Paving Stone Spacer Segmentation for Dirt Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paving stones with seepage openings face issues of direct water absorption by the subsoil, leading to excessive water burden and clogging from dirt particles, which contaminates the subsoil.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates beveled spacer elements forming a wedge-shaped dirt filter joint and a water storage space, separating the dirt filter from the water storage, allowing water to be temporarily stored and evaporated, while preventing dirt particles from entering the water storage, thus reducing contamination and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seepage openings are provided between spacer elements to drain water directly into the subsoil, then drainage function is improved, but the subsoil absorbs excessive water in a short time and dirt particles clog the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is segmented into two functional parts: an upper beveled portion forming a wedge-shaped dirt filter joint, and a lower vertical portion forming a water storage space. This segmentation separates the dirt filtration function from the water storage function, allowing water to be temporarily stored and cleaned before seeping into the subsoil, thereby resolving the contradiction between drainage efficiency and subsoil protection
Solution Approach 2:
The beveled upper portion of the spacer element acts as an intermediary wedge-shaped dirt filter joint between the seepage opening and the subsoil. This intermediary structure traps dirt particles before they can clog the seepage openings or contaminate the subsoil, while still allowing water to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining drainage efficiency and preventing dirt contamination
2Productivity
If spacer elements extend over the entire height to form greenable joints, then water drainage and evaporation are improved, but dirt particles still enter the joints and clog the system
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is designed with different local qualities: the upper portion has a beveled inclination forming a wedge-shaped dirt filter joint optimized for trapping dirt particles, while the lower portion has a vertical orientation forming a water storage space optimized for water drainage and evaporation. This local differentiation allows each section to perform its specific function effectively, resolving the contradiction between water management and dirt prevention
3Productivity
If seepage opening areas are provided for direct water absorption, then drainage is achieved, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spacer element into a beveled upper portion and a vertical lower portion, the invention creates a wedge-shaped dirt filter joint that is structurally separate from the water storage space. This segmentation makes the dirt filter joint accessible for cleaning and maintenance while preserving the drainage function, as the beveled portion can be independently accessed and cleaned without disrupting the overall drainage system
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
This solution enhances drainage, reduces clogging, and prevents excessive subsoil water absorption, maintaining a cleaner surface by storing water for evaporation and keeping the dirt filter free from contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
the water that has run off is temporarily stored in the water storage space designed as a water reservoir and can therefore first be stored in the water storage space for cooling purposes, particularly in hot regions of the world, and then evaporate again from the water storage space through the seepage opening areas
Implementation Method 2
the spacer elements delimit a dirt filter gap on their sides facing the accessible upper side of the stone and a water storage space on their sides facing the underside of the stone in such a way that the dirt filter gap is separated from the water storage space when the spacer elements come into contact with another stone
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The paving stone (1) has an opening bead region (5) which is provided between two spacing elements (3) on the circumferential side. The spacing elements face a dirt filter joint (7) on the accessible surface (OS) of the stone, and water storage space (9) on the lower side (US) of the stone so that the dirt filter joint is separated from the water storage space when the spacing elements are contacted with farther stone.