Modular Building Support With Screw Jack Flood Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for raising buildings to mitigate flood risk, such as stilts, hydraulic jacks, and buoyant foundations, are costly, aesthetically unappealing, or not permanent, and fail to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic foundation system comprising a modular building exoskeleton, drilled concrete caissons, and a translating screw jack system that allows buildings to adjust height rapidly and react to environmental changes, providing vertical and lateral support while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic jacks are used to raise a building, then the building can be elevated to mitigate flood risk, but the system becomes cost prohibitive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic systems with a mechanical screw jack system. The screw jack uses a threaded rod that engages with a nut mounted to the building frame, converting rotational motion to linear motion for elevation. This mechanical approach eliminates hydraulic fluids, pumps, and associated control systems, significantly reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to elevate the building for flood protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of elevation from the complex hydraulic system and implements it through a simpler mechanical screw jack mechanism. By removing unnecessary hydraulic components and retaining only the core elevation function through threaded mechanical advantage, the system achieves flood protection with reduced complexity
2Productivity
If building screw jacks are used for temporary repair, then the building can be raised quickly, but the solution is not permanent and requires removal after foundation repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic foundation system where the screw jack can transition between temporary and permanent states. The system allows rapid elevation for immediate flood protection, then can be permanently installed by anchoring the screw jack base to the foundation or integrating it into the permanent structure. The modular design enables the same component to serve both temporary emergency response and permanent installation needs
3Reliability
If stilts are used to elevate a building, then the building can be raised to mitigate flood risk, but the construction becomes expensive and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the elevation function into discrete screw jack modules that can be independently installed at each corner or support point of the building. This segmentation allows for phased installation, selective placement only where needed, and integration with existing foundation elements, reducing overall construction costs compared to complete stilt foundations while maintaining flood protection capability
4Device complexity
If a static foundation system is used, then the building structure is simple, but the building cannot adapt to changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static foundation into a dynamic system by incorporating adjustable screw jacks that can change the building's elevation. The screw jack mechanism allows the foundation to adapt to changing flood levels, settlement, or environmental conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through the mechanical threading system that converts small rotational inputs into precise vertical position changes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables buildings to adapt to changing flood levels and environmental conditions, preventing long-term damage and reducing construction costs by allowing homes to self-level and follow tidal changes, suitable for both aquatic and high-alpine environments.
Implementation Method 1
a translating screw jack system that allows buildings to adjust height
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein include a building support system that includes a plurality of caissons that extend below building grade to one or more of an engineered depth and a competent subsurface. Each caisson is topped with a caisson cap that includes various elements and mechanisms for engaging with a structural steel member of a building module. A screw jack that operates within each caisson supports one or more building modules. Multiple screw jacks in multiple caissons raise and lower the entire building structure under electrical control, including remote control.