Building Debris Containment via Structural Channel Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of high-rise buildings often requires extensive and costly protective netting systems that involve separate framing structures outside the building perimeter, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive to set up and remove.

Innovation Solution

A debris containment system using channel units that attach directly to the building's structural members, such as columns and beams, to support barrier members like nets or tarps, eliminating the need for separate framing structures and reducing installation and removal time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate framing structures are used outside the building perimeter, then protective netting can be erected to contain debris, but installation time and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris containment effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function into the building's existing structural members (columns and beams) rather than using separate framing structures. The channel units attach directly to these structural members, merging the debris containment support function with the building's primary structure, thereby eliminating the need for additional separate framing and reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The building's structural members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the building and simultaneously serve as mounting points for debris containment systems. The channel units utilize these existing structural members for both load-bearing and debris containment support purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate framing structures are erected outside the building perimeter, then barrier members can be supported, but material delivery and crane usage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier member support capabilityVSAvoidadditional framing material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function into the building's existing structural members rather than adding separate framing structures. Channel units attach directly to columns and beams, utilizing the building's own structural framework to support barrier members, thereby eliminating the need for additional separate framing materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The building's own structural members serve the dual purpose of providing structural support and supporting the debris containment system. The structure serves itself by utilizing its own components (columns and beams) to support the channel units and barrier members, eliminating the need for external separate framing structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If channel units attach directly to building structural members, then installation time is reduced, but the system must integrate with existing building geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidadaptability to building structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The channel units are designed as modular, segmented components that can be individually attached to different structural members. Each channel unit is a discrete element that can be independently installed on columns or beams, allowing the system to adapt to various building geometries while maintaining fast installation through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The channel units are designed to attach to specific locations on structural members (flanges, webs, or embedded elements) based on local geometric conditions. The system adapts to different building geometries by allowing channel units to be positioned and oriented according to the specific local geometry of each structural member they attach to.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11788306B1Building debris containment method

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 LONG ROBERT

AI summary

A debris containment system includes channel units that are configured to attach to perimeter structural members of the building (e.g., vertical columns and/or horizontal beams) and extend outward from the perimeter of the building. Channel units can be produced in any length or lengths needed for a given application. These channel units are used to lift and support barrier members (e.g., nets, tarps, canvas/fabric, or other barrier members) to create barriers along the perimeter of the building. Importantly, these channel units are generally attached directly or indirectly (e.g., via temporary vertical members) to structures that will remain on the building (e.g., structural columns and beams of the building) as opposed to being used with separate framing structures erected outside of the building perimeter, although in some exemplary embodiments, channel units can be used on structures erected outside of the perimeter of the building.