Eccentric Capital for Modular Parking Column Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular parking lot structures with fixed column spacings hinder maneuverability, especially with larger vehicles, due to the close correlation between support columns and beams, necessitating a solution to increase column spacing along transit lanes without altering beam or slab dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an eccentric capital that allows for hinged positioning of columns relative to the capital, enabling a set-back arrangement of columns along transit lanes, thereby increasing the distance between them, while maintaining interchangeability and using the same beam and slab dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If columns are positioned directly under beam intersections in a modular structure, then structural simplicity and ease of assembly are improved, but column spacing along transit lanes is reduced, hindering vehicle maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The capital is divided into two separate elements: a support element that connects to the column and a node element that connects to the beams. These elements are joined by hinging means, allowing independent positioning of each element. This segmentation enables the column to be set back from the beam intersection while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinging means act as an intermediary mechanism between the support element and node element. This hinge connection allows the node element to be positioned at a distance from the column axis while still providing stable support for the beams, effectively mediating between the column position and beam intersection point.
2Ease of operation
If column spacing is increased along transit lanes to improve maneuverability, then vehicle movement is facilitated, but the correlation between columns and beams is disrupted, requiring different beam dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The node element serves multiple functions: it connects to beams of standard dimensions, provides a hinged connection to the support element, and positions itself at the appropriate distance from the column. This universal node element can accommodate different beam configurations while maintaining beam interchangeability throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the column positioning problem from the horizontal plane (beam spacing) to the vertical plane (hinge rotation). By allowing the node element to rotate on the hinge, the system achieves variable column spacing without requiring variable beam dimensions, as the adjustment occurs in a different dimensional space.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed capital design is used for all column positions, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to create variable lane configurations and water runoff slopes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capital transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure. The hinging means allow the node element to rotate and adjust its position relative to the support element, enabling the capital to adapt to different lane configurations and create water runoff slopes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized hinge components.
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 maneuverability and safety by increasing column spacing along transit lanes, allowing for variable lane configurations without altering existing structural elements, facilitating easier vehicle movement and water runoff slope formation.
Implementation Method 1
said capital comprising a first element, or support element, mounted on the column and coaxial therewith, and a second element, or node, with its axis parallel to and spaced from the axis of the first element and the column. The first and the second element of each capital are connected together via hinging means
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An eccentric capital, in particular for raised flooring and modular structures, preferably for rapid assembly/disassembly modular parking lots, suitable for being positioned on top of the columns arranged along the division between the transit lane and the bays, so as to allow these columns to be arranged in a position set back from the node element where the beams converge, thus obtaining a greater distance between the said columns so that maneuvering can be performed more conveniently and easily by the user.