Rubber Crumb Paving Block with Beveled Edge and Textured Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paving block technologies do not effectively utilize recycled rubber crumb and polyolefin to create a durable, non-slip, and aesthetically pleasing product while minimizing environmental impact and reducing lateral movement during installation.
Innovation Solution
A hollow paving block composed of 50% to 80% by weight of less than 20 mesh crumb rubber and 18% to 40% by weight polyolefin, with a textured surface and beveled edge, manufactured by heating the mixture and injecting it into a mold, which includes additives like titanium dioxide and UV stabilizers for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If crumb rubber is used as the primary material for paving blocks, then environmental benefits are achieved by recycling discarded tires, but the material lacks sufficient structural strength and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines crumb rubber (50-80% by weight) with polyolefin resin (18-40% by weight) to create a composite material that leverages the environmental benefits of recycled rubber while adding the structural strength and binding properties of polyolefin. This composite formulation resolves the contradiction by maintaining high rubber content for environmental benefits while incorporating sufficient polymer for structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the composite material: 50-80% crumb rubber and 18-40% polyolefin by weight, with the polyolefin having a melting index of 5-50 g/10 minutes. These parameter controls ensure the mixture achieves optimal balance between environmental benefits (high rubber content) and structural strength (adequate polymer content and properties).
2Ease of manufacture
If a smooth surface is used on paving blocks, then manufacturing is simpler, but the surface becomes slippery and aesthetically less appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a textured surface treatment to the top and bottom surfaces of the paving block while maintaining smoothness on lateral surfaces. This local differentiation provides slip resistance and aesthetic appeal on walking surfaces without complicating the manufacturing of other block surfaces, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and surface performance.
3Ease of operation
If paving blocks are installed without interlocking features, then installation is faster and simpler, but lateral movement occurs during and after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protrusions and recesses as interlocking features on adjacent paving blocks. These segmented features fit together like puzzle pieces, providing mechanical interlock that prevents lateral movement while maintaining relatively simple installation. The interlocking segments engage to stabilize the pavement structure without requiring complex installation procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional hot melt molding is used to manufacture paving blocks, then the process is well-established, but burning and gassing of crumb rubber occurs during production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using granular polyolefin with a melting index of 5-50 g/10 minutes and controlling the molding temperature and pressure parameters. These parameter adjustments optimize the molding process to bond the crumb rubber particles effectively while minimizing thermal degradation, burning, and gassing of the rubber material during manufacturing.
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 a durable, non-slip, and aesthetically enhanced paving block with reduced lateral movement and environmental benefits, as well as a method that minimizes burning and gassing during production.
Implementation Method 1
a plastic which acts as a binder and forms a matrix for the crumb rubber
Implementation Method 2
The mixture is then injected into a mold and formed into paving blocks
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 beveled 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.