice design of wood panels arranged at 45-degree angles, secured with screws, and featuring resilient means for enhanced stability and ease of handling, which includes a method of installation involving a vapour barrier layer and force-reducing cushioning for improved installation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wood flooring substructures are constructed on-site, then customization and adaptability are improved, but labour cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flooring system is divided into modular substructure units that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each unit contains pre-configured components (panels, resilient means, coupling means) that simplify on-site assembly while maintaining adaptability through standardized interfaces and modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Critical assembly operations are performed in advance during off-site manufacturing, including pre-assembly of panels in criss-cross patterns, installation of resilient means, and preparation of coupling means. This preliminary action transfers complexity from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, reducing on-site labour requirements.
2Strength
If traditional substructure assemblies are used, then structural support is provided, but dimensional stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The substructure units employ asymmetric panel arrangements with different spacing in perpendicular directions (first spacing in first direction, second spacing in second direction). This asymmetric criss-cross lattice pattern provides enhanced dimensional stability by distributing loads and restraining panel movement in multiple directions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from simple parallel panel arrangements to a three-dimensional criss-cross lattice structure with panels oriented in multiple directions. This multi-dimensional configuration creates mutual bracing effects that significantly improve dimensional stability and resistance to deformation.
3Reliability
If resilient pads are added to substructure, then shock-absorbing properties are improved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient means are integrated directly into the substructure unit design, merging the shock-absorbing function with the structural support function. The resilient means are positioned at strategic locations where they simultaneously provide cushioning and maintain structural integrity, eliminating the need for separate shock-absorbing components.
Solution Approach 2:
Resilient means are selectively positioned at specific locations within the substructure unit where shock absorption is most needed, such as under load-bearing panels or at connection points. This localized approach provides effective shock management without requiring resilient materials throughout the entire structure, reducing overall complexity.
4Productivity
If prefabricated substructure units are used, then installation time and labour cost are reduced, but adaptability to site conditions may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The substructure units are designed with universal coupling means and standardized interfaces that enable assembly in various configurations to accommodate different site conditions, floor spans, and loading requirements. The modular design allows units to be adapted to different applications while maintaining rapid assembly through consistent connection mechanisms.
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 stable, cost-effective, and easy-to-install wood flooring system with reduced labor costs, improved acoustic properties, and enhanced dimensional stability, suitable for various sports facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The substructure unit (1) further comprises resilient means (20). Preferably, the resilient means (20) are provided under the panels (3) of the first series (2) and are intended to contact the surface to cover (100).
Implementation Method 2
depositing on the surface to cover at least one barrier layer having vapour barrier properties
Implementation Method 3
depositing a force reducing cushioned barrier over the surface to cover or over the barrier layer before depositing the at least one substructure unit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a substructure unit (1) for a flooring system (10), said substructure unit (1) comprising a first series (2) of panels (3) arranged in parallel and being fixed under a second series (4) of panels (3) arranged in parallel, said first series and second series (2 and 4) of panels (3) being arranged in a criss-cross manner to form a diagonal lattice, said panels (3) of said first and second series (2, 4) having bevelled cut ends (5, 6) extending outwardly from said lattice to form coupling means to interconnect at least two substructure units (1).