Modular Parking Column With Ball Joints And Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular parking structures without conventional foundations face challenges such as obstructed parking maneuvers due to pillar placement, excessive structural size complicating transportation and assembly, and the need for lightweight materials which compromise durability and longevity, particularly with concrete floors.
Innovation Solution
A column design featuring adjustable, stiffened steel plates with ball joints supporting column elements spaced every three parking lots, incorporating adjustable bracing structures between column elements to distribute loads and eliminate the need for traditional bracing, allowing for a single raised level or two-level configurations without foundations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pillars or columns are arranged on both longitudinal edges of the bin and on both edges of the lane, one every two parking lots, then the load transmission to the ground is well distributed, but the parking maneuvers are partially obstructed by said pillars or columns along the sides of the central lane
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into two separate column elements spaced apart from each other, with bracing structures connecting them. This segmentation allows the structural function to be distributed while reducing obstruction to parking maneuvers, as the individual elements are positioned to minimize interference with vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single centralized column to a distributed dual-element column structure. By spacing the two column elements apart and connecting them with bracing, the structure achieves both load distribution reliability and improved maneuverability by occupying space more efficiently in the horizontal dimension.
2Reliability
If a column is provided every two parking lots, then the load transmission is well distributed, but the connecting beams between the pillars are very long, generally around 16 meters or more, and therefore difficult to handle during the production, transportation and yard handling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The column structure is segmented into two separate column elements rather than a single long-span support. This segmentation reduces the required beam length between supports, making the connecting beams shorter and more manageable during production, transportation, and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing structures connecting the two column elements are designed to be adjustable, allowing the structure to adapt during assembly and operation. This adjustability facilitates easier handling and assembly of the modular components while maintaining structural integrity for load transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lightweight materials are used in place of concrete to construct the floor, then the structure can be used without foundations, but the lifespan is limited to temporary use only, from few weeks to few months
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite construction approach where a concrete floor is combined with a steel column structure featuring adjustable bracing. The concrete floor provides the durability and lifespan characteristics of permanent structures, while the steel column system with adjustable bracing enables foundation-free installation and adaptability for temporary or semi-permanent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bracing structures allow the system to adapt between temporary and semi-permanent configurations. The bracing can be adjusted or modified to accommodate different usage durations, enabling the concrete floor to be used in foundation-free applications while maintaining its inherent durability and longevity.
4Ease of operation
If support beams are provided transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lane, then the maneuvering comfort is improved, but the excessive size of the modular elements makes transportation and assembling/disassembling operations difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse support beams are integrated into a modular column system where the beams are segmented and connected to adjustable bracing structures. This segmentation allows the beams to be broken down into smaller, more manageable modules that are easier to transport and assemble, while still providing the transverse support needed for maneuvering comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bracing structures enable the beam configuration to be modified during assembly and operation. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to accommodate standard transportation dimensions while maintaining the transverse beam configuration that provides good maneuvering comfort, as the bracing can be adjusted to optimize both transportability and structural performance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a column (1) for realizing prefabricated structures, in particular for realizing of modular parkings, said column (1) being characterized in that it provides a floor support structure (2), two ball articulated joints (3), or hinges, provided on said support structure, two column elements (4), coupled under stable support conditions, to a respective one of said ball joints (3), and in such a way to assume a vertical orientation, and at least one bracing structure (6) between said two column elements (4).