Embedded Container Supports for Asphalt Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The weight of stacked containers at storage sites causes significant damage to paved ground surfaces, leading to costly and environmentally impactful asphalt repairs.
Innovation Solution
A container support system with a base portion embedded in the ground and a top steel sheet, designed to distribute load and extend the durability of the substrate, featuring a frame portion and optional reinforcing elements to stabilize the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked four or more on top of each other at storage sites, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ground surface becomes damaged due to considerable weight
Solution Approach 1:
A steel sheet is introduced as an intermediary element between the container feet and the ground surface. The steel sheet distributes the concentrated load from container feet across a larger area, preventing ground surface damage while enabling high-density container stacking. The steel sheet acts as a load-distributing mediator that protects the asphalt from direct point loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional ground surface problem to a three-dimensional structure by embedding a base portion in the ground and extending a steel sheet above the ground level. This vertical dimension allows the steel sheet to span across multiple container feet positions, distributing loads in three dimensions rather than concentrating them on the surface.
2Strength
If asphalt is applied to strengthen the ground surface, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying asphalt uniformly across the entire storage site, the steel sheet provides localized strengthening only at specific container stacking positions. This local quality approach strengthens the ground where needed (under and around container feet) while leaving other areas unchanged, reducing overall asphalt consumption and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the physical parameters of the ground strengthening approach by replacing a surface-level asphalt layer with a subsurface base portion and an overhead steel sheet. This parameter change shifts the strengthening function from the surface to a distributed three-dimensional structure, eliminating the need for thick asphalt applications.
3Shape
If the top portion is flush with the ground surface, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the paving work becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting the steel sheet to match the ground level (which would be difficult), the solution inverts the approach by extending the steel sheet above the ground level and allowing the asphalt to be applied up to the steel sheet's edge. This inversion simplifies the paving process while maintaining an acceptable aesthetic appearance.
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
Extends the lifespan of asphalt surfaces by 4-6 times, reduces environmental impact, and simplifies paving work by allowing asphalt to be applied directly over the frame portion.
Implementation Method 1
the base portion comprises a frame portion which extends horizontally beyond the periphery of the top portion... it is possible to significantly prolong the durability of the substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container support system for protecting paved ground surfaces from damage during container handling. The container support system comprises one or more container supports (20), each having a base portion (22) that can be dug into the ground and a top portion (21) disposed on top of the base portion, the top portion being a steel plate. The container support is arranged to be lowered into the ground such that the top portion is level with the surrounding ground and the base portion is embedded in ground substance. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such a container support system.