Raised Foundation System for Prefabricated Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prefabricated real property structures, such as mobile homes and modular buildings, are susceptible to damage from flood waters due to buoyancy forces, leading to both water damage and structural instability.
Innovation Solution
A raised foundation system comprising a slab with footers, columns, elongated main braces, lateral braces, and optional auxiliary braces, forming an upwardly facing mounting structure that securely engages a downwardly facing structure of a prefabricated real property structure, thereby elevating it above flood levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prefabricated structures are placed directly on the ground, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but they are susceptible to flood damage and structural instability
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system is divided into separate modular components including columns, braces, and mounting structures that can be independently assembled. This segmentation allows for easy installation while creating a raised framework that protects the prefabricated structure from flood damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system elevates the prefabricated structure vertically by introducing a raised foundation framework with columns and braces. This dimensional change from ground-level placement to elevated positioning protects the structure from flood waters while maintaining installation efficiency through modular assembly.
2Reliability
If prefabricated structures are elevated on a raised foundation system, then flood resistance and structural stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system uses segmented modular components (columns, braces, mounting structures) that simplify assembly and reduce overall complexity compared to a monolithic foundation. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation system incorporates universal mounting structures that can accommodate various prefabricated structure types. The standardized columns, braces, and mounting interfaces provide multi-functional support while reducing the complexity of customizing foundations for different structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A raised foundation system for supporting a prefabricated real property structure having a downwardly facing mounting structure. The system includes a slab having footers; for each footer, a column attached thereto; a plurality of elongated main braces attached to the columns; a plurality of elongated lateral braces attached to the main braces; and at least one auxiliary brace attached to a lateral brace and to either another lateral brace or a main brace. At least two of the main braces extend along a plane or another plane. The main and lateral braces form an upwardly facing mounting structure configured to attach to the downwardly facing mounting structure.