Elastic Modular Building System for Complex Structural Morphing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building systems are inadequate to fully utilize the advanced physical properties of modern composite and smart materials, lacking flexibility and adaptability to diverse structural forms and external forces, and are not scalable to create complex structures at various scales.
Innovation Solution
A modular building system utilizing carbon allotrope-based composite materials, inspired by organic molecular structures, which allows for the creation of macroscopic structures with isotropic and anisotropic properties, enabling the assembly of complex shapes and structures through modular components with elastic properties and smart material integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current building systems use straight rigid elements, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to complex shapes and external forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing straight rigid elements with curved elastic beams that can bend and conform to complex shapes such as spheres, helixes, and quasicrystalline planes. The curved geometry enables the structure to adapt to diverse forms while maintaining structural integrity through elastic deformation rather than rigid constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using elastic materials with controllable physical properties that can dynamically adjust their stiffness and shape in response to external forces. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to morph and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining stability through controlled elastic deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building systems use fixed structural density, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to future composite materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing a modular building system where the structural density, material composition, and physical properties can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of future composite materials. The standardized modular components can be configured with varying densities and material properties to match different composite material characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a versatile modular system that can accommodate multiple types of composite materials and structural configurations. The same basic modular components can be adapted for different applications by changing material properties, connection methods, and assembly patterns, making the system universally applicable to various future composite materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If building systems use inflexible modular components, then ease of assembly is maintained, but ability to undergo additive and reductive changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using elastic modular components that can dynamically adjust their configuration during assembly and modification. The elastic properties allow components to be easily added or removed while maintaining structural integrity, as the flexible elements can accommodate changes in the number and arrangement of modules without requiring complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the structure into discrete modular elastic elements that can be independently added or removed. This segmentation allows for easy modification of the structure through additive and reductive changes while maintaining ease of assembly, as each module can be independently manipulated and connected to the overall structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If building systems are designed for specific applications, then specialization is achieved, but diversity of applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single modular elastic building system that can serve multiple applications across terrestrial, aquatic, and aerospace environments. The same basic elastic modules can be configured for different structural requirements by adjusting material properties, connection methods, and assembly patterns, eliminating the need for separate specialized building systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the physical properties of the elastic materials to be adjusted to match different application requirements. The same modular system can be adapted for terrestrial, aquatic, or aerospace use by changing material parameters such as elasticity, density, and strength characteristics rather than designing separate systems for each application.
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
Enables the construction of highly integrated, structurally fluid, and adaptable macroscopic structures that can morph in response to stress, offering unprecedented structural diversity and resilience, suitable for terrestrial, aquatic, and aerospace applications.
Implementation Method 1
A structure built of curved elastic elements under stress is better suited to controlled shape morphing than a structure built with straight elements
Implementation Method 2
The elastic energy stored in atomic bonds is potential mechanical energy. This stored energy enhances the molecule's structural integrity and allows for structural changes in response to intramolecular interactions
Implementation Method 3
This invention comprises a building system design that is tailored to the use of composite materials having controllable physical properties
Implementation Method 4
This modular building system is tailored to the use of carbon allotrope based composite materials
Data Source
AI summary
A system of construction that uses a discrete repertoire of elastic modular units that interconnect forming assemblies of diverse curved geometries applicable at any scale.Each modular unit is formed with linear elements with less than infinite elastic modulus. The modular units connect to one another under tension creating structural networks that have stored elastic potential energy.The linear elements may be formed of carbon based composite materials and their future permutations, including smart materials. The modular assemblies created using this system have application in terrestrial, space and aquatic environments and as an educational tool.