Remote-Controlled Locking Mechanism for Mobile Sealed Building Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mobile buildings used for covering and protecting storage facilities, such as those for radioactive waste, require complex and risky operations for section separation, movement, and reassembly, involving high-risk work at heights and prolonged timelines due to their large dimensions and weight, especially when moving on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A mobile building design comprising multiple sections with remote-controlled locking mechanisms that allow secure and sealed connections between sections without personnel intervention at height, using a metal frame covered with tarpaulins, and a system of rollers and guide rails for independent movement and secure grounding, enabling easier and safer relocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sections are connected by contact of adjacent ends with rubber bands for sealing, then the sealing connection between sections is achieved, but the sections cannot be securely fixed together and require additional fixing means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing connectionVSAvoidfixing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function and fixing function into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking member simultaneously achieves both the secure mechanical connection and the sealed connection between sections, eliminating the need for separate rubber band sealing systems and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking to secure sections together, creates a sealed connection to prevent water ingress, and enables easy release for relocation. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If lifting cranes are used to move sections, then sections can be displaced to new locations, but the operation becomes risky and impossible in windy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesection displacementVSAvoidoperation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs rollers that can dynamically adapt to terrain variations and provide continuous contact with the ground for stable movement. The rollers can be deployed or retracted as needed, and their distributed contact points with the ground provide inherent stability that prevents wind from tipping the sections during relocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rollers serve as an intermediary between the section and the ground, facilitating movement without requiring external lifting cranes. This intermediary mechanism distributes the section's weight across multiple contact points and eliminates the need for high-risk crane operations while maintaining operational safety in various weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sections are moved on parallel rails, then movement is possible regardless of terrain, but the connection mechanism between sections lacks fixing capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterrain independenceVSAvoidsection connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism integrates both the sealing function and the structural connection function into a single robust assembly. The locking member creates both a sealed barrier and a mechanically strong connection that can withstand transport forces, while the rail system provides terrain-independent movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If personnel manually operate locking means at height, then sections can be secured together, but the operation becomes high-risk and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesection securingVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating or easily actuated from ground level. The sections can be secured together through simple operations that do not require personnel to work at height, significantly reducing both the time required and the safety risks associated with manual assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2815036B1Waterproof mobile building consisting of several sections
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 AGENCE NATIONALE POUR LA GESTION DES DECHETS RADIOACTIFS (ANDRA)
  • EP2815036B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2815036B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A
  • EP2815036B1 patent drawingFigure 4B~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile sealed building comprising a plurality of adjacent contiguous sections comprising a metal frame, at least one piece of tarp, and means for connecting to the ground, each end of the frame of a section comprising an end beam which is capable of being connected to an end beam of an adjacent section by a securing means, characterized in that the securing means sealingly and immovably connects said two end beams of two adjacent sections and is capable of being dismantled so as to enable the separation of said two sections, and in that the building comprises a means for controlling and driving the securing means, which is arranged apart from the securing means.