Prefabricated Can Plaza Structure for Lower-Weight Electrical Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can plazas used for electrical conduit and cabling in airport runways are too heavy to be prefabricated, leading to installation delays due to sporadic weather conditions at some locations, causing access denial.
Innovation Solution
A can plaza assembly with a box and lid, featuring a plurality of cans with conduits and foam filling around them, where rebar is arranged on top of the foam and concrete is filled up to the upper edge, allowing for reduced weight and offsite assembly and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional can plaza construction methods are used, then the structure provides adequate electrical distribution support, but the weight is too heavy to prefabricate and causes installation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The can plaza is divided into modular components including a box, multiple cans, conduits, fittings, foam insulation, rebar, and concrete. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled offsite, enabling prefabrication and reducing on-site installation time while managing weight through modular logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The can plaza components are assembled offsite in a controlled environment before being transported to the installation location. This preliminary assembly includes positioning the box, cans, conduits, and fittings, then shipping the complete assembly for rapid on-site installation, eliminating weather-dependent delays.
2Ease of manufacture
If the can plaza is made lighter for offsite assembly, then prefabrication becomes possible, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The can plaza uses a composite construction combining a metal box, plastic or metal cans, flexible conduits, foam insulation material, steel rebar, and concrete. This multi-material composite structure achieves the necessary structural strength while allowing for lighter individual components that can be manufactured and assembled offsite.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters are optimized by changing the thickness and gauge of metal components, the density of foam insulation, the spacing and diameter of rebar, and the concrete mix design. These parameter adjustments maintain structural integrity while reducing overall weight to enable prefabrication and offsite assembly.
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
The solution enables the can plaza assembly to be lighter, facilitating offsite assembly and delivery, thus overcoming installation delays caused by weather conditions and weight constraints.
Implementation Method 1
Foam fills the box around the cans and the conduits, such that the foam does not completely cover the cans
Implementation Method 2
Rebar is arranged twelve inches on center each way from the cans on top of the foam
Implementation Method 3
Concrete fills upon the rebar and foam up to an upper edge of the can
Data Source
AI summary
A can plaza assembly is configured to provide electrical distribution at a location. The can plaza has a box, further comprising a side wall opening and joined to a lid. A plurality of cans is arranged inside the can plaza. Conduits project outward from each can. Fittings are joined to the conduit and extend through the side wall opening of the box. Foam fills the box around the cans and the conduits, such that the foam does not completely cover the cans. Rebar is arranged twelve inches on center each way from the cans on top of the foam. Concrete fills upon the rebar and foam up to an upper edge of the can. Electrical wires are routed through the conduits and cans provide the electrical distribution at the location.