Reflective Permeable Paver with Prismatic Marker Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reconfigurable, one-piece water permeable paver that allows traffic surfaces to be formed with grass growth or aggregate, enabling water permeation, and is made from recycled plastics, to address issues like flash flooding, environmental pollution, and the limitations of solid traffic surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable one-piece water permeable paver system made from recycled plastics, featuring interconnected cells that allow water permeation and can be configured for various applications, including traffic surfaces, with integrated marker inserts for directional guidance, and the ability to stabilize soil and manage stormwater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid traffic surfaces (concrete or asphalt) are used, then traffic support and durability are improved, but water permeability deteriorates causing flash flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The paver system uses a porous modular structure with interconnected voids and permeable materials that allow water to flow through the surface while maintaining structural integrity for traffic support. The modular design includes voids between components and permeable infill materials that enable water permeation.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous solid surface is segmented into modular paver units with gaps and voids between them. This segmentation allows water to pass through the joints and voids while each module maintains structural strength to support traffic loads.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If permeable structures are used to allow water flow, then flash flooding prevention is improved, but structural strength for traffic support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The paver system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: structural components provide strength and load-bearing capacity, while permeable infill materials (gravel, grass, sand) enable water flow. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of structural integrity and water permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular paver system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports traffic loads through its structural design, allows water permeation through voids and permeable materials, provides stable installation surface, and enables reconfiguration. Each component is designed to contribute to multiple system functions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional paving materials (concrete, asphalt) are used, then durability and traffic support are improved, but environmental impact worsens due to pollution and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses recycled plastics as the base material for modular pavers, recovering waste materials that would otherwise be discarded in landfills. This gives new life to discarded materials while maintaining durable structural properties for long-term use in traffic surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts harmful factors into benefits: recycled plastics (waste) become durable structural components, water that would cause flooding becomes a managed resource through permeation, and the modular design allows for easy replacement and maintenance without significant environmental disruption.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If complex multi-component systems are used to achieve water permeability, then water permeability is improved, but device complexity and installation time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the structural component and the water permeability function into a single integrated modular unit. The voids, structural elements, and permeable infill are combined in one assembly that can be installed as a complete unit, reducing overall system complexity and installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular paver unit is designed as a universal component that simultaneously provides structural support, water permeability, stable installation surface, and reconfigurability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components and simplifies the overall 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
The system prevents flash flooding, reduces environmental impact, improves safety for handicapped and elderly individuals, and enables quick installation of emergency roadways, while utilizing recycled materials to reduce landfill waste and pollution.
Implementation Method 1
The insert head can include a prismatic inner surface comprising an array of mirrored polygonal shapes and a translucent top surface covering the_prismatic inner surface, the translucent top surface enabling light to penetrate to the inner surface and reflect outwardly from the insert head
Data Source
AI summary
A reflective and directional water permeable paver system, which has a plurality of connection cells and is configured to support traffic, includes a marker insert. The marker insert has a continuous body wall with at least one tensioning marker rib extending from the continuous body wall. The marker insert has an insert head. The insert head diameter extending beyond the continuous body wall of the marker insert. The marker insert body diameter is substantially equal to the inner wall diameter of at least one of the connection cells. The insert head has a prismatic inner surface composed of an array of mirrored polygonal shapes providing at least three different reflective light vectors. The insert head has a translucent top surface covering the prismatic inner surface enabling light to penetrate to the inner surface and reflect outwardly from the insert head.