Modular GRP Recreation Track Module with Curved Geometry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recreation tracks, particularly those made of concrete components, are heavy, costly to construct, and do not provide optimal safety and ergonomics for users due to their geometry.

Innovation Solution

A modular recreation track module made of glass fibre reinforced plastic, featuring a tetragonal shape with acute and obtuse angles, a concave non-ruled surface, and a rough upper riding surface to enhance stability and safety, allowing for various track shapes and low construction costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If recreation tracks are made of concrete components, then durability is improved, but weight increases and construction cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials, specifically glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), to manufacture the modular track components. This composite material provides durability comparable to concrete while significantly reducing weight, making the modules easier to transport and assemble without sacrificing structural integrity or longevity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If modular components are used for track construction, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The track is divided into modular segments that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module features standardized connection elements (such as interlocking mechanisms or attachment points) that simplify assembly while the modular design allows for flexible configuration to create various track layouts and designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal features that allow them to be used in multiple configurations and positions within the track system. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of unique parts needed, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining assembly ease and design flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If traditional track geometry is used, then construction simplicity is maintained, but safety and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The module features a non-ruled curved surface with specific geometric characteristics designed to optimize user safety and ergonomics. The curved geometry provides better riding characteristics, reduces the risk of falls, and guides users along safer trajectories while maintaining relatively simple construction through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Strength

If concrete components are used, then structural strength is improved, but construction cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The use of glass fibre reinforced plastic provides structural strength comparable to concrete while reducing material costs and construction expenses. The composite material offers high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, making it a cost-effective alternative to concrete for modular track construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4168140B1Module for construction of recreation track, especially bicycle one
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 PARKITECT SRO
  • EP4168140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4168140B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4168140B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The module for construction of recreation track, especially bicycle one, having a framework on which the modules are being arranged, whereas the module has upper part intended for riding on it, constituting non-ruled surface, and in the top view it has tetragon shape with one rounded side, the first side wall and the second side wall, whereas the first side wall and the second side wall create base of the module, and the left front wall and opposite to it right front wall, located between the first side wall and the second side wall, characteristic in that, the left front wall (5) and the right front wall (6) form in the top view an acute angle (a), and the first side wall (3) and the second side wall (4) form obtuse angles with the upper part (2).