Interlocking Honeycomb Modules for Compact Transport and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Honeycomb structure modules have a large size with a void exceeding 95% during packaging and transport, leading to high implementation costs and requiring additional drainage methods when used as a drainage and/or water retention layer.
Innovation Solution
A composite part consisting of two modules with interlocking slots in their lateral walls, allowing them to be stacked with mutual interlocking, reducing the storage footprint by half and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If honeycomb structure modules are packaged and transported in their expanded state, then their structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but their volume increases significantly leading to high storage and transport costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one honeycomb module inside another module during packaging and transport. The modules are designed with complementary geometries that allow them to fit together like nested dolls, significantly reducing the storage volume from what would be required for separate packaging while maintaining structural integrity through the nesting arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If honeycomb structure modules are used as drainage and water retention layers, then water management functionality is achieved, but additional drainage methods and components are required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the honeycomb module itself multi-functional by integrating drainage and water retention capabilities directly into the module structure. The module serves simultaneously as structural support, water retention barrier, and drainage element, eliminating the need for separate drainage components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile water management functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a module (1) with an alveolar structure, in particular a honeycomb structure, consisting of a body in the form of a gridded plate (1') with identical and mutually joined tubular meshes (2), constituting as many cells, said cells (2) having a polyhedral shape with a polygonal section, and lateral walls (3, 3') of height (ha). Module (1) characterized in that at least some of the side walls (3, 3') of the cells (2), common to two cells (2) or not, have cutouts (4) in the form of slots extending from a face (5) of the plate (1') to at least half-height of the wall (3, 3') concerned and arranged to allow assembly of said module (1) with an identical module (1) with mutual interlocking engagement of the walls (3, 3') of their respective cells (2), at the level of opposite slots (4).