Flexible Hanging Module Building Structure for Seismic Load Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular building structures face limitations in horizontal bearing capacity and material consumption when used in high-rise applications, as they require external anti-lateral structures like concrete core tubes, leading to inefficient load distribution and increased self-weight, which affects the structure's functionality and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A flexibly suspended modular building structure featuring a vertically arranged concrete core tube with a transfer story, hanging rod members, dampers, and a limiting buffer device, allowing modules to be suspended and connected in a way that reduces horizontal loads on the core tube, controls relative movement, and provides energy dissipation through inter-story dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If modules are directly supported by the concrete core tube structure, then the structure is simple, but the core tube must bear all vertical loads and horizontal loads, increasing material consumption and reducing functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing functions by dividing the support system into two independent parts: the core tube structure bears only vertical loads through direct module support, while a separate cable support system bears horizontal loads. This functional segmentation allows each structure to be optimized for its specific load type, reducing the overall material consumption compared to a monolithic structure that must handle all loads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cables as a flexible, tension-based support element that operates in a different mechanical dimension compared to the rigid compression-based core tube. The cables are arranged in a spatial configuration (multiple cables at different angles) that provides horizontal load resistance without requiring the core tube to increase its cross-sectional dimensions, thus reducing material consumption while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the core tube structure is used to bear horizontal loads, then lateral stability is improved, but the module size must increase to accommodate larger internal members, increasing self-weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing responsibilities by assigning horizontal load resistance to the cable support system rather than the core tube. This allows the module's internal members to be sized only for vertical load bearing, reducing their dimensions and the module's self-weight, while the cable system provides the necessary lateral stability through tension forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter used for horizontal load resistance from compression (requiring large rigid members) to tension (using flexible cables). This parameter change allows for a more efficient load-bearing system where cables can provide significant horizontal resistance with minimal weight, thereby reducing module self-weight while maintaining lateral stability.
3Device complexity
If a single defense line (core tube) is used for anti-horizontal seismic force, then the structure is simple, but the structure form is unreasonable and material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic force resistance system into two independent defense lines: the core tube structure for vertical load bearing and the cable support system for horizontal load bearing. This creates a dual-defense-line system where each component is optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall material consumption compared to a single monolithic structure that must be oversized to handle all loads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent gives the cable support system a dual function: it provides horizontal load resistance during normal conditions and also acts as a seismic force resistance mechanism during earthquake events. This multi-functionality allows the structure to achieve reasonable seismic performance without requiring a separate dedicated seismic defense line, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 significantly reduces material consumption in the core tube, enhances energy dissipation and shock absorption, and prevents non-structural element damage by distributing loads more efficiently and controlling relative movement between modules, thereby improving the structure's resilience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the upper end of each hanging rod member is movably connected to a ceiling beam located in the upper module, the lower end of each hanging rod member is pin- connected to a ceiling beam located in the lower module
Implementation Method 2
The flexible connection refers to 'hinging', 'flexible connection' and 'the connection in hanging rod members without bending moment'
Implementation Method 3
dampers are arranged between all the modules and the core tube structure at their floor levels
Implementation Method 4
A limiting buffer device is arranged between the modules adjacent in the vertical direction, and the limiting buffer device is used for avoiding the modules adjacent in the vertical direction from vertical colliding when the horizontal relative displacement is relatively large
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention discloses a flexibly suspended modular building structure, which comprises a vertical core tube structure. A conversion story is arranged at the upper end of the core tube structure, multiple modules with certain spaces reserved therebetween are hung below the conversion layer, the modules adjacent in the vertical direction are connected through a set of hanging rod members, the upper end of each hanging rod member is pin-connected to a ceiling beam located in the upper module, the lower end of each hanging rod member is pin-connected to a ceiling beam located in the lower module, the hanging rod member arranged on the uppermost module is pin-connected to the transfer story, and dampers are connected between floors of all the modules and the core tube structure. By means of suspension shock absorption technology, the horizontal loads inputted by the modules to the core tube structure are remarkably reduced, and the material consumption of the core tube structure is saved. The module building allows inter-story drift of secondary structure, prevents non-structural elements from damage, and extends the limit value of inter-story drift between modules, thus improving the energy dissipation and shock absorption efficiency. By introducing a limiting buffer device, relative displacement between the modules is controlled, and collision is avoided.