Honeycomb Construction Module for Lightweight Temporary Roads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods for temporary roads and unstable ground surfaces are labor-intensive, heavy, and require specialized equipment, with issues such as nail punctures and limited structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, modular construction system comprising a planar deck with projecting wall elements and conduits for easy assembly, using connectors and locking pins to form stable and adjustable surfaces, optionally with a cover for sealing and fluid circulation for temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If wood mats are used to distribute machinery weight on unstable ground, then weight distribution is improved, but protruding nails puncture vehicle tires
Solution Approach 1:
The construction system is divided into modular panels that can be assembled together to cover large areas. Each panel is a discrete unit with integrated fastening mechanisms, eliminating the need for protruding nails while maintaining weight distribution capability across the unstable ground surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate fastening mechanisms such as clips, snap-fits, or embedded connectors that join panels together without requiring external nails or screws that would protrude. These intermediaries provide secure connections while keeping the surface smooth and safe for vehicle traffic.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high density polyethylene interlocking mat systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but the mats are heavy and require cranes or specialized equipment for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using lighter-weight materials such as aluminum alloys, composite materials, or engineered woods that maintain structural stability while reducing density. This allows the panels to be handled and installed by conventional equipment rather than requiring cranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The construction panels utilize composite material structures combining lightweight materials with reinforcing elements. This creates a composite that provides the necessary structural stability for unstable ground while keeping the overall weight low enough for manual or conventional equipment handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional construction forms are fabricated on-site, then adaptability to site conditions is improved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The construction panels are pre-fabricated off-site with predetermined dimensions, shapes, and integrated fastening mechanisms. This preliminary action allows for quality control and optimization during manufacturing, while the modular design enables rapid assembly on-site without time-consuming fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal panel configurations that can be adapted to various site conditions through different arrangement patterns and configurations. The standardized modular units provide site condition adaptability while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes that improve production efficiency and reduce on-site labor requirements.
4Strength
If metal reinforcing bars and ribs are used to strengthen concrete, then structural strength is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material constructions where lightweight materials are combined with strategic reinforcing elements. This creates an optimized structure that achieves necessary strength requirements while minimizing weight by using materials and configurations only where structurally necessary, rather than uniformly throughout the entire construction.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction module. The module may be used, for example, as a mold for settable materials such as concrete. A plurality of modules may be aligned together in different configurations for use as a temporary road or support for use on unstable terrain, such as arctic tundra or wetlands. In yet another application the module may be deployed as a storage or shelving unit. The module comprises a deck and a plurality of wall elements projecting from the deck and defining a plurality of honeycomb-like compartments. The module may be used in conjunction with a mating cover for enclosing the module compartments. In one embodiment the cover may be coupled to the module in two different orientations. In one of the orientations connectors may be coupled to an outer surface of the cover. The connectors are useful for joining separate modules together and for providing the assembly with enhanced structural integrity, for example to support heavy loads. In one embodiment heated water or other fluid may be circulated through the modules to regulate the temperature of construction panels formed from the modules, such as flooring or roofing panels.