Hollow, Reinforced Modular Elements for Flexible Inspection Shaft Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular elements for underground rainwater collection tanks and soil retention structures face challenges in efficiently integrating inspection shafts and pipes, requiring pre-configuration and complex installation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A semi-module element with a central hole for inspection shafts and hollow, reinforced pillars, allowing flexible installation and integration of inspection shafts without additional operations, combined with closure and lateral grids for structural support and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular elements are pre-configured for inspection shafts, then shaft installation is facilitated, but production procedures become more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized module configuration where all modular elements have identical structural features including pre-formed holes in the base portion. This universal design allows any module to serve multiple functions - both as structural load-bearing elements and as potential inspection shaft locations, eliminating the need for differentiated module types while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by integrating the inspection shaft opening feature directly into the base portion of each modular element during manufacturing. This segments the inspection shaft installation from a post-assembly operation to an inherent structural feature, allowing shafts to be installed at any location without requiring special preparation or differentiation of modules.
2Ease of operation
If modular elements are differentiated for specific shaft positions, then shaft installation is simplified, but construction procedures require exact positioning and modification on site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making all modular elements identical with standardized base portions containing holes for shaft connections. This eliminates the need for exact positioning of specific module types during construction, as any module can accommodate inspection shafts. The universal design allows construction teams to place modules freely without worrying about matching specific configurations, significantly improving construction speed and productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If pillars have truncated pyramid shape for stacking, then storage and transport efficiency is improved, but structural stiffness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using reinforced plastic material for the pillars. This allows the pillars to maintain the truncated pyramid shape for efficient stacking and transport while incorporating reinforcement elements that provide the necessary structural stiffness and load-bearing capacity. The composite nature of the material enables both geometric optimization for storage and structural integrity for load support.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular element or semi-module for making underground structures of basins for the management of meteoric waters or for retaining soil includes a substantially planar base portion and one or more pillars rising from the base portion. Each pillar is hollow and has a first external wall defining at least one internal cavity, inside the cavity there being an internal tubular stiffening wall that is spaced from the external wall and has a prismatic shape or a shape substantially corresponding to that of the external wall.