Biodegradable Access Mat Assembly Using Wooden Dowels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional access mats are not environmentally friendly, recyclable, or compostable, and lack durability, leading to environmental damage during disposal and limited lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An access mat system composed of biodegradable materials, including wooden layers with blind holes and biodegradable fasteners, such as wooden dowels, which provide strong adhesion using non-toxic glue, allowing for easy assembly and recyclable disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional carriage bolts are used to assemble access mats, then the assembly strength is sufficient, but the access mats cannot be recycled or composted and cause environmental damage during disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of fasteners from metal (carriage bolts) to biodegradable materials (wooden dowels, plant-based fasteners). This parameter change allows the fasteners to decompose naturally with traditional burial or composting methods, eliminating environmental harm during disposal while maintaining sufficient assembly strength through proper dowel design and configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable fasteners that are designed to be temporary and disposable in the environmental sense - they serve their function during the operational life of the access mat and then naturally decompose afterward. This approach replaces permanent metal fasteners with short-living biodegradable ones that eliminate disposal problems while maintaining structural integrity during use
2Object-affected harmful factors
If access mats are made from biodegradable materials, then they are environmentally friendly and recyclable, but their durability and lifespan are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for access mats, combining multiple wooden layers, plywood sheets, or composite panels fastened together with biodegradable dowels. This composite structure distributes mechanical loads across multiple components, significantly enhancing overall durability and lifespan while maintaining the environmental benefits of biodegradable materials. The layered composite design prevents single-point failure and improves structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the access mat into multiple segmented wooden layers or panels connected by biodegradable fasteners. This segmentation creates a modular structure where individual components can bear specific loads, and the distributed connection points prevent stress concentration. The segmented design with multiple fasteners per joint enhances overall durability while maintaining biodegradability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wooden dowels are used instead of metal bolts, then the access mats are compostable, but the adhesion capability between layers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces glue or adhesive as an intermediary substance between the wooden dowels and the wooden layers. This intermediary enhances the bonding strength and adhesion capability between components, compensating for the inherently lower strength of biodegradable fasteners compared to metal bolts. The glue acts as a mediator that transfers and distributes mechanical stresses more effectively across the joint, maintaining structural integrity while preserving compostability
4Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to ensure durability, then the assembly strength is sufficient, but the complexity of assembly and disposal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening system into multiple simple wooden dowels distributed across the access mat structure. While multiple fasteners are used to ensure durability, each individual dowel remains simple in design - typically just a cylindrical wooden element that can be inserted into pre-drilled holes. This segmentation into simple, identical components standardizes the assembly process and simplifies disposal, as all fasteners are alike and can be handled uniformly
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 system is highly durable, environmentally friendly, and recyclable, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring cost-effective, sustainable access solutions for construction sites.
Implementation Method 1
inserting a plurality of biodegradable fasteners into the blind holes. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more surfaces of the wooden layers contains a non-toxic glue. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more surfaces of the biodegradable fasteners contains a non-toxic glue.
Data Source
AI summary
An access mat system and method of assembly is provided. An access mat system, comprising a plurality of wooden layers, the layers arranged in a stacked orientation. A plurality of blind holes bored in the plurality of wooden layers, the plurality of blind holes in one or more of the plurality of wooden layers positioned to correspond to the plurality of blind holes in one or more of the plurality of wooden layers and a plurality of biodegradable fasteners for insertion into the plurality of blind holes.