Modular Paver Support Grid for Wind-Stable Elevated Pavers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pavers, especially lightweight ones, are prone to becoming airborne and dislodged in high wind conditions, and there is a need for a supporting apparatus that reduces surface load while providing access to objects underneath and preventing dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A paver supporting apparatus comprising a pedestal with a top plate, male lock pins, and a modular grid that secures the grid in an elevated position, using a lattice structure and ballast to stabilize the pavers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If lightweight pavers are used to reduce surface load, then surface load is reduced and ease of installation is improved, but wind resistance deteriorates and pavers become prone to becoming airborne and dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting apparatus is divided into distinct modular components: pedestals that elevate the paver, a grid system that segments the paver into supported zones, and ballast elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the lightweight paver to be stabilized without requiring the entire structure to be heavy, resolving the contradiction between reduced surface load and improved wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Ballast elements are introduced as counterweights to compensate for the lightweight nature of the paver. These ballast elements are positioned within the grid system to provide downward force that prevents the paver from becoming airborne in high wind conditions, directly addressing the wind resistance issue while maintaining the lightweight advantage of the original paver material.
2Ease of operation
If pavers are elevated to provide access to objects underneath, then accessibility is improved, but stability deteriorates and pavers become more susceptible to dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The grid system acts as an intermediary structure between the elevated paver and the pedestals. This grid provides a stable framework that distributes loads and maintains the elevated position while preventing the paver from shifting or dislodging. The grid mediates between the need for elevation (accessibility) and the need for stability, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent dislodgment, then wind resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable components that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The grid system includes movable grid members that can shift to engage or disengage with pedestals, providing dynamic locking action that adapts to installation conditions. This dynamic approach provides secure wind resistance while maintaining relative simplicity through motion-based locking rather than complex multi-component fastening systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A paver supporting apparatus is provided and includes a pedestal and a modular grid. The pedestal includes a top plate with a plate extender and a plurality of male lock pins positioned around a circumference of the top plate. The modular grid is positioned and secured on the top plate such that the top plate supports the modular grid in an elevated position and connects with one of the plurality of male lock pins. The modular grid includes a lattice extending generally between perimeter edges of the modular grid and defining a plurality of lattice.