Demountable Arc Frame Structure with Rope Chases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing demountable building structures face challenges with assembly efficiency, worker safety, and insulation effectiveness due to small arc frame spacing, complex installation methods, and inadequate insulation techniques.
Innovation Solution
The design features arc frame members with bifurcated ends forming c-shaped rope chases for reduced friction during membrane installation, telescoping spreaders for tensioning, and improved insulation systems using fiberglass and retaining tubes, allowing for bottom-up membrane installation and increased arc frame spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If membranes are installed by inserting them downwardly from the peak of the structure, then the membrane cover can be installed, but assembly time increases and worker safety deteriorates due to the need for lifts and increased danger at height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional top-down membrane installation approach by implementing bottom-up installation. Membranes are fed from ground level through the arc frames upward to the peak and then back down, allowing workers to remain at ground level while eliminating the need for lifts and reducing assembly time
2Stability of the object's composition
If arc frame spacing is kept small (e.g., only slightly more than 5 feet on center), then structural stability is maintained, but assembly efficiency deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of arc frame spacing from small (5 feet or less) to large (greater than 10 feet on center). This parameter change is enabled by the new beam design with rope chases and angled openings, which maintains structural stability while dramatically improving assembly efficiency and reducing the number of frames required
3Strength
If rope chases are welded or bolted onto the beam, then attachment strength is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rope chase attachment function into the beam itself by forming rope chases as integral parts of the beam structure. This eliminates separate welding or bolting operations, reducing device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining attachment strength through the unified structural design
4Ease of manufacture
If foil back bubble wrap with 1'' thick ducting insulation is used, then insulation can be installed, but insulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite insulation materials and methods, combining fiberglass insulation with retaining tubes to create an integrated insulation system. This composite approach significantly improves thermal insulation effectiveness compared to the previously used foil back bubble wrap with ducting insulation
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
This solution enhances assembly efficiency, reduces worker risk, and improves thermal insulation, enabling faster and safer construction of demountable structures with better weather sealing and reduced assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
The rope chase openings of at least one of the two opposed flanges are substantially angled out of the line of their flange toward the interior of the building structure in a manner so as to permit drawing the members through the rope chases with reduced friction during erection of the structure
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of spreaders extend between adjacent ones of the arc frame members for urging apart the arc frame members from each other and for maintaining the membranes in a stretched condition
Data Source
AI summary
A demountable building structure that is readily assembled from a set of components is disclosed. The building structure includes a plurality of arc frame members spaced along a length of the building structure. Each of the arc frame members extends from a first foot portion to a peak, and back to a second foot portion. Each of the arc frame members includes a plurality of beams. Each of the beams includes two opposed flanges. Each of the flanges has two bifurcated ends. The ends define c-shaped rope chases with openings. The building structure further includes bases slidably mateable with the first and second foot portions, and elongate membranes having beaded longitudinal edges. The membranes are stretched between adjacent of the arc frame members. The longitudinal edges are within the rope chases. Spreaders extend between adjacent of the arc frame members for urging apart the arc frame members from each other and for maintaining the membranes in a stretched condition.