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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved equipment pad that better protects homeowner investments in HVAC systems and facilitates effective installation by providing enhanced support and drainage.
Innovation Solution
The equipment pad features at least four risers with broadening tops forming a perimeter side wall and four channels with channel beds and side walls that extend outwardly from the central portion, allowing for drainage and providing a ground support surface. The horizontal area of the channel beds comprises from about 20% to 50% of the total combined horizontal area of the channel beds and riser tops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the channel bed area is increased to improve drainage capacity, then drainage effectiveness is improved, but the equipment support surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones with different functions: the channel beds are designed with specific geometry and surface properties optimized for water drainage, while the riser tops provide broad, flat surfaces optimized for equipment support. This spatial differentiation of properties allows the pad to simultaneously excel at both drainage and equipment support without compromise.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the riser tops are broadened to provide better equipment support, then equipment support stability is improved, but the channel bed area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning to a three-dimensional solution: risers with varying heights and broadened tops that extend outward. This vertical and horizontal expansion creates overlapping support zones that provide stable equipment support while preserving channel bed area for drainage, as the broadened riser tops do not directly compete for the same horizontal space as the channel beds.
3Reliability
If the pad structure is made more complex to enhance both support and drainage, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pad into distinct functional modules: multiple risers with standardized geometries, separate channel beds with defined cross-sections, and perimeter side walls. This modular segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex overall functionality through their assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high functional performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment pad generally includes at least four risers and at least four channels. Riser tops extend outwardly and broaden from a central portion of the equipment pad and comprise an equipment support surface. Channel beds and side walls extend outwardly and may curve or bend from the central portion of the equipment pad to comprise a ground support surface. Channel openings together span from 15% to 50% of the perimeter of the equipment pad and allow drainage to exit the channels. The horizontal area of the channel beds comprises from 20% to 50% of the total combined horizontal area of the channel beds and riser tops. Typically, each channel is wider at the channel opening than at the central portion of the equipment pad. The pad's corners typically have a combined length of at least 20% of the perimeter of the equipment pad.