Interlocking Vehicle Tracking Pad with Upstanding Mud Removal Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking control measures at construction sites, such as gravel pads, wheel shakers, and wheel washers, are inadequate in preventing mud from being tracked onto public roads, requiring frequent maintenance and additional infrastructure, and there is a need for a more durable and effective solution to control trackout.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mat system with a regular geometric shape and interlocking mechanism, featuring upstanding structures like cylinders, pyramids, or ribs on its surface to remove mud from vehicle tires, which can be assembled to form a longer egress path and accommodate irregular ground surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravel pads are used for tracking control, then a stabilized surface is provided, but the gravel is pressed into the underlying mud by heavy trucks requiring frequent reestablishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable or replaceable mat system that can be easily installed and removed, replacing the need for maintaining permanent gravel pads. The mat provides temporary but effective tracking control without the maintenance burden of gravel pads that get pressed into mud.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible mat made of thin film or shell material that can conform to the ground surface and provide a stable tracking control layer. This flexible structure prevents mud from being pressed into the underlying ground while being lightweight and easy to install.
2Reliability
If wheel shakers are added to gravel pads, then mud removal from tires is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mat structure with integrated upstanding elements directly formed as part of the mat body, merging the support function and the mud removal function into a single integrated component rather than adding separate wheel shaker devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstanding structures on the mat automatically perform mud removal as vehicles pass over them, requiring no external power source, control systems, or maintenance. The structure serves itself through its geometric design.
3Reliability
If wheel washers are installed, then trackout control is enhanced, but infrastructure requirements and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential mud removal function from complex wheel washer systems and implements it through simple geometric upstanding structures on the mat, eliminating the need for water supply, drainage infrastructure, and associated maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat with upstanding structures provides a simple, low-cost alternative to permanent wheel washer infrastructure. The mat can be easily installed and removed without requiring permanent infrastructure installation.
4Reliability
If gravel pads are used, then tracking control is provided, but special cleaning equipment or manual labor is required for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mat structure with upstanding elements automatically cleans tires as vehicles pass over, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations, equipment, or manual labor. The structure performs the cleaning function passively through its geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A component mat combines with similar mats to form a vehicle tracking pad assemblage, with juxtaposed ends joined by mechanical interlock. Optional turnout mats are interlocked to sides of the component mat. A top mat surface carries a finish formed of an array of upstanding mud removal elements of effective height. Mud removal element heights may be uniform among spaced apart elements or may vary among juxtaposed elements. The intermat interlock may carry the top finish to establish continuity over the junction. Suitable mud removal elements include cylinders, pyramids, ribs, and simulated rock patterns.