Modular Runway Structure with Textured Surface for Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airport runway surfaces, typically made of solid concrete slabs, are difficult to modify and install underlying technologies, and their surface properties provide limited improvements during adverse weather conditions, requiring laborious and time-consuming surface texturing.
Innovation Solution
A modular roadway structure with a tailorable surface texture, featuring a predetermined friction pattern and the ability to incorporate functional devices, allowing for selective installation and orientation to enhance friction and grip, and enabling easy replacement and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid concrete slabs are used for runway surface, then the runway can withstand high exhaust temperatures and aircraft weight, but the surface properties provide limited improvements during adverse weather conditions and require laborious and time-consuming surface texturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the runway surface into modular units (tiles or blocks) that can be individually manufactured with optimized surface textures. This segmentation allows parallel production of multiple surface sections, dramatically increasing texturing productivity while maintaining the structural integrity needed to withstand aircraft loads and exhaust temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface texturing is applied in advance during the manufacturing of individual modular units before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site texturing operations, allowing the runway to be assembled quickly from pre-textured modules that are ready for immediate installation.
2Ease of operation
If surface texturing or treatments are incorporated into concrete slabs, then the friction force for vehicles is improved, but the modifications are time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the runway into modular units, each module can be textured independently during manufacturing. This allows friction surface optimization to be performed efficiently in controlled factory conditions rather than through laborious field modifications, reducing both time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction surface modifications are performed in advance during module fabrication. Each modular unit is equipped with its optimal surface texture before installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site texturing operations and allowing rapid deployment of friction-enhanced runway surfaces.
3Strength
If solid construction of concrete slabs is used, then the runway structure is strong, but it makes it difficult for underlying technologies to be installed therein
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the runway into modular units creates discrete installation zones with access points for embedding technologies. Each module can be designed with integrated channels, cavities, or mounting structures that accommodate sensors, heating elements, drainage systems, or other underlying technologies without compromising the overall structural strength of the runway.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular construction allows different regions of the runway to have locally optimized properties. Specific modules can be designed with enhanced features for technology integration (such as embedded heating cables, sensors, or drainage) while maintaining the high strength requirements in load-bearing areas, achieving both structural integrity and technological adaptability.
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 modular structure provides improved friction and grip for aircraft, facilitates the integration of functional devices, and allows for efficient installation and maintenance, enhancing runway performance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a top surface formed with a predetermined textured pattern for defining a predetermined coefficient of friction across the top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A modular roadway structure that includes a body portion including a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be positioned on a surface, and the top surface is formed with a predetermined textured pattern for defining a predetermined coefficient of friction across the top surface.