Modular Parking Lot Structure with Vertical Access System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Undeveloped or partially developed land, such as surface parking lots, often underutilizes space and fails to maximize income generation due to inefficient land configuration, with a need for flexible, low-cost space for various uses like apartments, storage, or offices, while maintaining existing site usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure comprising a support assembly, a removable module, and an access system that allows vertical movement, enabling the creation of additional usable space without permanently altering the site, allowing for various uses like parking, storage, or offices, and can be easily relocated when the site is developed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If surface parking lots are used to generate income, then income is generated, but space utilization is inefficient and corner sections/center islands remain unutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical dimensionality by placing modules above the parking lot surface, transforming a two-dimensional surface parking configuration into a three-dimensional structure. This allows the same land area to generate both parking revenue (ground level) and rental income (elevated modules), effectively doubling the productivity of the site without reducing the parking area.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are positioned to utilize unused spaces within the parking lot configuration, such as corner sections and center islands. The modules nest above these underutilized areas, allowing the parking lot layout to remain intact while adding functional space in the vertical dimension above the neglected areas.
2Productivity
If permanent structures are built to increase usable space, then additional income potential is created, but flexibility and relocation capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into separate modular components that can be independently assembled, positioned, and disassembled. Each module is a discrete unit supported by its own support assembly, allowing individual modules to be relocated without affecting others. This segmentation enables the structure to be reconfigured or moved as site needs change, maintaining adaptability while providing permanent-quality space.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assemblies incorporate adjustable and removable components that allow the modules to be dynamically repositioned. The support structures can be assembled and disassembled without permanent foundation work, enabling the system to adapt to changing site requirements while providing stable, permanent-quality living or working space during its deployment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If modules are permanently joined to support assembly, then structural stability is improved, but relocation and reuse capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support assemblies are pre-engineered with standardized connection points and mounting mechanisms that provide stable support when assembled. The modular design allows for preliminary structural stabilization through proper assembly techniques while maintaining the inherent ability to disassemble and relocate, balancing stability requirements with reusability needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure with a support assembly having an upper surface spaced above a lower surface, a module removably supported by the upper surface of the support assembly, and an access system that is configured to allow a person adjacent the lower surface of the support assembly to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface of the support assembly. The module at least partially encloses an interior space that is accessible through an opening in the module. The module is not permanently joined to the support assembly, and there is an accessible volume of space positioned below the module. The access system is positioned in a corner of a parking lot, the module extends laterally outward from the access system, and the module is positioned above at least one parking space in the parking lot.