Modular Enclosed Transportation Structure Using Segmented Planar Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cylindrical tube structures for high-speed transportation systems face limitations due to large diameter requirements, which lead to costly manufacturing, transportation challenges, confined space hazards, and complex installation processes, restricting their feasible deployment and increasing operational risks and costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular enclosed transportation structure composed of planar metal sheets forming an exterior and interior wall with a gap in between, supported by filler and support materials, allowing for decoupled installation and reduced confined space environments, enabling easier transportation and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large diameter cylindrical tubes are used for enclosed transportation, then the enclosed environment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and transportation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed tube structure is divided into multiple modular segments that can be manufactured separately using standard-sized metal sheets and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows the use of conventional manufacturing processes rather than specialized large-diameter tube manufacturing, reducing costs while maintaining the enclosed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where an inner tube is placed within an outer tube, creating the enclosed environment through the annular space between them. This nested configuration achieves the enclosed transportation environment using standard-sized sheet metal components rather than requiring monolithic large-diameter tubes.
2Reliability
If large diameter cylindrical tubes are used for enclosed transportation, then the enclosed environment is achieved, but transportation and installation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The tube structure is segmented into multiple manageable modules that can be transported using standard equipment and assembled on-site. This eliminates the need for specialized transportation infrastructure and permits while maintaining the enclosed environment through proper sealing at segment interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segments are pre-assembled and sealed at the manufacturing location before transportation. This preliminary assembly of the enclosed structure allows the segments to be transported as complete sealed units rather than requiring on-site assembly of the enclosed environment, simplifying transportation and installation.
3Reliability
If traditional cylindrical tube structures are used, then the enclosed environment is provided, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed tube is divided into standardized modular segments with pre-integrated support structures and connection interfaces. This segmentation enables parallel assembly operations and reduces on-site construction time while maintaining the enclosed environment through standardized sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the tube structure, support elements, and connection interfaces into integrated modular units. This merging of multiple functions into single components reduces the number of separate assembly operations required, accelerating installation while preserving the enclosed environment.
4Reliability
If large diameter tubes are used, then the enclosed space is achieved, but mass and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube configuration creates the enclosed environment using thin-walled inner and outer tubes rather than a single thick-walled large-diameter tube. This nested structure achieves the required enclosed volume with significantly reduced material mass while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled metal sheet tubes for the enclosed structure, relying on the nested configuration and support elements rather than thick walls for structural strength. This use of thin films reduces mass while maintaining the enclosed environment through proper structural support.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular structure, configured to be connectable with a plurality of modular structures to form an enclosed transportation path, each modular structure including a bottom element structured and arranged to provide a track support surface and a plurality of upper element attachment structures, and an upper element configured to attach to the bottom element at the plurality of upper element attachment structures, wherein the upper element is structured to sealingly engage with the lower element.