Modular Pathway Panels With Tongue-and-Groove Rod Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pathway modules for pedestrian walkways and vehicular driveways lack ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, removability, and adaptability to non-constant grades and varying angles, while also failing to provide adequate traction and detectable warning indicators for safety, especially in inclement weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular panels with a tongue-and-groove connection system and a compression molding process, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, integration of heated surfaces for ice melting, and textured detectable warning surfaces for improved traction and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pathway modules are used, then installation requires significant time and labor, but the patent achieves quick and cost-effective installation through modular design with tongue-and-groove connections
Solution Approach 1:
The pathway system is divided into discrete modular panels that can be independently manufactured, handled, and installed. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection features, allowing rapid assembly without custom fitting or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue-and-groove connection system combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the tongue protrusion on one panel fits into the groove on the adjacent panel, simultaneously providing mechanical interlocking, alignment, and structural continuity. This merged connection system eliminates the need for separate fasteners or adhesives.
2Ease of repair
If pathway modules are permanently installed, then structural stability is maintained, but the patent enables removability and replaceability of top panels
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from permanent fixed installation to a dynamic, reversible connection. The tongue-and-groove mechanism with securing rods allows panels to be easily detached and reattached, enabling maintenance, replacement, or reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows top panels to be removed, replaced, or upgraded without affecting the underlying base structure. Individual panels can be discarded or recovered for reuse, enabling sustainable maintenance practices and cost-effective repairs.
3Ease of manufacture
If smooth surfaces are used on pathway modules, then manufacturing is simpler, but the patent incorporates textured surfaces for improved traction
Solution Approach 1:
The pathway panels incorporate textured surfaces in specific locations where traction is critical, such as walking surfaces and edges near platform drops. The smooth portions of the panels remain simple for manufacturing, while localized textured zones provide enhanced grip without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
4Reliability
If detectable warning indicators are added to pathway modules, then safety for visually impaired persons is improved, but the patent must integrate additional features into the modular design
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable warning indicators are integrated into the top surface of the modular panels, combining safety functionality with the existing panel structure. The warning surfaces are incorporated during the same manufacturing process as the panel itself, eliminating separate installation steps and reducing overall system complexity.
5Reliability
If heated surfaces are integrated into pathway modules, then ice melting capability is provided, but the patent increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel design serves multiple functions: structural support, weather protection, traction provision, safety warning, and heated surface integration. This universal design allows a single panel type to address multiple pathway requirements, simplifying the overall system despite the added heating 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 solution enables cost-effective, quick, and adaptable installation of pathway modules that provide enhanced traction and safety features, including heated surfaces for ice melting and detectable warning indicators, while reducing material usage and manufacturing time compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically powered heater member (170) disposed between the top plate (140) and the base member (120)
Implementation Method 2
The tongue structure of a first module is shaped and dimensioned to be received in the lateral groove of a second module
Implementation Method 3
The top surface of the top plate is textured to provide good traction for pedestrians
Data Source
AI summary
A module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic comprises a base member having a perimeter edge. The base member defines a lateral groove disposed at the perimeter edge and a tongue structure disposed at the perimeter edge and shaped and dimensioned to be received in the lateral groove. The tongue structure comprises a plurality of tongue portions, and includes a first type of tongue portion and a second type of tongue portion disposed in alternating relation generally along the length of the tongue structure, to thereby define a throughpassage for receiving a securing rod therethrough. To form a pathway for traffic, the modules are placed in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edge relation one to the next, with the tongue structure of the modules inserted into the lateral groove of an adjacent module, and are secured together by the securing rod.