Interconnectable Profile Grid Components for Outdoor Surface Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reinforcing outdoor surfaces, such as lawns or meadows used as runways, are not suitable for heavy-duty applications, lack simplicity in design, and do not account for thermal expansion, making them unsuitable for aircraft operations and difficult to stack or store efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system of interconnectable profile grid components with mushroom-head-shaped connecting elements and springy lugs, featuring hook-shaped elements for anchoring into the subsoil, perforations for drainage, and studs for improved rolling resistance, allowing for durable and stackable reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If base plates are connected using locking elements and locking recesses as disclosed in EP 2 821 550 A1, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into a first part and a second part that can be separately molded and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex locking mechanism into manageable components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the first part engages with the locking recess while the second part provides additional anchoring. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying the overall assembly process
2Strength
If base plates include diagonal struts and hook elements as disclosed in EP 2 821 550 A1, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of stacking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential strengthening function from the complex diagonal strut system and implements it through a simpler ground engagement structure. The connecting element achieves structural strength through its engagement mechanism with the base plate and ground, eliminating the need for additional diagonal struts that would interfere with stacking
3Strength
If side walls of receiving chambers are extended to form base anchors, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the space for stacking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to be pressed into the receiving chamber, creating a dynamic insertion process that allows the element to engage with the base plate and ground. This dynamic engagement provides strong anchoring without requiring permanently extended side walls that would reduce stacking space
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 system provides durable reinforcement for outdoor surfaces, enhances rolling resistance, prevents lifting during aircraft operations, and maintains soil health while allowing for efficient stacking and thermal compensation.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic, springy lugs (9), which can fully absorb material expansions as expansion elements
Implementation Method 2
Hook-shaped elements (11) are arranged on the underside of the side end faces (7) that surround the hollow sections (3)
Implementation Method 3
The perforations can have regular or irregular geometric shapes. Water can seep through the perforations
Implementation Method 4
The area to be reinforced with the system according to the invention is an airfield, in particular a taxiway and/or landing strip
Data Source
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AI summary
System for fastening outdoor surfaces comprising a number of interconnectable profile grid components, which have coupling elements and recesses for receiving the coupling elements on their outer circumferential side surfaces, wherein the profile grid components (1) are formed alternately in rows from running surface sections (2) and open sections (3), wherein the running surface sections (2) and open sections (3) are offset in rows, and the running surface sections (2) are surrounded by four end faces (7) and are connected to each other by a connecting section (6), and half running surface sections (2a) are arranged alternately on the outer sides, wherein these form a whole running surface section (2) when the profile grid components (1) are assembled together.