Bearing Structure Pole Plinth Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing structural systems, such as driven piles and socket plinths, face challenges with stability, installation complexity, removal difficulties, and high costs due to labor-intensive excavation and material waste, especially when dealing with large or deep foundations.

Innovation Solution

A bearing structural system comprising a pole with a through housing seat in a foundation plinth allows the pole to be driven to a lesser depth than the plinth, leveraging terrain compaction and distribution of loads over a larger surface, reducing the need for multiple poles and extensive excavations, and enabling easy modification of driving depth for enhanced stability and ease of removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If driven piles or socket plinths are used for deep foundations, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but removal operations become extremely laborious and costly requiring deep excavations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidremoval operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the foundation structure into two separable components: the pole (vertical element) and the foundation plinth (base element). The pole can be removed independently from the plinth, allowing extraction without removing the entire foundation structure. This segmentation enables selective removal while maintaining the stability of remaining structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole is designed with a preliminary extraction mechanism where the pole can be pulled out from the plinth before any excavation work begins. The plinth remains in place to maintain foundation stability, while the pole is extracted through its connection interface, avoiding the need for deep excavations that would be required if the entire foundation were removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If micropoles are used to reach resistant substrates, then foundation stability is improved, but structural resistance to vertical and horizontal loads decreases due to reduced cross-section and increased slenderness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoundation stabilityVSAvoidvertical and horizontal load resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges two previously separate functions into a unified structure: the pole provides both the deep penetration function (reaching resistant substrates) and the load-bearing function (resisting vertical and horizontal loads). By combining these functions in one element rather than using separate micropoles for stabilization and additional structural elements for load-bearing, the system achieves both deep foundation stability and high structural resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If socket plinths are installed at significant depths, then anchoring stability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to deep trenching and extensive concrete work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the anchoring function (performed by the plinth remaining in the ground) from the structural function (performed by the pole). This allows the plinth to be installed at optimal depth for anchoring stability without requiring the same depth for the entire structure, reducing excavation requirements and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole is extracted from the deep foundation environment, allowing the plinth to remain at a shallower, more accessible depth for installation and maintenance. This extraction eliminates the need for deep trenching and extensive concrete work while maintaining anchoring stability through the plinth's design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If driven poles are used for terrain consolidation, then terrain stabilization is improved, but the ability to remove or modify the structure is reduced due to laborious extraction requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterrain stabilizationVSAvoidstructure modification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the terrain consolidation function (performed by the plinth remaining in the ground) from the structural element (the pole). This allows the plinth to provide ongoing terrain stabilization while the pole can be freely removed, modified, or repositioned without affecting the stability provided by the plinth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a dynamic configuration where the pole can be adjusted, removed, or repositioned while the plinth remains fixed to maintain terrain stabilization. This dynamic design enables adaptability and versatility in structure modification while preserving the terrain stabilization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3225746B1A bearing structure
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 CURTI DANIELE
  • EP3225746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225746B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3225746B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bearing structural system (1) comprising a pole (2) having a main extension axis (X) and a foundation plinth (3) comprising a through housing seat (4) that is suitable for receiving said pole (2). The pole (2) is suitable for being arranged in the through housing seat (4) in such a manner that, during a configuration of use of the bearing structural system (1), the pole (2) can be arranged at a set driving depth (h) that is lower than an installation depth (H) of the foundation plinth (3).