Collapsible Void Former with Hinged Connecting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional void formers, such as cellular or honeycomb structures, are bulky, costly to transport, and inconvenient to store due to their defined shape and volume, and are fragile during handling and deployment, posing challenges in construction site preparation.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible building apparatus comprising a first and second layer connected by connecting elements with hinged portions that transition between a stowed and deployed configuration, allowing for compact storage and easy deployment, with locking elements maintaining the layers in a distal relationship to provide support and absorb ground heave.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cellular or honeycomb structures are used as void formers, then they provide structural support and protection, but they are bulky, costly to transport, and inconvenient to store
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed to be flexible and collapsible, allowing the void former to transition between a compact stowed configuration for transport and storage, and an expanded deployed configuration that provides the required structural support and void formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The void former is divided into multiple layers connected by connecting elements, allowing each layer to be relatively thin and flat for efficient storage, while the assembled structure provides the necessary structural support when deployed
2Strength
If conventional cellular or honeycomb structures are used as void formers, then they provide structural support, but they are fragile during handling and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting elements allow the void former to adapt to handling stresses without rigid failure modes, making the structure more reliable during transport and deployment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements change their structural parameters (flexibility, rigidity) based on the operational state, being more compliant during handling and providing rigid support when deployed, thereby improving reliability across different operational phases
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cellular or honeycomb structures are used as void formers, then they provide ground heave protection, but they are costly to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible design reduces the volume requiring transport while maintaining the full protective capability when deployed, effectively reducing the quantity of material that needs to be transported for the same level of protection
Solution Approach 2:
The void former transitions from a three-dimensional bulky structure to a two-dimensional compact form for transport, then expands back to three-dimensional configuration to provide ground heave protection, optimizing transport efficiency while maintaining protective function
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 apparatus is easy to transport and deploy, provides efficient space usage, and can withstand loads up to 14 kN/m² while absorbing ground heave, offering a cost-effective solution for construction site preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a second portion hingedly connected to the first portion
Implementation Method 2
at least one locking element configured to maintain the apparatus in the second or deployed configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A building apparatus (10) comprises a first layer (21), a second layer (22), and at least one connecting element (30) configured to connect the first layer (21) and the second layer (21), wherein the building apparatus (10) has a first or stowed configuration in which the at least one connecting element 30) is in a stowed state and a second or deployed configuration in which the at least one connecting element (30) is in a deployed state and is configured to maintain the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) in a distal relationship from each other.