Modular Trackout Mat Blocks for Easier Handling and Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trackout mats used at construction sites to remove debris from vehicles are heavy, rigid, and difficult to handle, transport, and store, leading to frequent damage and replacement, and they do not effectively manage debris removal efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A modular trackout mat design comprising injection molded or compression molded rubber main blocks and ramp blocks with couplings that allow for customizable length and width, enabling improved maneuverability, transportation, and storage, while the flexible material and adjustable structure enhance debris removal efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional rigid trackout mats are used, then debris removal function is provided, but handling and transportation become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The trackout mat is divided into multiple individual blocks that can be separately handled, transported, and stored. Each block maintains the debris removal function while being lightweight and easy to maneuver independently, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity needed for function and ease of handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional rigid trackout mats are used, then debris removal function is provided, but storage efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidstorage space required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented block design allows the trackout mat to be disassembled into compact individual units for storage. The blocks can be stacked or arranged in space-efficient configurations, significantly reducing storage space requirements compared to a rigid full-size mat while maintaining the ability to reconstruct the functional surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trackout mat transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The blocks can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing the mat to adapt between deployed and stored states, optimizing both operational and storage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional rigid trackout mats are used, then debris removal function is provided, but damage resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage resistanceVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the mat into individual blocks, the system eliminates the propagation of damage across the entire structure. If one block becomes damaged, it can be replaced independently without compromising the rest of the system, significantly improving reliability and damage resistance while maintaining the necessary structural properties for debris removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular block design inherently provides redundancy and fault tolerance. The system is designed to withstand damage to individual components without failure of the overall function, as remaining blocks continue to provide debris removal capability until replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Productivity

If conventional rigid trackout mats are used, then debris removal function is provided, but replacement frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice longevityVSAvoidreplacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular architecture enables selective replacement of only the damaged or worn blocks rather than the entire mat system. This extends the overall service life of the trackout mat by allowing incremental maintenance and replacement, reducing the frequency of complete replacements while maintaining reliable debris removal function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Individual blocks that become damaged or worn can be removed and replaced with new or refurbished blocks. The reusable nature of the modular blocks allows for recovery and replacement of only the necessary components, maximizing service longevity and reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11912247B2Trackout mat

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 RUBBERFORM RECYCLED PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A block includes a first block portion, a second block portion, a third block portion and a fourth block portion. The first block portion has a first upper surface, a second upper surface, and a lower surface. The second block portion is over the first block portion and has a third upper surface. The third block portion is over the first block portion and has a fourth upper surface. The fourth block portion is over the first block portion, has a fifth upper surface, and is positioned between the second block portion and the third block portion. A first recessed region is between the second block portion and the fourth block portion. A second recessed region is between the third block portion and the fourth block portion. The first upper surface is exposed in the first recessed region and the second upper surface is exposed in the second recessed region.