Wooden Step with Separation Layer for Humidity Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wooden staircase components in sports facilities and entertainment venues experience movement issues due to humidity variations, leading to tension and cracking between tread and riser components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separation layer, such as a lath or wooden tenon, between the tread and riser components to allow for rotational movements and prevent rigid structure formation, along with a waterproofing layer to prevent water ingress and stress on the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tread component is rigidly fixed to the riser component, then the structural strength is improved, but the wood deformation due to humidity variations causes cracking and loosening over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection between tread and riser into segmented parts: a separation layer is inserted between the components, creating distinct zones that allow independent movement. This segmentation enables the wood components to expand and contract separately without transmitting harmful stresses to the fastening system, thereby preventing cracking and loosening while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation layer acts as an intermediary element between the tread and riser components. This intermediate layer absorbs the deformation energy generated by humidity-induced expansion and contraction, preventing direct stress transmission to the fastening system. The separation layer serves as a buffer that protects the rigid connection from the harmful effects of wood movement.
2Reliability
If a separation layer is inserted between tread and riser components, then the wood movement issues are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation layer is implemented as a thin, flexible element that can be easily integrated between the tread and riser. This thin-film approach provides the necessary movement accommodation without adding significant structural complexity or bulk. The flexible nature of the separation layer allows it to conform to the wood deformation while maintaining a simple overall structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the waterproofing layer is tightly sealed, then the impermeability is improved, but the expansion of the waterproofing layer causes cracking due to lack of movement space
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing layer is nested within the separation layer, creating a nested structure where the flexible separation layer encloses the rigid waterproofing layer. This nesting arrangement allows the waterproofing layer to expand and contract with the wood movement while maintaining its seal. The separation layer acts as a protective container that prevents the waterproofing layer from cracking during expansion.
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 reduces the risk of cracking and loosening of fastening systems by accommodating wood expansion and contraction, ensuring a more durable and long-lasting staircase while maintaining the integrity of the waterproofing membrane.
Implementation Method 1
allows for the creation of a thickness or distance between the tread component and the riser component... allows vibrations or rotations of the tread component with respect to the riser component... due to expansion of the wood due to humidity
Implementation Method 2
allows vibrations or rotations of the tread component with respect to the riser component
Implementation Method 3
the step is covered with a waterproofing mantle or waterproofing layer... ensure the impermeability of the exposed surface of the step, so as to prevent the meteoric water on the surface of the step from crossing the step itself
Implementation Method 4
any expansion of the waterproofing layer at the interface between the tread component and the riser component is also possible, in order to prevent possible cracking phenomena due to 'tearing' in the waterproofing membrane itself
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a step (10) and a process for making such a step. The step (10) includes a riser component (13) and a tread component (15). The tread component (15) is arranged above the riser component and is connected to the riser component (13) to form a body defining at least in part an inverted L-shaped section. Each of the riser component (13) and tread component (15) is at least partially made of wood. The riser component (13) and the tread component (15) define a front area (16) of the step facing a walking area and a rear area (18) facing the inside of the step (10) opposite the front area (16). The step (10) also includes a separation layer (20) interposed between the tread component (15) and the riser component (13), wherein said separation layer (20) is able to create or define at least one cavity or niche (30, 32) between the tread component (15) and the riser component (13). The present disclosure also relates to a staircase including a plurality of steps and a process for making such steps.