Composite Modular Platform Deck With Heated Slip-Resistant Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pedestrian walkways in public transit areas face challenges such as slipperiness due to inclement weather, difficulty in determining platform edges, and structural degradation from environmental factors, leading to maintenance and construction inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A modular assembly using lightweight, durable plastic composite base members with integrated heating and tactile surfaces, anchored by piles, and equipped with edge warnings and photoluminescent materials for improved safety and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional concrete or wooden platforms are used, then structural strength is provided, but durability deteriorates due to environmental degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses plastic composite materials (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or fiberglass-reinforced plastics) to manufacture modular platform components. These composite materials provide both the necessary structural strength and resistance to environmental degradation from chemicals like salt, acid rain, and oils, thereby simultaneously achieving strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If concrete structures are constructed in situ, then structural integrity is achieved, but construction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the platform structure into modular components (platform decks, support legs, connectors) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows parallel manufacturing of components while minimizing on-site construction time, as modules can be prepared off-site and quickly assembled using simple connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are pre-manufactured with integrated features such as embedded heating elements, tactile surfaces, and connection mechanisms before delivery to the site. This preliminary preparation of components with all necessary functions reduces on-site assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If pre-cast concrete components are used, then construction time is reduced, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction timeVSAvoidcomponent weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs plastic composite materials and fiberglass-reinforced plastics that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. These materials reduce the weight of modular components compared to pre-cast concrete, making them easier to handle and install while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional platform materials are used, then initial construction is completed, but maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial constructionVSAvoidmaintenance interval

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The use of plastic composite materials and fiberglass-reinforced plastics provides resistance to chemical degradation from environmental factors such as salt, acid rain, oils, and greases. This significantly extends the service life of the platform and reduces maintenance frequency compared to conventional concrete or wooden materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design with standardized connectors and components allows for easy self-replacement of damaged sections without requiring specialized equipment or extensive disassembly. Individual modules can be quickly swapped out, enabling maintenance personnel to perform repairs efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 modular assembly provides slip-resistant surfaces, edge warnings, and efficient heating, enhancing pedestrian safety and reducing construction disruptions while being resistant to environmental degradation and easy to install in challenging conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A heating element can be configured to heat the heater tray, the heating element received within the channel of the heater tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

equipped with edge warnings and photoluminescent materials for improved safety

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12571167B2Modular platform deck for traffic

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 ASTRA CAPITAL

AI summary

A modular assembly and method of installing a modular assembly is provided. The modular assembly can include a plurality of base members made of a composite material. Each base member can be a monolithic structure, and define a channel. A heater tray can be configured to be slidably received within the base member. Each of the plurality of base members can adjoin one another in an assembled state to form a horizontal platform for traffic.