Modular Aluminum Helipad Profiles with Knurled Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing infrastructure for helicopters, including heliports and helipads, is inadequate to meet changing mobility needs due to slow design, approval, and implementation processes, limiting the use of helicopters for medium and large distances, and standard construction methods are cumbersome, costly, and environmentally impactful.

Innovation Solution

A modular aluminum helipads and heliports landing system featuring knurled surface profiles and specialized joining systems allows for rapid assembly of fully functional helipads with integrated aeronautical lighting and heating systems, reducing construction time, cost, and environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If standard construction methods (reinforced concrete) are used for helipads, then structural strength and durability are improved, but construction time, cost, and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The helipad structure is divided into modular aluminum profiles that can be pre-manufactured and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for parallel production of components while minimizing on-site construction activities, thereby maintaining structural integrity while reducing construction time and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameter from traditional reinforced concrete to aluminum profiles with specific structural characteristics. This parameter change enables a shift from cast-in-place construction to modular assembly, achieving both structural strength and reduced construction time through the inherent properties of aluminum materials and modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If standard construction methods are used for helipads, then structural stability is improved, but bureaucracy and approval processes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbureaucracy complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular nature of the aluminum profile system allows for standardized components with predetermined structural performance. This segmentation into standardized modules simplifies the approval process by reducing the need for complex custom design reviews while maintaining structural stability through proven modular configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If modular aluminum profiles are used for helipads, then construction time and flexibility are improved, but structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The aluminum profiles are pre-manufactured with integrated connection systems and structural optimizations before delivery to the site. This preliminary action ensures that the components are ready for immediate assembly, achieving rapid construction while the pre-engineered design guarantees required structural strength without compromising during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes composite structural design where aluminum profiles are combined with appropriate connection elements and surface treatments to achieve the required structural strength. The composite approach leverages the high strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum while incorporating additional materials or treatments to ensure adequate load-bearing capacity for helicopter operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2532784B1Helipads and heliports landing system
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 MALLIA SALVATORE
  • EP2532784B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(d)
  • EP2532784B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP2532784B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

The "Helipads and heliports landing system" is a device for the construction and development of helipads and heliports. The system consists of a set of aluminum profiles, with knurled surface, that gives the possibility to build turnkey fully functional helipad, including aeronautical lighting systems totally integrated into the system. Its main features are: Rapidity: It is possible to build a 20x20 msq helipad in two or three days. Flexibility: It can be installed on any ground surface, after a briefly preparation of the substrate with a limit of 5% slope. Duration: It is a profile that last. The spontaneous formation of an oxide layer protects the aluminum, making it particularly resistant to corrosion. Low environment impact: the absence of typical activities of any other construction process and the use of a totally recyclable material such as aluminum, allows the reduction of environmental impacts.