Modular Grid Foundation Segmentation for Rapid Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional concrete foundations are expensive and time-consuming to install, with many factors beyond the contractor's control affecting the installation process, such as weather and soil conditions, leading to a lengthy on-site process.

Innovation Solution

A modular grid foundation system comprising foundation modules with central tubular members and vanes that can be driven into the earth, coupled together to form a grid, and filled with materials like earth or concrete, providing stability and resistance to environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional concrete foundations are used, then foundation strength and stability are achieved, but installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation system is divided into multiple discrete foundation modules that can be manufactured off-site and installed individually. Each module is a self-contained unit with integrated reinforcement and anchoring features, eliminating the need for complex on-site concrete pouring and curing processes while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Foundation modules are pre-assembled with reinforcement cages, anchoring vanes, and structural components in a controlled manufacturing environment before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly steps and ensures quality control while reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional concrete foundations are used, then foundation stability is achieved, but installation process complexity increases due to uncontrollable factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation system is divided into multiple discrete foundation modules that can be manufactured off-site and installed individually. Each module is a self-contained unit with integrated reinforcement and anchoring features, eliminating the need for complex on-site concrete pouring and curing processes while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and properties of the foundation from traditional poured concrete to pre-fabricated modular units with optimized geometric parameters. The modules feature specific dimensional ratios, reinforcement configurations, and material compositions that ensure stability while simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If traditional concrete foundations are used, then load-bearing capacity is achieved, but manufacturing flexibility and adaptability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation system is divided into multiple discrete foundation modules that can be manufactured off-site and installed individually. Each module is a self-contained unit with integrated reinforcement and anchoring features, eliminating the need for complex on-site concrete pouring and curing processes while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foundation modules are designed as universal units that can be adapted to various applications through configuration changes rather than custom manufacturing. The standardized modules can be arranged in different patterns and combined with various superstructures, providing manufacturing flexibility while maintaining load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11053655B2Modular grid foundation

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 MAXWELL LAWRENCE S

AI summary

Method of building a grid system wherein a plurality of modular apparatuses can be arranged at a structure site. The plurality modular apparatuses can have a central tubular member having an inner bore formed between a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of vanes having a lateral width at least equal to a diameter of the central tubular member. The one or more modular apparatuses can be positioned above a surface of the structure site. Each of the plurality modular apparatuses can be connected with at least two adjacent modular apparatuses of the plurality of modular apparatuses via a locking lug on one of the plurality of vanes slidingly engaged with a locking channel on an adjacent modular apparatus. The plurality of modular apparatuses can then be driven into the structure site wherein the inner bore receives earthen formation therein.