Multi-functional Tray with Interlocking Units for Versatile Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formworks and planter boards are designed for specific applications only, lacking versatility to be used across different types of applications such as green roof plantation, thermal insulation, and building construction, necessitating the need for a universal container that can adapt to various uses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional tray designed to be lightweight, modular, and interlocking, featuring partitions, securing units, and multi-directional water passageways, allowing it to be used as a planter board, thermal insulation structure, or solid concrete panel by filling different layers with appropriate materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a formwork or planter board is designed for a specific application, then it can perform its designated function effectively, but it cannot be used for other applications requiring different designs and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with a universal structure that can serve multiple applications including green roof plantation, thermal insulation, and building construction. The standardized configuration with interlocking units, partitions, and securing units allows the same tray design to be adapted for different uses by simply changing the filling material and layer configuration, eliminating the need for application-specific designs
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is divided into modular segments including multiple partitions that create separate compartments, interlocking units that allow modular assembly, and securing units that can accommodate different materials. This segmentation enables the tray to be configured for different applications while maintaining a standardized base design
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate formworks and planter boards are designed for different applications, then each can be optimized for its specific use, but the overall system requires multiple designs and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized tray design replaces the need for multiple application-specific designs. The tray can be used for green roof plantation with planting medium and water reservoirs, for thermal insulation with insulation materials, and for building construction with concrete or mortar, thereby reducing the quantity of different design types from multiple to one
3Weight of moving object
If a tray structure is made lightweight for easy handling, then it reduces installation effort, but it may compromise structural strength and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The tray utilizes composite construction with a polypropylene base material that provides lightweight properties, while incorporating structural reinforcements including interlocking units, partitions, and securing units that enhance strength and rigidity. The composite structure allows the tray to remain lightweight for easy handling while maintaining the structural integrity needed for various applications
4Strength
If partitions and securing units are added to enhance tray strength and rigidity, then structural robustness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray incorporates partitions that divide the cavity into compartments, interlocking units that connect multiple trays, and securing units that fasten materials to the tray walls. These segmented structural elements are integrated into the standardized tray design, providing enhanced strength and rigidity while maintaining design consistency across different applications
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-functional tray that can be used in various applications to form different products, such as planter board for green roof plantation, thermal insulation structure for roof deck insulation, solid concrete panel for building construction, etc. The tray comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, and a backing layer connected between the upper portion and the lower portion. The lower portion comprises a plurality of reservoirs with through holes. The upper portion has a plurality of partitions and securing units to secure the material in the upper portion.