Prefabricated Cylindrical Assembly for Fast Recyclable Construction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction period of cylindrical structures in the prior art is long, and their demolition leads to waste of construction materials and environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

A recyclable cylindrical structure composed of prefabricated units connected via ring blocks and slots with wedge-shaped connection elements and sealed by slurries, allowing for simultaneous foundation and unit fabrication, and demolition through relative rotation of units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cylindrical structures are constructed sequentially from bottom to top using conventional methods, then the construction can be completed with traditional techniques, but the construction period becomes very long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidconstruction period
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical structure is divided into multiple prefabricated cylindrical units that can be manufactured independently and simultaneously. Each unit is a complete segment with connection elements, allowing parallel production rather than sequential construction. This segmentation enables multiple units to be fabricated at the same time before being assembled vertically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical units are prefabricated in advance with all connection elements (ring blocks, ring slots, wedge-shaped connection elements, sealing rings) already installed during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of connection components eliminates the need for on-site assembly work and reduces construction time when units are stacked vertically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If blasting demolition is used to demolish cylindrical structures, then the structure can be demolished quickly, but construction materials are wasted and environmental pollution is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemolition speedVSAvoidconstruction material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between cylindrical units uses wedge-shaped connection elements with elastic properties that allow for dynamic disassembly. By applying rotational force, the units can be separated through relative rotation that disengages the wedge elements from their jammed positions, enabling controlled demolition without destruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The prefabricated cylindrical units are designed to be reusable rather than single-use. After demolition through relative rotation, the units can be recovered and reused for other construction projects, eliminating material waste and reducing the need for new material production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If blasting demolition is used to demolish cylindrical structures, then the structure can be demolished quickly, but dust pollution and construction waste are produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemolition speedVSAvoiddust pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between cylindrical units uses wedge-shaped connection elements with elastic properties that allow for dynamic disassembly. By applying rotational force, the units can be separated through relative rotation that disengages the wedge elements from their jammed positions, enabling controlled demolition without destruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic deformation capability of the connection elements, which could be seen as a weakness requiring complex disassembly, is converted into a benefit that enables clean, controlled separation without blasting. The elasticity allows the wedges to be pushed out through rotation rather than requiring explosive force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Loss of time

If prefabricated units with connection elements are used, then the construction period is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction periodVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into distinct components: ring blocks on one unit, ring slots on the adjacent unit, wedge-shaped connection elements, and sealing rings. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and simplifies the assembly process, as each piece has a specific function and location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements are designed with symmetric wedge shapes and matching geometric profiles that simplify alignment during assembly. The ring blocks and ring slots have corresponding shapes that guide proper positioning, reducing the complexity of precise alignment during construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 construction period is significantly reduced, and demolition is waste-free with minimal pollution, enabling material recycling and adherence to energy conservation and environmental protection.

Implementation Method 1

Each first connection element and/or each second connection element has an elasticity to radially deform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The gap between the side wall of the ring block of the lower prefabricated cylindrical unit and the inner side wall of the ring slot of the upper prefabricated cylindrical unit is grouted by slurries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrouting: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12467271B2Recyclable cylindrical structure and usage method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.11 THE 13TH CONSTR CO LTD OF CHINA NAT CHEM ENG
  • US12467271B2 patent drawing
  • US12467271B2 patent drawing
  • US12467271B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Recyclable cylindrical structures and usage methods are provided. A recyclable cylindrical structure includes multiple prefabricated cylindrical units. Each unit is provided with a ring block coaxially fixed on the top of the unit, a ring slot coaxially formed in the bottom of the unit, two first sealing rings arranged on the top of the unit and a second sealing ring arranged on the top of the ring block of the unit. The ring block is provided with multiple first connection elements. Multiple second connection elements are arranged in the ring slot. For two adjacent prefabricated cylindrical units of the recyclable cylindrical structure, the ring block of the lower unit inserts into the ring slot of the upper unit and the first connection elements of the lower unit are corresponding and jammed one-to-one with the second connection elements of the upper unit.