Hextray Paver Support With Heat Exchange and Slope Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for leveling and elevating paver surfaces relative to subsurfaces are inadequate, as they often result in instability, misalignment, and difficulties in heat exchange, particularly with small pavers that cannot span between pedestals and require additional support surfaces for heat management.
Innovation Solution
The use of cooperating slope compensation panels and a locking mechanism to secure pavers to pedestals, along with an intermediate hextray support system that incorporates heat exchange tubing for efficient temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pedestals are used to elevate paver surfaces, then drainage and air circulation are improved, but stability and alignment of pavers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal is divided into multiple components: a base portion, a support portion with locking mechanism, and an anchoring portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base provides elevation for drainage, while the locking and anchoring portions ensure paver stability and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single pedestal structure: elevation (for drainage), locking (for alignment), and anchoring (for stability). This merging eliminates the need for separate components and ensures that pavers remain securely positioned while elevated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If small pavers are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but heat exchange capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate support surface (such as a tray or plate) between the small paver and the pedestal. This intermediary component provides a sufficient heat exchange surface area while still supporting the small paver, thus maintaining both installation flexibility and heat exchange capability.
3Temperature
If intermediate support surfaces are added for small pavers, then heat exchange is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support surface is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides heat exchange capability, supports small pavers, and can be integrated with the pedestal structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If locking mechanisms are used to secure pavers, then paver alignment is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be engaged during the paver installation process itself, rather than requiring a separate locking step. The anchoring portion of the pedestal is positioned to automatically align with and secure the paver as it is placed, ensuring proper alignment while maintaining ease of installation.
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
This solution ensures stable, level, and heated or cooled paver surfaces by compensating for subsurface slopes, preventing paver misalignment, and providing effective heat management through the hextray's heat exchange functionality.
Implementation Method 1
intermediate hextray support system that incorporates heat exchange tubing for efficient temperature regulation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed may be an intermediate surface for supporting a small paver, wherein the surface can also be used to exchange heat with the pavers. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be a hextray defined by a frame with a hexagonal lattice for supporting pavers. The hextray preferably features a tubing track throughout the lattice to accommodate heat exchange tubing. In operation the hextray may be positioned above a pedestal or directly on a subsurface. In embodiment, the hex tray may be outfitted with insulation and a metal plate so that heat may be exchanged with pedestals via fluid passing through tubing installed throughout the hexagonal lattice. In a preferred embodiment, the hextray features a slot in its corners for receiving a locking disk or locking slider.