Interlocking Paver System for Extraterrestrial Landing Pad Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paver technologies fail to withstand the loads during vertical takeoff and landing, leading to erosion of regolith on extraterrestrial surfaces like the Moon or Mars, as they either lift or allow exhaust to penetrate between pavers.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking paver system comprising polygon and spacer pavers, formed from heated regolith, with specific geometric features allowing secure interlocking and preventing gas flow through seams, constructed to withstand landing and takeoff loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing paver technology is used, then the landing pad can be constructed, but the pavers will lift and be thrown by the exhaust plume during vehicle landing or takeoff
Solution Approach 1:
The paver is divided into a top level and a bottom level with different perimeters. The bottom level has a smaller perimeter than the top level, creating an interlocking configuration where multiple pavers can lock together. This segmentation allows the paver system to resist the forces of exhaust plumes by distributing loads across multiple interlocked units rather than relying on a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The paver design employs asymmetric geometry where the bottom level perimeter is deliberately made smaller than the top level perimeter. This asymmetry creates an interlocking mechanism when pavers are arranged in a pattern, with each paver's bottom level fitting into the space between adjacent pavers' bottom levels. This asymmetric design prevents the pavers from lifting and being thrown by exhaust forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing paver technology is used, then the landing pad can be constructed, but exhaust will enter spaces between paver seams and erode the regolith underneath
Solution Approach 1:
The paver is segmented into top and bottom levels with different perimeters, creating an interlocking system. This segmentation eliminates continuous seams between pavers by using an interlocking configuration where the bottom level of one paver fits into the space between bottom levels of adjacent pavers. This design prevents exhaust gases from penetrating through seam spaces to reach and erode the underlying regolith.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harmful effect of exhaust penetration into a beneficial interlocking mechanism. By designing the bottom level perimeter to be smaller than the top level perimeter, the patent creates an interlocking system where the 'gaps' between pavers actually lock them together, preventing exhaust infiltration while simultaneously strengthening the overall paver assembly against disruptive forces.
3Ease of manufacture
If monolithic pavers are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the pavers cannot interlock to withstand landing and takeoff loads
Solution Approach 1:
Each paver is manufactured as a monolithic unit with an integrated top level and bottom level of different perimeters. This segmentation within a single monolithic structure allows the paver to interlock with adjacent pavers while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The interlocking capability is built into the monolithic design itself, eliminating the need for separate components or complex assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic paver design performs multiple functions: it provides a structural landing pad surface, enables interlocking with adjacent pavers through its asymmetric geometry, and prevents exhaust infiltration. By integrating these functions into a single monolithic unit with a specific geometric configuration, the patent achieves both ease of manufacture and load resistance capability.
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 interlocking paver system effectively secures the landing pad, preventing regolith erosion by maintaining paver placement and disrupting gas flow, ensuring stability during vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
The polygon paver and the spacer paver may be formed from regolith. The polygon paver and the spacer paver may be formed by heating regolith above ambient temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking paver system including a polygon paver and a spacer paver is provided. The polygon paver may have a top level having a top level polygon paver perimeter and a bottom level secured to and protruding from the top level and having a bottom level polygon paver perimeter contained within the top level polygon paver perimeter. The spacer paver may have a top level having a top level spacer paver perimeter and a bottom level secured to and protruding from the top level and having a bottom level spacer paver perimeter extending beyond an entirety of the top level spacer paver perimeter. The spacer paver may be configured to selectively interlock with the polygon paver. The top level spacer paver perimeter, top level polygon paver perimeter, and bottom level spacer paver perimeter are different from one another.