Modular Parking System Ball Joint Base Axial Load Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular demountable and remountable vehicle parking systems are complex and costly to construct, and they often subject vertical support elements to non-axial loads, which can lead to additional stresses.

Innovation Solution

The use of ball joint ends as structural hinges between the support base and the lower end of vertical support elements, allowing for axial load support and adjustable height, combined with nodal elements that enable multi-storey configurations, ensures only axial loads are applied to the vertical support elements, simplifying the system and reducing construction complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional modular demountable parking systems are used, then parking capacity is provided, but construction complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The parking structure is divided into independent modular units, each comprising a base, vertical support elements, and floor panels. These modules can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site, reducing construction complexity while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation allows for standardized production of each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex rigid connections between vertical supports and bases, the invention inverts the approach by using spherical hinge connections that allow rotational freedom. This inversion simplifies the connection mechanism while ensuring that only axial loads are transmitted to the vertical support elements, eliminating bending moments and reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used in modular parking systems, then structural stability is improved, but non-axial loads create additional stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidload stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces rigid fixed connections with spherical hinge connections at the base-vertical support element interfaces. This inversion allows the vertical elements to remain stable under axial loads while freely accommodating any horizontal displacements or rotations, ensuring that only axial compressive or tensile stresses are generated in the vertical support elements, not bending stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical hinge connection changes the mechanical parameter of the joint from rigid (zero degrees of freedom) to flexible (one degree of rotational freedom). This parameter change allows the joint to accommodate misalignments and foundation movements without generating additional stresses, while still maintaining structural stability through the axial load path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed-length vertical support elements are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different parking configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical support elements are designed with adjustable length capability through telescopic or segmented construction with locking mechanisms. This dynamic feature allows the same standardized component to adapt to different parking module configurations and height requirements, providing versatility without requiring custom-manufactured elements for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical support elements are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions: supporting different floor levels, accommodating various module configurations, and adapting to different site conditions. Through standardized interfaces and adjustable features, a single design can be used across multiple parking module variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2093352B1Modular demountable and remountable parking system, including multi-storey

Publication Date: 2011.01.19 MUSSINI DANIELE

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AI summary

The modular demountable and remountable parking system for motor vehicles is composed of a determined number of modular structural units (10.1; 10.2) and adequate bracing elements (43, 44). Each modular structural unit comprises: a square or rectangular floor system including main steel beams (12, 14); four steel nodal elements (30.1; 30.2) on which the floor system rests at its four corners; four steel vertical support elements (18), at the top of which a nodal element (30.1; 30.2) is provided; and four steel bases (36). The joint between each base (36) and the lower end of the relative vertical support element (18) comprises a ball joint end (70). By providing a suitable type of node (30.2), multi-storey parking systems (100) can be obtained with the modular units (10.2).