Elevated paver support system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for leveling and elevating paved surfaces relative to subsurfaces are inadequate, as they often result in instability, misalignment, and difficulties in heat exchange, particularly with small pavers and existing slope compensation mechanisms being unbalanced or frictionless.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising paver trays with a hexagon lattice and slope compensation panels that allow for stable elevation and leveling, featuring a locking disk mechanism for secure anchoring and a heat exchange system through tubing tracks, addressing the instability and heat exchange issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pedestals with slope compensation mechanisms are used to elevate and level pavers, then the paved surface can be leveled relative to the subsurface, but the mechanisms become unbalanced or unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the slope compensation mechanism and the leveling mechanism into a single integrated pedestal structure. The base portion includes a base plate with a top surface that is non-parallel to the bottom surface, allowing the pedestal to compensate for subsurface slopes while maintaining stability through its integrated design rather than separate balancing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal's base plate is designed with non-parallel surfaces that create an equipotential effect for slope compensation. By having the top surface non-parallel to the bottom surface, the pedestal automatically adjusts to subsurface slopes and provides a level support surface without requiring additional active balancing mechanisms that would compromise stability.
2Device complexity
If pavers are not coupled to the pedestal, then the pedestal remains simple in structure, but the paver can fall or shift position increasing installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal's base plate top surface is designed with features that automatically engage with the paver, creating a self-anchoring mechanism. The non-parallel surfaces and geometric features of the base plate work with the paver's weight and positioning to prevent shifting without requiring complex external coupling devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small pavers are used, then the paved surface can be more detailed and flexible, but the pavers cannot span between pedestals requiring intermediate support surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal's base plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides elevation, slope compensation, and acts as an intermediate support surface for small pavers. The top surface of the base plate can directly support small pavers that cannot span between pedestals, eliminating the need for separate intermediate support structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If heat exchange tubing is added to paver trays, then heat can be exchanged with the paved surface, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The paver tray is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the paver, enables heat exchange through integrated tubing, and facilitates drainage. The tubing is incorporated into the tray's structure rather than being a separate addition, allowing heat exchange functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 provides a stable, leveled, and heated or cooled paved surface by compensating for subsurface slopes and securely anchoring pavers, while enabling efficient heat exchange through the use of hexagonal lattice trays and slope compensation panels.
Implementation Method 1
a tubing track for accommodating heat exchange tubing
Implementation Method 2
configured to exchange heat with a paver
Implementation Method 3
insulation provided to the underside of the paver tray
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed may be an intermediate surface for supporting a small paver, wherein the surface can also be used to exchange heat with the pavers. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be a hextray defined by a frame with a hexagonal lattice for supporting pavers. The hextray preferably features a tubing track throughout the lattice to accommodate heat exchange tubing. In operation the hextray may be positioned above a pedestal or directly on a subsurface. In embodiment, the hex tray may be outfitted with insulation and a metal plate so that heat may be exchanged with pedestals via fluid passing through tubing installed throughout the hexagonal lattice. In a preferred embodiment, the hextray features a slot in its corners for receiving a locking disk or locking slider.