Modular pavement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular floor tiles lack efficient cushioning and impact distribution across their upper surface, require the use of rubber foam rolls as sub-bases for assembly, and have limitations in assembly speed, maintenance, and humidity management.

Innovation Solution

A modular floor tile design featuring a detachable base with upright holes and protrusions/concavities, eliminating the need for rubber foam rolls, providing air box cushioning, rapid assembly, efficient drainage, and self-levelling capabilities, while acting as an anti-humidity/vapor barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rubber foam rolls are used as sub-base between modules, then cushioning is provided, but assembly speed decreases and joint ruptures occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecushioningVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable base is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own cushioning elements. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous rubber foam rolls, allowing faster assembly without compromising cushioning performance across the entire flooring surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the rubber foam roll component from the system, replacing it with integrated detachable bases that provide cushioning functionality. This removal of the problematic rubber foam rolls prevents joint ruptures while maintaining assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If rubber foam rolls are used as sub-base, then cushioning is achieved, but future joint ruptures occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecushioningVSAvoidjoint stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the rubber foam roll component that causes joint ruptures, replacing it with detachable bases that maintain cushioning functionality without the reliability issues of foam roll joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable bases are designed as replaceable components that can be easily swapped out if damaged, eliminating the long-term reliability problems associated with permanent rubber foam installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional modular floor tiles are used, then assembly is possible, but maintenance and replacement are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveassemblyVSAvoidmaintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The flooring system is segmented into modular detachable bases that can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and replacement of individual components without affecting the entire flooring installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable bases incorporate movable and adjustable elements that facilitate easy assembly, disassembly, and replacement, making maintenance operations simple while preserving the structural integrity of the overall flooring system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables faster assembly and maintenance, uniform impact cushioning, and improved drainage, reducing material usage and preventing joint ruptures, while maintaining the structural integrity and ease of replacement.

Implementation Method 1

cushioning with air box effect thanks to the undulating shape of the rubber base which is in contact with the existing base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir box effect: Bubble

Implementation Method 2

rapid water drainage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven drainage: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3766385B1Modular pavement
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 SIMOES VICENTE RUI PEDRO
  • EP3766385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3766385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3766385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a modular floor tile consisting of a set of modules encased sequentially into each other, wherein each module of the modular floor tile (1) comprises 2 components, specifically 1 section of the interior or exterior modular floor tile (2) and 1 detachable base (3), and this detachable base (3) is encased into and fixed on the bottom part of the section of the interior or exterior modular floor tile (2). The detachable base (3) of each module of the modular floor tile (1) comprises at least 1 upright fastening spigot (4) which is fixed on the top face of the detachable base (3), the upright fastening spigot (4) serving for encasement into and fastening onto the section of the interior or exterior modular floor tile (2). The detachable base (3) of each module of the modular floor tile (1) comprises upright holes (5) distributed across the length of the detachable base (3) .