Hybrid Modular Temporary Structure Volume Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular temporary structures using intermodal containers face limitations in creating voluminous and spacious structures due to load-bearing capacity constraints, and pneumatic frame structures are prone to instability and weather-related issues.

Innovation Solution

A modular temporary structure combining conditionally rigid base and support modules made of weather-resistant steel with conditionally elastic vault modules of polymer plastics, allowing for adjustable supports and optional elements to enhance stability and functionality, enabling larger, more versatile structures without significant ground preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If intermodal containers are used as modular structural elements, then the structure has sufficient load-bearing capacity and stability, but the structure cannot achieve large volume and spacious interior due to container size constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure volumeVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines rigid base modules (providing load-bearing capacity) with elastic vault modules (providing volume expansion) into a hybrid structure. The rigid base modules serve as foundational support elements while the elastic vault modules can be inflated to create large interior volumes, thus merging the advantages of both structural types to achieve both strength and volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The structure uses composite construction combining rigid materials (steel, concrete) for base modules with elastic materials (polymer plastics) for vault modules. This composite approach allows different material properties to be utilized optimally - the rigid materials provide structural integrity and load-bearing capacity while the elastic materials provide volume expansion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of stationary object

If pneumatic frame structures are used to achieve large volume, then the structure can be spacious and rapidly deployed, but the structure becomes unstable and vulnerable to weather-related issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure volumeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the structure into two distinct functional parts: rigid base modules that provide stable support and anchoring to the ground, and elastic vault modules that provide volume expansion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the rigid bases ensure reliability and stability while the elastic vaults provide expandable volume, thus resolving the contradiction between volume and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid structure merges the stability advantages of rigid constructions with the volume expansion advantages of pneumatic structures. The rigid base modules are anchored to provide weather resistance and structural stability, while the elastic vault modules can be inflated to create large interior spaces, thus combining the benefits of both structural types to overcome their individual limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If rigid base modules and elastic vault modules are combined in a hybrid structure, then greater area and height capacity is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure areaVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid base modules serve multiple functions: they provide load-bearing support, anchoring to the ground, and structural framework for the entire hybrid structure. The elastic vault modules also serve multiple functions: volume expansion, weather protection, and integration with the rigid base modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thus managing complexity while achieving expanded area and height capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The hybrid structure allows for greater area and height capacity while reducing environmental impact and eliminating the need for extensive ground preparation, providing stability and reliability across various weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

which are filled with gas under pressure, for example, dry compressed air, when erecting the structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas inflation: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240376731A1Modular Mobile Temporary Structures and Method of Formation
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 CUBY TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US20240376731A1 patent drawing
  • US20240376731A1 patent drawing
  • US20240376731A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular mobile temporary structure is provided with a plurality of primary modules. Each module includes a housing formed utilizing an intermodal shipping container, with the plurality of primary modules forming a base and an outside periphery of a temporary structure. A lightweight pneumatic frame consists of multiple inflatable elements, and a sealing tent. The pneumatic frame forms a dome of the temporary structure, and the inflatable elements are connected to each other and to the base. The sealing tent interconnects the inflatable elements and covers an exterior of the temporary structure to protect an interior of the structure from atmospheric factors.