Multi-part Ground Marking Element Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ground marking elements installed directly on the road surface tend to sink over time due to vehicle load and softening of the surface, especially in regions with high solar radiation, leading to a loss of their warning function and requiring complete replacement.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part ground marking element comprising a base plate, a reversible removable cover plate, and an intermediate element that can be inserted to adjust the height, along with a reflector element mounted on the cover plate, allowing for damage-free height adjustment without replacing the entire element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire ground marking element is replaced to compensate for height loss, then the warning function is restored, but the work time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarning functionVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ground marking element is divided into separate components: a base plate that remains embedded in the road surface and a cover plate that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the cover plate to be independently replaced without disturbing the base plate, significantly reducing replacement time and effort while restoring the warning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plate containing the reflector element is extracted as a separate removable component from the base plate. This extraction enables the cover plate to be easily removed and replaced when height loss occurs, avoiding the need to replace the entire ground marking element and thus reducing work time while maintaining the warning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the entire ground marking element is replaced to compensate for height loss, then the warning function is restored, but the work complexity increases due to attachment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarning functionVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground marking element is segmented into a base plate and a cover plate with distinct functions. The base plate provides anchoring to the road surface while the cover plate contains the reflector element. This segmentation simplifies the replacement process by allowing the cover plate to be independently replaced without complex attachment operations, reducing work complexity while restoring the warning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plate is extracted as a separate removable component with a simplified attachment system. The cover plate fastening element provides a straightforward mechanical connection that can be quickly assembled and disassembled, reducing the complexity of attachment operations compared to replacing an integrated ground marking element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Length of stationary object

If intermediate elements are inserted to compensate for height loss, then the height is restored without complete replacement, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveheightVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground marking element structure is segmented to include an intermediate element positioned between the base plate and cover plate. This intermediate element can be inserted or removed to adjust the overall height of the marking element, allowing height restoration without complete replacement. The segmented structure manages the added complexity by organizing components into functional modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate element is nested within the structure formed by the base plate and cover plate. This nesting arrangement allows the intermediate element to be integrated into the existing component framework, adding height adjustment capability while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity. The intermediate element fits within the space defined by the other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables compensation for height loss without replacing the entire marking element, maintaining the optical warning function and visibility, even in harsh environmental conditions, while ensuring stability and durability through the use of suitable materials and ribbing structures.

Implementation Method 1

the marking elements, which are usually equipped with a reflector or lighting element, are anchored in the asphalt and can be perceived visually by road users, for example by reflecting the light hitting them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3447192A1Multi-part ground marking element
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 SWAREFLEX
  • EP3447192A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3447192A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3447192A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multi-part floor marking element comprising a base plate, a removable cover plate and a cover plate fastening element, wherein the height of the floor marking element can be varied by inserting an intermediate element, and a method for changing the height of a floor marking element.