Polymeric Burial Vault Assembly Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional concrete burial vaults are heavy, difficult to store and transport, and can allow moisture to penetrate, leading to decomposition and sinkhole formation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece polymeric burial vault assembly comprising a base and cover, each with an inner liner and outer jacket, and a jacket cap that couples the liner with the jacket, providing a lightweight and water-impermeable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional concrete burial vaults are used, then protection from moisture and earth is provided, but the vaults become heavy and difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The burial vault is divided into multiple components: an inner liner, an outer jacket, and a jacket cap. These segmented parts can be assembled around the funerary box, providing the necessary protection while reducing the weight compared to a single solid concrete vault. The segmentation allows for easier handling and storage of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining different materials - the inner liner (which contacts the funerary box), the outer jacket (which contacts the earth), and the jacket cap (which seals the assembly). This composite approach maintains moisture protection functionality while reducing overall weight compared to traditional concrete vaults.
2Strength
If concrete burial vaults are used, then structural strength is provided, but they are porous and allow moisture penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The vault system separates the functions of moisture barrier and structural support into different components. The inner liner serves as the moisture-impermeable barrier that directly protects the funerary box, while the outer jacket provides structural strength and contacts the earth. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning each function to the most suitable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner liner acts as an intermediary barrier between the funerary box and the external environment. It provides the moisture-impermeable protection that concrete alone cannot ensure, while the outer jacket serves as the intermediary between the vault assembly and the surrounding earth, providing structural support.
3Reliability
If concrete burial vaults are used, then protection from decomposition is provided, but they allow earth and moisture to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-component design segments the protection functions: the inner liner prevents moisture and earth ingress to protect against decomposition, the outer jacket provides structural protection, and the jacket cap seals the assembly. This segmentation ensures that harmful factors are blocked at multiple interfaces, enhancing protection while addressing the limitations of traditional concrete vaults.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner liner is installed first to create the primary moisture and earth barrier before the outer jacket and jacket cap are assembled. This preliminary action ensures that the critical protection against decomposition is established before the vault is placed in the ground, preventing harmful factors from reaching the funerary box.
Data Source
AI summary
A burial vault assembly includes a liner, a jacket, and a jacket cap. The liner is formed to define an interior region. The jacket is arranged around the liner and is configured to be exposed to earth surrounding the burial vault assembly. The jacket cap extends around at least a portion of the jacket and is coupled with the liner to couple the liner with the jacket.