Modular Detectable Warning Tile Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ADA detectable warning tiles are difficult to install and replace without damaging the surrounding concrete, as they are typically set into concrete or placed on pre-existing concrete with adhesive, making maintenance and repairs time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A modular tile-and-frame assembly with a removable top panel and adjustable frame size, featuring diagonal slots to reduce air pockets and secure the assembly to concrete, allowing for easy installation and replacement of detectable warning surface tiles without destroying the concrete structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ADA tiles are set into concrete or placed with adhesive, then the tiles are securely fixed, but installation and replacement become time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ADA tile assembly into separate components: a reusable frame that remains embedded in the concrete and a removable tile panel. This segmentation allows the frame to provide secure fixation while the tile can be quickly removed and replaced without affecting the concrete structure, thereby reducing installation and replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-installed into the concrete structure before the tile is attached. This preliminary action creates a ready-made mounting system with anchor bolts positioned and secured in the concrete, eliminating the need for time-consuming concrete breaking and rebuilding during tile replacement.
2Reliability
If ADA tiles are set into concrete, then secure fixation is achieved, but replacement requires destroying the concrete structure
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fixation system (frame with anchors) from the tile panel, the invention enables the tile to be removed and replaced without disturbing the concrete-embedded frame. This segmentation makes repair easy while maintaining secure fixation through the permanently installed frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile panel is extracted as a removable component from the overall assembly, leaving the frame embedded in the concrete. This extraction allows the tile to be easily removed and replaced without needing to break or disturb the concrete structure, significantly improving ease of repair.
3Reliability
If traditional ADA tile installation methods are used, then tiles are securely fixed, but maintenance and repairs become costly
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with a permanent frame and replaceable tile reduces maintenance costs by allowing quick tile replacement without expensive concrete repair work. The frame serves as a durable, reusable component that remains in place, while only the relatively inexpensive tile needs replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables easy discarding of damaged tiles and recovery of the expensive frame structure. The frame with its embedded anchors is recovered and reused for subsequent tile installations, eliminating the need to break and rebuild concrete for each tile replacement, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology is generally directed to a tile-and-frame assembly installable in concrete that includes a modular frame and a top panel. The frame includes four corner supports and side supports. Each corner support includes: a side wall, a second side wall, a brace, and an anchor. Each side support includes: a side wall, a brace, and an anchor. At least four side supports are situated along a perimeter of the frame such that the four corner supports and the side supports situated along the perimeter of the frame define the perimeter of the frame, and such that the frame size is modular based on a cardinality of the side supports situated along the frame perimeter. The top panel is coupled to the frame. The top panel includes at least one tactile feature.