Reconfigurable Modular Building Structure for Extreme Weather Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building designs are inadequate in withstanding extreme weather events and environmental stressors, leading to structural failures and damage, necessitating innovative, adaptable, and resilient building systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular building system incorporating a central structure with moveable and slidable units that can transition between deployed and collapsed configurations, featuring folding panels, secure locking mechanisms, and materials resistant to fire and environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional building designs are used, then construction simplicity is maintained, but structural integrity and resilience against extreme weather events deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is divided into a permanent central structure and temporary movable building units. The central structure provides the resilient core that withstands extreme weather, while the movable units can be repositioned or removed based on environmental conditions, thereby achieving both structural integrity and managed complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The building units are designed to be movable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to changing environmental conditions, maintaining strength during extreme events by retreating to the central structure while preserving construction simplicity through standardized modular components
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed building structures are used, then stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building units incorporate movable components with casting members and guide members that enable controlled movement between deployed and retracted positions. This dynamic design provides adaptability to environmental changes while maintaining structural stability through the permanent central structure and controlled reconfiguration mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The movable building units are designed to be stored within or adjacent to the central structure when not in use. This nesting arrangement allows the system to maintain a compact, stable configuration during extreme weather while enabling expanded, adaptable configurations when environmental conditions permit
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable building units are used, then adaptability and reconfigurability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex reconfiguration capability is achieved by segmenting the building system into independent movable units, each with its own simplified movement mechanism. This segmentation distributes the complexity across multiple simple components rather than requiring a single complex system, thereby improving reconfigurability while managing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable building units are designed as universal modules that can be configured in multiple arrangements and serve different functions. The standardized design of casting members, guide members, and connection interfaces allows the same components to perform multiple functions across different configurations, reducing overall device complexity while maximizing reconfigurability
Data Source
AI summary
A modular and reconfigurable building structure designed to enhance resilience against severe weather and environmental challenges. The system includes a central structure anchored to a foundation, providing stability and defining a primary living space. Movable building units are coupled to the central structure and configured to transition between a deployed configuration, expanding the building footprint, and a collapsed configuration, reducing the footprint for increased protection. The movable units can include pivotable structures and/or retractable structures. One or more folding wall panels connected by hinges can be provided as well as support elements and locking mechanisms to ensure stability during deployment.