Composite Polymer Foundation System with Wingnut Beam Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional concrete foundation systems are environmentally damaging, labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, contributing to housing shortages and increased carbon emissions, while alternative steel pile systems face issues with structural integrity, corrosion, and noise pollution.

Innovation Solution

A foundation system utilizing a support stand with a pedestal and beam carrier featuring a wingnut construction for height adjustment, made from composite polymer material Nyrim, which eliminates the need for concrete and reduces material usage, allowing for rapid and sustainable construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If concrete is used for foundation systems, then structural strength and stability are achieved, but environmental pollution (CO2 emissions, water consumption) and construction time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidCO2 emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from concrete to a steel pile system with galvanised steel construction. This parameter change maintains structural strength through high-tensile steel while eliminating the harmful CO2 emissions associated with concrete production and curing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite construction combining galvanised steel piles with concrete ring beams and slabs. This composite approach leverages the high strength-to-weight ratio of steel for the foundation elements while using concrete only where structurally necessary, reducing overall material consumption and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If concrete foundation systems are used, then building stability is ensured, but construction lead time and labor requirements increase by 30-50%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding stabilityVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The steel piles are pre-fabricated and delivered to site ready for installation, eliminating the need for on-site concrete mixing, pouring, and extended curing periods. The preliminary preparation of foundation elements accelerates the construction process while maintaining stability through precise factory-controlled manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical curing process of concrete with a mechanical installation system using pre-fabricated steel piles that can be driven or screwed into the ground immediately, providing instant structural support without waiting for chemical reactions to complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If steel piles are used instead of concrete, then construction time is reduced, but corrosion resistance and structural integrity deteriorate over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines galvanised steel piles with concrete ring beams and slabs to create a composite foundation system. The galvanised steel provides immediate structural support and corrosion resistance through zinc coating, while the concrete elements provide additional protection and long-term durability, creating a synergistic system that addresses both construction speed and corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses galvanised steel with a designed service life of 60-80 years, accepting that the material will eventually corrode but planning for replacement or reinforcement at that point. This approach prioritizes construction speed and initial performance over indefinite durability, with the understanding that foundation systems can be upgraded or replaced as technology advances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If traditional concrete foundations are used, then load-bearing capacity is achieved, but land usage is limited due to the weight and footprint requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidland footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs steel piles that are driven or screwed deep into the ground to transfer building loads to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers. This counteracts the weight issue by bypassing the weak surface soils that would require large concrete footprints, concentrating the load-bearing capacity in narrow steel elements that minimize land footprint while maintaining high load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS11808001B2Foundation system

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 TERRATONICS LTD

AI summary

A support stand (2) and a foundation system (1) for a building comprising the support stand (2) attachable to a structural beam (3) in which the support stand (2) comprises a pedestal (6) and a beam carrier (7) mounted on the pedestal (6) wherein the beam carrier (7) comprises a wingnut construction defining at least one substantially vertical wing (19,33) connectable with a structural beam (3).