Road Surface Matting with Ball Joint Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road matting technologies, such as those disclosed in US patent specification No. 2006/0222804, rely heavily on fabric and are vulnerable to wear and tear, lacking sufficient durability and rigidity to effectively support vehicle traffic on unpaved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of a road surface matting system comprising multiple mats connected by pivoting means with ball joints and reinforcing structures, including parallel beams, U-channels, and corner gusset brackets, which allows for flexibility and rigidity, distributing heavy loads and providing improved traction on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fabric is used as the primary structural component in road matting, then the matting can be flexible and easy to lay, but it becomes vulnerable to wear and tear and lacks sufficient durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fabric with a rigid beam structure to create a composite matting system. The fabric layer provides flexibility and adaptability for laying, while the beam structure (comprising parallel beams connected by perpendicular beams) provides durability and load-bearing capacity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The matting is divided into modular units with individual beams that can be connected together. Each mat unit contains a structured arrangement of beams that can be assembled in parallel to form larger road surfaces. This segmentation allows the flexible fabric base to be combined with rigid structural elements in a modular fashion, achieving both adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If heavy-duty structural materials are used to improve durability, then the matting becomes more rigid and durable, but it loses flexibility and adaptability to uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the matting structure. The fabric base provides flexibility and conformability to the ground surface, while the beam structure provides localized rigidity and strength where needed for load-bearing. This local differentiation of material properties allows the system to achieve both durability and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The matting structure is designed to be dynamic rather than completely rigid. The beam connections allow for some movement and adjustment, enabling the structure to adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining its load-bearing capacity. The modular beam design allows the matting to flex and conform to the ground while preserving structural integrity.
3Strength
If multiple beams are connected to form rigid mats, then the load distribution improves, but the complexity of connection and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam functions into an integrated mat structure. Parallel beams are connected by perpendicular beams to form rigid mat units that distribute loads effectively. The fabric base is merged with the beam structure, providing both structural support and ground coverage. This merging simplifies the overall system while maintaining strong load distribution capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to road surface matting. It is known to overlay the ground with mats to make a better surface for vehicles to drive on. Known road matting includes beams arranged in parallel, each within its own pocket in a fabric mat. However, inordinate reliance on fabric makes matting vulnerable to wear and tear. The invention aims to go at least some way toward addressing this problem by providing matting having a first mat, a second mat, and a means for pivoting comprising at least two ball joints, each joint comprising a ball adapted to pivot within a housing of the joint. Each mat has a series of substantially parallel beams connected to one another, and the first and second mats are each connected to a respective one of the balls so that each mat is able to pivot with the respective ball.