Plastic Paver Blocks With Integrated Drainage Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patio pavers lack efficient drainage solutions, leading to water accumulation and potential damage, and current designs often require more material for construction, while also being susceptible to UV degradation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of interlocking paving blocks with integrated drainage channels and edge blocks that allow for customizable arrays, reducing material usage and incorporating UV-resistant coatings to protect against UV radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional patio pavers are used without integrated drainage channels, then the structure is simpler and requires less material, but water accumulation occurs leading to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drainage function with the paver structure by integrating drainage channels directly into the paver body. The drainage channels are formed as integral parts of the paver blocks, merging the structural support function with the water drainage function into a single unified component, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The paver is divided into functional zones with drainage channels segmented throughout the structure. The channels are divided into multiple sections that can independently drain water from different areas of the paver surface, allowing efficient water management while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If more material is used for paver construction, then structural strength and durability are improved, but material cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies material and structural reinforcement only where needed for strength, rather than uniformly throughout the entire paver. The engagement members and drainage channel walls are reinforced with ribs and thicker material in specific locations where structural integrity is critical, while other areas use minimal material, optimizing the strength-to-material-ratio

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The paver utilizes composite structural features combining different material properties within the same component. The engagement members incorporate both rigid connecting elements and flexible sealing elements, creating a composite structure that achieves high strength and durability while minimizing total material usage through efficient material selection and placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If plastic pavers are used without UV-resistant coatings, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but the pavers are susceptible to UV degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The UV-resistant coating is applied during the manufacturing process before the paver is installed, rather than requiring post-installation treatment. The coating is integrated into the production line, allowing UV protection to be preliminarily applied to all outdoor-facing surfaces during fabrication, ensuring durability from the start without adding complex post-manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the plastic material by adding UV stabilizers and antioxidants during compounding. These chemical parameter changes enhance the material's intrinsic resistance to UV degradation and environmental weathering, providing long-term durability through material science rather than solely relying on external coatings, thereby balancing manufacturing simplicity with enhanced durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If interior paving blocks have engagement members on all sides, then interlocking strength is improved, but customization flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlocking strengthVSAvoidcustomization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric engagement member configurations on different sides of the paver blocks. Interior pavers have engagement members on opposite sides for strong linear interlocking, while edge pavers have engagement members only on the interior-facing sides. This asymmetric design allows customization of array configurations and edge treatments while maintaining strong interlocking where needed, balancing structural strength with design flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11674270B2Plastic paver blocks

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC

AI summary

A plastic patio paver block comprises a top panel, a sidewall depending downwardly from a periphery of the top panel, a plurality of internal support members that depend downwardly from an inner face of the top panel and that are spaced inwardly from the sidewall, a plurality of drainage openings provided in the top panel, and a granular UV resistant material embedded into an upwardly facing plastic face of the top panel, wherein a portion of the granular UV resistant material is partially embedded in the upwardly facing plastic face.