Projecting Floor Structure With Reinforcement and Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The strength of structural bodies with projecting floors, such as balconies or decks, is inadequate, leading to potential structural weaknesses and issues with water management.

Innovation Solution

A structural body with a projecting floor is reinforced by base members, cross members, props, and reinforcement members, featuring a sloped base portion with integrated drainage pipes to enhance strength and water management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a floor projects outside the building, then the building gains additional functional space, but the structural strength becomes inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional spaceVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The structural body is divided into multiple components: base members, cross members, base portions, props, and reinforcement members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the necessary structural strength for the projecting floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reinforcement members are added at the lower position below the base portion, extending between base members. This introduces a new dimensional layer of reinforcement that does not interfere with the upper functional space, thereby strengthening the structure without compromising the projecting floor's usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the base portion is made flat, then construction is simpler, but water drainage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidwater accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base portion is given a sloped surface rather than a flat one. This curvature/angle allows water to naturally drain toward the drain pipe opening, preventing water accumulation while maintaining relatively simple construction through standardized sloping techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If props are arranged directly on the ground, then installation is easier, but the floor member bends excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidfloor member stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A base portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the props and the floor member. The base portion provides a stable, elevated platform that properly positions the props, preventing excessive bending of the floor member while maintaining reasonable installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If drainage pipes are not integrated, then construction is simpler, but water overflows onto the floor surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidwater overflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drain pipe opening is integrated directly into the base portion structure. This merging of the drainage function with the structural base portion ensures water is efficiently channeled away from the floor surface, preventing overflow while adding minimal construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12509873B2Building

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 SEKISUI HOUSE KK

AI summary

A building includes a structural body having a floor projecting outside. The structural body includes base members, a cross member extending between the base members, a base portion supported by the cross member, props arranged on the base portion, a floor member supported by the props, and a reinforcement member that reinforces the structural body. The reinforcement member is arranged at a lower position than the base portion and extends between the base members.