Hyperboloid Tensioned Mast Tower Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tower structures employing tensioned elements face challenges in stability against buckling and providing comprehensive views and accessible platforms, particularly in designing a structure that effectively resists horizontal forces like wind and earthquakes while offering panoramic views and multiple seating levels.
Innovation Solution
A tower structure featuring a central mast supported by a hyperboloid arrangement of tensioned elongate elements, including straight and parabolic elements, with junction-to-mast and junction-to-junction elements, and a ring truss structure housing a restaurant facility with 360-degree platforms, providing both interior and exterior views and multiple seating levels, and maintaining elements under tension using connectors and bonding agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tower structure employs tensioned elements to support the mast, then the mast stability against buckling is improved, but the complexity of the structural arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioned structural arrangement is divided into multiple discrete elements including junction-to-mast elements, junction-to-junction elements, and ring truss elements. These segmented components work together to provide comprehensive support against buckling while allowing for modular construction and simplified manufacturing of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hyperboloid-shaped structural arrangement of tensioned elements that conform to a curved geometric form. This curved configuration provides optimal structural efficiency for resisting buckling forces while distributing stresses more effectively compared to straight rigid arrangements, enhancing stability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tower structure includes multiple platforms and ring configurations for views and seating, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring truss structure and platforms are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, enabling panoramic views through 360-degree accessibility, supporting restaurant facilities, and offering seating areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each purpose, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested configurations where ring platforms and restaurant facilities are integrated within the hyperboloid structural framework. The ring truss structure houses the restaurant facility, and multiple platforms are arranged concentrically around the mast, with inner platforms nested within the structure defined by outer platforms, creating a compact multi-level arrangement.
3Force
If the tower structure uses a hyperboloid arrangement of tensioned elements, then the resistance to horizontal forces is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hyperboloid structure is segmented into discrete tensioned elements with standardized connection points at junctions. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing of individual elements and pre-fabrication of connection components, reducing the precision requirements for monolithic construction while maintaining the overall hyperboloid geometry needed for horizontal force resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that tensioned elements can have varying geometries (straight or parabolic) and that junctions can be positioned at different locations along the elements. By allowing parameter variations in element shapes and positions within certain ranges, the design accommodates manufacturing tolerances while maintaining sufficient precision for effective horizontal force resistance through the hyperboloid configuration.
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 structure effectively resists horizontal forces, maintains stability against buckling, and offers panoramic views and accessible platforms, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of tower structures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of tensioned elongate elements arranged to support the mast against buckling
Data Source
AI summary
A tower structure including a central, vertical mast and a plurality of tensioned elongate elements arranged to support the mast against buckling, the plurality of tensioned elements together defining a generally hyperboloid structure and including a first plurality of elongate elements which define a multiplicity of junctions therebetween, a second plurality of junction-to-mast joining elongate elements which join at least some of the multiplicity of junctions to the central, vertical mast; and a third plurality of junction-to-junction joining elongate elements which are connected at a plurality of mutually spaced fixed locations therealong to the at least some of the multiplicity of junctions.