Grooved Paver Accompanying Device for Snow Melting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pavers outside in cold environments tend to accumulate ice and snow, which can be hazardous and require manual removal.
Innovation Solution
A paver accompanying device with a plate and grooves to hold a heat-producing cable, which is positioned beneath the pavers to melt snow or ice and prevent its formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pavers are placed outside in cold environments, then they provide outdoor surface functionality, but ice and snow accumulate on them creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The heating cable is installed within grooves in the paver accompanying device before the paver is placed, and the system is activated before snow or ice can accumulate, preventing ice formation proactively rather than removing it afterward
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical energy is converted into thermal energy through resistive heating in the cable, transforming electrical power into heat that melts snow and ice, converting a harmful cold environment into a beneficial warming effect
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heating system is installed beneath pavers, then ice and snow are prevented from forming, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The paver accompanying device serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the paver, contains integrated grooves for cable installation and positioning, and facilitates heat distribution to the paver surface, combining several functions into a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The paver accompanying device acts as an intermediary component between the heating cable and the paver, providing a structured interface that simplifies installation and ensures proper thermal coupling without requiring direct contact between the cable and paver
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heat producing cable is positioned beneath pavers, then snow and ice melt effectively, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into modular segments with the cable running in separate grooves within the paver accompanying device, allowing for easier installation, replacement, and maintenance of individual components without affecting the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves for cable installation are pre-formed in the paver accompanying device during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site cable routing and positioning work, and simplifying the installation process to merely placing the cable in the pre-prepared grooves
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 effectively maintains the pavers above freezing temperatures, preventing ice and snow accumulation and ensuring a safe and clear surface.
Implementation Method 1
heat producing cable disposed beneath the pavers to melt snow or ice and prevent its formation
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively maintains the pavers above freezing temperatures, preventing ice and snow accumulation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure may relate to a paver accompanying device that may include a plate with a top face and a bottom face and shaped and configured to accompany a paver proximate the top face of the plate. The paver accompanying device may also include multiple grooves in the top face of the plate that run from a first end of the plate to a second end of the plate. The grooves may also be open at the first end of the plate and at the second end of the plate. Additionally, the grooves may be sized to hold a heat producing cable within the grooves such that the heat producing cable is disposed even with or below the top face of the plate.