Monolithic Paver with Integrated Gaps for Wind and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pavers often require seams, joints, or connections, which can lead to issues with wind uplift and drainage, especially in outdoor applications like roofs and walkways, and lack structural efficiency and material conservation.
Innovation Solution
The development of monolithic pavers formed via 3D printing or molding with integrated structural members and gaps for air permeability and drainage, featuring a one-piece design with no seams or connections, allowing for load-bearing capabilities and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional pavers with seams, joints, or connections are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but wind resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple structural members (beams, columns, slabs) into a single monolithic paver unit that is integrally formed. This eliminates the need for separate connections between components, creating a unified structure that resists wind uplift forces more effectively while maintaining ease of manufacture through single-unit production.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic paver incorporates integrated gaps that segment the structure into functional zones for air permeability and drainage. These gaps are built-in during the integral forming process, allowing wind to pass through and reducing uplift pressure, while the overall monolithic structure maintains structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional pavers with seams, joints, or connections are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but drainage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines structural support functions with drainage functions into a single monolithic unit. The integrated gaps are formed as part of the monolithic structure, providing drainage pathways without requiring separate drainage components or complex assembly, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving drainage performance.
3Strength
If monolithic pavers with integrated structural members are used, then structural efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple structural components (beams, columns, slabs) into a single integrally formed monolithic unit. This eliminates the need for separate connections, fasteners, and assembly steps, reducing device complexity while achieving superior structural efficiency through continuous material flow and integrated load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic paver structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, wind resistance, drainage, and aesthetic presentation. The integrated gaps provide both structural continuity and functional openings for air and water flow, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
4Loss of substance
If monolithic pavers with integrated structural members are used, then material conservation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural members into a single monolithic unit that is integrally formed, eliminating the need for separate components, connections, and fasteners. This reduces material consumption by removing redundant materials while the integral forming process ensures precise geometry and fit without requiring post-assembly adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Various monolithic pavers are one-piece pavers with no seams, joints, or connections. A monolithic paver can be formed via three dimensional (3D) printing or molding. The monolithic paver is designed to carry applied loads to paver support(s) via structural members of the monolithic paver. The monolithic paver is formed to include parallel structural members that are spaced with gaps there between. The parallel structural members include top flanges and webs. The parallel structural members can also include bottom flanges. Moreover, the monolithic paver can have exterior sides that have tongues and grooves formed there along; tongues can be formed along adjoining exterior sides of the monolithic paver.