Impact Attenuating Pathway Layered Cushion Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pathways in senior and assisted living facilities are prone to causing life-threatening injuries due to lack of impact attenuation, especially for seniors who may fall, and often create sharp edges that can lead to further accidents.

Innovation Solution

The development of an impact attenuating pathway comprising a firm base layer, a cushion layer made from a blend of rubber and binder, and a wear layer with angled side edges to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment, providing a smooth transition and enhanced safety features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional concrete or asphalt pathways are used, then the pathway structure is simple and durable, but the impact attenuation is insufficient causing life-threatening injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact attenuationVSAvoidpathway structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pathway is divided into three distinct layers: a base layer for structural support, a cushion layer for impact attenuation, and a wear layer for surface durability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing both safety and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pathway uses composite material construction with a cushion layer made from rubber granules bound with polyurethane binder, combined with concrete or asphalt base layer and rubber granule wear layer. This composite structure provides both the impact attenuation needed for safety and the structural durability required for long-term use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional pathways with sharp edges are used, then construction is simple, but trip hazards and wheelchair accessibility problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheelchair accessibilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pathway edges are designed with curved transitions instead of sharp angles, creating a rounded profile that eliminates trip hazards and provides smooth transitions for wheelchair users. This curvature is achieved through the layered construction where each layer tapers smoothly at the edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a thicker cushion layer is used to improve impact attenuation, then safety increases, but the pathway extends deep into surrounding landscaping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact attenuationVSAvoidlandscaping intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion layer thickness is optimized to provide adequate impact attenuation (minimum 2 inches) while the wear layer provides a thin protective surface. The angled edges concentrate the cushioning where needed for safety while minimizing the overall footprint intrusion into surrounding landscaping areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Duration of action of stationary object

If a wear layer is added to withstand regular wear, then durability increases, but the pathway complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathway durabilityVSAvoidlayer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 pathway effectively reduces the risk of severe injuries by achieving a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) score below 550, ensuring a safe and durable surface that withstands regular wear and use for extended periods without requiring frequent replacement.

Implementation Method 1

a cushion layer positioned on top of the base layer... providing impact attenuation properties that can help prevent life threatening injuries... achieving a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) score below 550

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact attenuation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11965293B2Impact attenuating pathway and methods of making/use

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 PLAYCORE WISCONSIN INC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to impact-attenuating pathways that can be easily installed in outdoor areas, such as an outdoor area associated with a senior or assisted living facility. The impact attenuating pathways of the present disclosure provide a natural looking path having impact attenuation properties that can help prevent life threatening injuries. In addition to the impact attenuation properties, the pathway is configured to withstand regular wear from shoes, canes, crutches, and the like. The impact-attenuating pathway comprises a firm base layer, such as concrete; a cushion layer positioned on top of the base layer; and a wear layer positioned on top of the cushion layer.