Racetrack Pedestal Assemblies for Perimeter Paver Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedestal systems struggle to effectively support pavers near elevated perimeters such as walls or curbs due to the cylindrical shape of traditional pedestals, which makes it difficult to position them closely enough to provide adequate support, leading to issues with weight distribution and installation challenges, especially with narrow cut pavers.
Innovation Solution
The use of racetrack-shaped pedestal assemblies with towers and caps that allow for easy placement alongside perimeters, featuring a base and cap design with coupling means for towers and shims to support pavers, enabling closer proximity to elevated edges and improved weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cylindrical pedestals are used to support pavers, then the system provides strong weight load support, but it becomes difficult to position pedestals closely enough to elevated perimeters to provide adequate support
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal is divided into multiple components: a base unit, an adjustable tower section, and a cap assembly. This segmentation allows the pedestal to be configured in different orientations and positions, enabling placement close to elevated perimeters while maintaining structural strength through proper component alignment and connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal design incorporates asymmetric features including a flat base surface for stable positioning and a cap with an opening oriented to face away from the elevated perimeter. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the pedestal's ability to support pavers near edges while maintaining load-bearing capacity through strategic placement of structural elements.
2Strength
If cylindrical pedestals are positioned against a wall, then support is provided, but the top obstructing fins are cut off which is not ideal for narrow cut pavers
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly features an asymmetric opening design that faces away from the elevated perimeter, eliminating the need to cut off obstructing fins. This allows narrow cut pavers to be installed properly while maintaining the pedestal's support capability through the strategically oriented cap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cutting off the top fins to enable installation, the design inverts the approach by orienting the cap opening to face away from the perimeter, naturally accommodating narrow pavers without modification while preserving the structural integrity and support function of the pedestal.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pedestals are used, then standard installation procedures apply, but they cannot be placed close enough to the perimeter due to cants at the wall base and cylindrical nature
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented pedestal design with separate base, tower, and cap components allows flexible positioning close to elevated perimeters. The flat base provides stable contact with the substrate, while the adjustable tower and oriented cap maintain adequate support surface area for pavers even when positioned near edges, overcoming the limitations of cylindrical pedestals.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal design transitions from a purely cylindrical form to a multi-dimensional structure with a flat base surface and an oriented cap opening. This dimensional change enables the pedestal to be positioned close to perimeters while maintaining adequate support surface area through the strategic orientation of the cap opening away from the elevated edge.
Data Source
AI summary
Pedestal assemblies configured to support first and second pavers positioned adjacently against an elevated periphery and methods of making the same are provided herein. Preferred assemblies include a cap, base, and at least two towers configured to be sandwiched between the cap and base. Kits can be sold with just cap and base alone. Preferred caps and bases can be formed in the same shape or substantially so, and are racetrack-shaped. Preferred towers include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylindrical tubing. The cap can advantageously include an upwardly-projecting fin used to align and separate two pavers positioned alongside an elevated periphery. A pedestal support system can include both periphery pedestals in addition to conventional pedestals positioned away from the elevated periphery.