Modular Building Lifting System Using Steel Posts and Pulleys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular construction systems require cranes and multiple persons for assembly, and lack visually exposed structural components for inspection by building and safety officials.
Innovation Solution
A modular multi-story building construction system with a winch and pulley system, lightweight panels, and a lifting apparatus using steel posts and pulleys, allowing two-person assembly and visually exposed structural components for inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional modular construction methods are used with cranes and multiple persons for assembly, then structural stability and lifting capacity are improved, but device complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular panels that can be assembled incrementally. The lifting apparatus is segmented into multiple steel posts distributed around the structure, each capable of independent operation. This allows the system to handle heavy loads through distributed support rather than requiring a single complex crane system.
Solution Approach 2:
Steel posts serve as intermediary lifting points between the ground and the modular panels. These posts provide stable anchor points for pulley systems, enabling weight distribution across multiple locations. The posts act as mediators that transfer lifting forces from the ground through the pulley system to the panels being assembled.
2Strength
If traditional modular construction with multiple persons is used, then lifting capacity and structural stability are improved, but ease of operation and labor requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting task is segmented across multiple steel posts and pulley systems, allowing two persons to distribute the workload. Each person operates at different locations around the structure, manipulating panels through the pulley system rather than requiring a large crew coordinating complex crane operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley system attached to the steel posts enables the assembly workers to lift and position panels using the structure's own framework. The system uses the building's vertical elements (steel posts) as part of the lifting mechanism, allowing workers to pull panels into place through mechanical advantage rather than requiring external heavy equipment.
3Ease of operation
If panels are made lightweight for two-person assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but weight and structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley system attached to the steel posts provides mechanical advantage that counteracts the weight of the panels. By routing cables through pulleys on the steel posts, the system creates mechanical leverage that reduces the effective force required by workers to lift and position panels, allowing heavier panels to be handled by fewer persons.
4Measurement precision
If structural components are visually exposed for inspection, then measurement precision and code compliance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steel posts and structural components have a distinctive metallic appearance that visually distinguishes them from finished panel surfaces. This visual differentiation makes the structural framework and connection points easily identifiable for inspection purposes, allowing building officials to locate and examine critical structural elements without complex marking systems.
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
Enables efficient, two-person construction with reduced labor and errors, ensuring compliance with building codes through visually inspectable structural components and connections.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting apparatus having at least two steel posts configured in lifting positions
Implementation Method 2
A modular multi-story building construction system with a winch and pulley system, lightweight panels, and a lifting apparatus using steel posts and pulleys
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a modular multi-story building construction system which has visually exposed structural components and/or panels exposing the structural connections for inspection by building and safety officials. In addition to the exposed components for ease of inspection, the present invention has a unique lifting system that combines a winch and pulley system with a supported post or pole to support the weight of the panels being lifted. Because of the unique lifting system, two adult persons can assemble the modular structures without heavy equipment.