Modular Foundation Blocks With Recessed Connecting Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of communication towers and antennas in remote areas is hindered by high costs and time requirements due to the need for multiple crews and complex interlocking mechanisms in existing modular foundation systems, making it impractical for areas with limited access and no existing infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A modular foundation system comprising interlocking blocks with recesses and connecting plates, allowing for easy assembly and configuration, along with enclosure panels for perimeter security, which can support structures like towers and antennas with minimal labor and additional parts, and can be adapted for various applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional concrete pouring and multi-crew construction methods are used, then the foundation can support the structure, but the installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoundation support capacityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation is divided into multiple pre-cast concrete blocks that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each block is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and reinforcement, allowing parallel production and rapid deployment without requiring sequential concrete pouring operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The concrete blocks are pre-manufactured with embedded reinforcement steel and structural features before delivery to the site. This preliminary preparation of critical structural elements eliminates the need for on-site formwork construction,钢筋 binding, and curing wait times that characterize conventional concrete foundation construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple specialized crews are deployed for site preparation and construction, then the foundation can be built to specification, but the labor cost and logistical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoundation construction qualityVSAvoidconstruction crew coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-cast blocks are designed as self-contained units with pre-integrated reinforcement, drainage features, and connection interfaces. The blocks self-align during assembly through standardized bearing surfaces and interlocking features, eliminating the need for specialized formwork crews, rebar tying crews, and complex quality control coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized block design serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, drainage conduit, connection element for adjacent blocks, and mounting surface for equipment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized components and crews into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If modular foundation systems with interlocking mechanisms are used, then assembly is simplified, but the complexity of interlocking mechanisms and additional parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidinterlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection features are merged directly into the block structure itself through recesses and protrusions that are integral to the concrete casting process. This eliminates separate interlocking mechanisms, fasteners, and connection hardware that would add complexity to modular assembly systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex interlocking mechanisms and connection hardware are extracted from the foundation system entirely. Instead, the blocks utilize simple gravitational settling and friction-based stability, with optional minimal fastening if required by site conditions, rather than engineered interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Strength

If conventional construction methods are used in remote areas, then the foundation can be built, but the travel time and accommodation costs for workers increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoundation structural integrityVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation system is segmented into transportable pre-cast blocks that can be delivered via limited access routes. This segmentation allows the foundation components to be transported efficiently to remote locations using smaller, more accessible vehicles compared to conventional monolithic concrete delivery requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All construction activities requiring skilled labor and equipment setup are performed preliminarily at centralized manufacturing locations near supply chains and workforce. The pre-cast blocks arrive at remote sites ready for immediate assembly, eliminating the need for prolonged on-site construction operations that would require worker accommodation and sustained logistical support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11603641B2Foundation system and method of construction
Publication Date: 2023.03.14 AITCHISON ALLAN
  • US11603641B2 patent drawing
  • US11603641B2 patent drawing
  • US11603641B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foundation system for supporting a structure thereon comprising: a plurality of blocks, each block having at least three sides; at least two recesses formed in the at least three sides of each block; a plurality of connecting plates having a first end configured to be secured within a recess of a first block and a second end configured to be secured within a recess of an adjacent block such that the connecting plate extends between recesses of adjacent blocks to secure adjacent blocks together to form a foundation grid of said blocks; and enclosure panels mountable to said blocks along an edge thereof so as to form an enclosure about a perimeter of the foundation grid.