One-Piece Permeable Paver with Interlocking Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a one-piece water-permeable paver that allows traffic and parking surfaces to be formed with grass growth or aggregate, enabling water permeation, while also being made from recycled plastics, to address issues like flash flooding, environmental pollution, and the use of non-biodegradable materials.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece water-permeable paver system composed of interconnected cells made from recycled plastics, which allows for water drainage, soil stabilization, and aggregate or grass filling, featuring locking tabs and flex joints for easy assembly, and can be used in various traffic surfaces including roadways, sidewalks, and trails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional solid surfaces (concrete/asphalt) are used for traffic and parking surfaces, then structural strength and durability are improved, but water permeability deteriorates causing flash flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The paver is divided into multiple cells (e.g., hexagonal or square cells) that are interconnected to form a grid structure. Each cell is filled with grass, soil, or aggregate, creating a segmented surface that allows water to permeate through multiple pathways while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking cell framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The paver structure incorporates porous elements including the cell walls themselves and the fill materials (grass roots, soil, aggregate) within each cell. This porous structure enables water to pass through the surface while the interconnected cell framework provides the necessary structural strength to support traffic loads.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If grass or aggregate is used to enable water permeation, then water drainage is improved, but structural stability deteriorates under traffic loads
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the surface into discrete cells, the structure distributes traffic loads across multiple independent compartments. Each cell can be filled with permeable materials like grass or aggregate while the cell walls and interconnections provide structural support, maintaining stability even when individual cells are filled with soft materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The paver combines different materials with complementary properties: the cell structure (made from durable materials like recycled plastic or concrete) provides structural stability, while the fill materials (grass, soil, aggregate) provide water permeability. This composite approach allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional paving materials are used, then structural durability is improved, but environmental harm worsens due to non-biodegradable materials and pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The paver is designed to be constructed from recycled materials such as processed concrete, asphalt, or plastic waste. This recovers materials that would otherwise be discarded in landfills, converting them into durable paving structures. The interlocking cell design also allows individual sections to be removed and reused if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses composite materials including recycled plastics, processed concrete, or asphalt mixed with natural elements. This combination maintains structural durability while reducing reliance on virgin materials and incorporating biodegradable or environmentally benign components.
4Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece molded unit is used made from recycled plastics, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural strength may deteriorate compared to traditional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece molded unit is segmented into multiple cells during the molding process, creating the grid structure directly in the mold. This allows the use of recycled plastics or concrete in a single molding operation while maintaining the cell structure needed for water permeability and structural distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding process parameters (temperature, pressure, material composition) are optimized to produce a one-piece unit with sufficient structural strength. The cell geometry, wall thickness, and interconnection design are adjusted to ensure the molded structure can support traffic loads while maintaining water permeability.
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 solution effectively manages water flow, reduces environmental damage, promotes bioremediation, and provides safe and accessible pathways, while utilizing recycled materials to prevent pollution and support natural drainage, thus mitigating flash flooding and enhancing safety and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
water permeable paver forming a surface for traffic... enables water to flow through rather than around a surface
Implementation Method 2
allows grass to grow through the surface or contains aggregate, such as gravel, which allows water to permeate through
Implementation Method 3
removing of diesel, gasoline, oil and other pollutants from storm water through natural bioremediation
Data Source
AI summary
A one piece water permeable paver for forming a surface suitable for traffic having outer flex joint connection cells connected to flex joints, outer three connection cells connected to one of the outer flex joint connection cells, outer two connection cells connected to two outer three connection cells, a plurality of inner single flex joint connection cells connected to one of the flex joints, and an inner dual flex joint connection cell engaging two flex joints, inner four connection cells connected to a pair of outer three connection cells and a pair of inner single flex joint connection cells. Fastening slots are formed partially through outer surfaces of cells that form two sides of the paver. Locking tabs extend from outer surfaces of cells forming two sides of the paver opposite the sides with the locking tabs, enabling a first paver to securely interlock to an adjacent paver.