Rubber Crumb Paving Block Anchorage and Texture Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for utilizing crumb rubber in paving blocks face challenges in providing adequate anchorage to prevent lateral movement and ensuring a non-slippery, aesthetically pleasing surface, while also being environmentally friendly and reducing manufacturing process issues like burning and gassing.
Innovation Solution
A hollow paving block design incorporating 50% to 80% by weight of less than 20 mesh crumb rubber and 18% to 40% by weight polyolefin, with a beveled edge and protrusions for anchorage, and a manufacturing method involving heating the mixture of crumb rubber and polyolefin in a barrel before injection into a mold, which reduces burning and gassing and allows for textured surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If crumb rubber is used in paving blocks, then environmental friendliness is improved, but anchorage to prevent lateral movement becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines crumb rubber with polyolefin binder to create a composite material that maintains the environmental benefits of recycled rubber while adding structural integrity. The polyolefin matrix provides binding strength and anchorage capability that pure crumb rubber lacks, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protrusions and beveled edges as localized structural features that provide anchorage at specific locations. The protrusions extend from the bottom surface to penetrate substrate, while the beveled edge facilitates insertion, creating local quality improvements that prevent lateral movement without compromising the overall rubber content.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If crumb rubber is used in paving blocks, then environmental friendliness is improved, but non-slippery surface is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a textured surface treatment to the top surface of the paving block, creating localized surface irregularities that provide slip resistance. This local quality modification ensures safety and ease of operation while maintaining the bulk material composition rich in environmentally friendly crumb rubber.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then production is simple, but burning and gassing issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the manufacturing parameters by controlling the heating temperature range (150-220°C) and extending the heating time to allow complete melting and bonding of the polyolefin binder without reaching temperatures that cause rubber decomposition. This parameter optimization eliminates burning and gassing while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 solution provides improved anchorage to prevent lateral movement, reduces slippage with textured surfaces, enhances aesthetics, and is environmentally favorable by utilizing recycled materials, while minimizing manufacturing process issues.
Implementation Method 1
18% to 40% by weight polyolefin having a melting index ranging from approximately 5 g/10 minutes to approximately 50 g/10 minutes
Implementation Method 2
heating the mixture of crumb rubber and granular polyolefin in a barrel and screw
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow paving block comprises a substantially planar member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface of the planar member is a textured surface which functions as a top of the paving block. A side wall extends along and away from a periphery of the second surface of the planar member to define a cavity in the paving block. The side wall has a bevelled edge which extends about a mouth of the cavity. At least one protrusion extends along the second surface of the planar member. The paving block is formed in part from crumb rubber and polyolefin.