Modular Raised Road Panel with Interchangeable Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for constructing raised road features like pedestrian crossings and traffic islands are time-consuming and require specialized personnel and heavy machinery, making them unsuitable for narrow or urban contexts.

Innovation Solution

A modular member system comprising a plastic or rubber panel with interchangeable stone or concrete blocks, connected via a lobe-and-baffle mechanism or other joining means, allowing for quick assembly and customization without expert help.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If asphalt or bitumen is used to manufacture raised road planes, then the road surface can be created, but the construction time becomes excessively long and specialized personnel are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The raised road plane is divided into modular elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each module contains a panel with seats for blocks, allowing rapid assembly without specialized personnel. The segmentation enables parallel manufacturing and simplifies installation to basic placement and connection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If self-locking tiles and bricks are used, then the road surface can be created, but the construction time remains long and expert personnel are still needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidlaying speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the panel structure with integrated connection means and block-receiving seats into a single modular unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate laying operations and reduces the skill level required, as the entire module can be installed as one piece with simple connection mechanisms that do not require expert assembly techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If asphalt laying machinery is used, then the road surface can be created, but the machinery becomes extremely encumbrant and difficult to manage in narrow urban contexts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmachinery complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the construction process into modular unit production and simple on-site assembly. This eliminates the need for large, complex asphalt laying machinery by replacing it with basic handling equipment capable of moving and connecting lightweight modular elements, significantly reducing device complexity and improving maneuverability in narrow urban spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional modular members are used, then some standardization is achieved, but the connection mechanisms become complex and time-consuming to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestandardizationVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the connection function from complex mechanical assemblies and implements it through simple, integrated connection means attached to the panel edges. The connection mechanism is taken out of the traditional complex joint category and replaced with straightforward attachment methods that maintain standardization benefits while dramatically reducing assembly complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP1845194B1Modular member for manufacturing raised walking or road planes and process for laying such modular member
Publication Date: 2012.06.27 FORNITURE INDALI B M G
  • EP1845194B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP1845194B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP1845194B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A modular member (1) is described comprising a panel (3) divided into a plurality of seats (5), each one respectively adapted to house at least one block (7), such blocks (7) being adapted to realise a walking or road surface. A process is further described for laying such modular members (1) for manufacturing a raised walking or road plane, comprising the steps of placing on the ground a plurality of such modular members (1) in order to cover the surface on which the raised plane has to be realised, securing the modular members (1) to the ground; and inserting the blocks (7) into their respective seats (5).