Modular Columbarium Frame Assembly for Lightweight Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing columbaria are heavy, complex to install, and require skilled labor, making transportation and on-site assembly challenging.
Innovation Solution
A columbarium with a self-supporting base structure composed of interconnected profiled metallic elements, using screw-type locking means for assembly, and supporting elements for easy installation on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional columbaria are made of masonry or concrete blocks, then they have high strength and stability, but they have considerable weight making transportation and installation complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is divided into multiple modular units that can be separately manufactured and transported. Each unit contains specific niches and can be assembled on-site through interconnection mechanisms, reducing the weight and complexity of transportation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining metal profiles for the structural framework with concrete or stone cladding panels for the exterior finish. This allows the structure to achieve the desired strength and aesthetic appearance while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional solid masonry construction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If columbaria are pre-assembled as complete base structures, then they have solid structure capability, but installation requires skilled labor and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is segmented into standardized modular units with consistent connection interfaces. These modules can be easily assembled on-site through simple interconnection mechanisms without requiring specialized skills, while the modular design ensures structural stability through repeated proven connection patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed with self-aligning features and simple mechanical connections that allow workers to assemble the structure without specialized training. The interconnection mechanisms automatically ensure proper positioning and structural integrity, making the installation process accessible to general laborers.
3Reliability
If columbaria use traditional masonry construction, then they have high reliability, but manufacturing and installation costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturing individual modular units in controlled factory settings improves quality control and reduces material waste compared to on-site masonry construction. The standardized modules can be produced efficiently using automated processes, and the simplified on-site assembly reduces labor costs and installation time, overall reducing manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A columbarium for containing funerary objects, provided with at least one self-supporting base structure which can be arranged so as to rest on a supporting surface and forms a plurality of niches for housing funerary objects; the base structure comprises a plurality of portions of profiled elements which are mutually interconnected and are arranged along at least two mutually perpendicular directions, in order to delimit at least one portion of the niches; the portions of profiled elements each have at least one longitudinal seat for the insertion of a portion of at least one respective elongated connecting element for the mutual connection of at least two of the portions of profiled elements arranged contiguously to each other.