Retractable Dwelling Foundation Shielding Against Natural Disasters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dwellings are vulnerable to natural disasters, and existing foundation technologies do not provide effective protection or retraction mechanisms to shield structures from environmental hazards like debris, flooding, and fire.
Innovation Solution
A dwelling foundation system with a retractable lift assembly and supply system that allows a domicile to be lowered into a secure foundation cavity, protected by a cover plate, and equipped with solar panels for power, a processor for emergency communication, and a satellite structure for alternative access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a domicile is built on a traditional foundation, then it provides stable support and structure, but it is vulnerable to natural disasters such as debris, flooding, and fire
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system transitions from a static traditional foundation to a dynamic retractable foundation. The domicile can be lowered into the foundation cavity and raised back to its original position using lift actuators, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration in response to environmental threats while maintaining structural support capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation is divided into two main segments: the foundation cavity (underground portion) and the dome-shaped cover (surface portion). This segmentation allows the domicile to be selectively positioned between these segments - either raised for normal use or lowered into the cavity for protection - resolving the contradiction between stability and disaster protection
2Reliability
If a retractable lift assembly is added to the foundation, then the domicile can be shielded from hazards, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assembly integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: it provides structural support for the domicile, enables vertical movement between raised and lowered positions, and works in conjunction with the cover actuators to achieve complete shielding. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation cavity acts as an intermediary space between the domicile and the external environment. By lowering the domicile into this intermediate cavity and closing the cover, the system provides shielding without requiring the domicile itself to be redesigned, thus managing complexity through the use of an intermediary protective space
3Reliability
If the domicile is fully retracted into the foundation cavity, then maximum protection is achieved, but access and ventilation are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing it to transition between closed and open states. When the domicile is lowered into the cavity, the cover can be opened to provide access and ventilation, or closed to provide maximum protection. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to perform preliminary actions before full retraction - the domicile is lowered into the cavity first, then the cover is closed. This sequence allows for controlled access and ventilation during the transition, and enables preliminary ventilation or access operations before complete retraction if needed
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 system effectively shields a domicile from environmental hazards while maintaining communication and indoor comfort, enabling secure retraction and deployment as needed, with solar power and emergency warning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Additionally, the supply system accommodates a plurality of solar panels that may be mounted atop at least one domicile to keep the system charged in the event of an emergency environmental condition
Data Source
AI summary
A building sheltering structure is configured to facilitate the shielding of at least one domicile or building into an underground foundation before an emergency environmental condition arises. The foundation includes a cover plate that translates horizontally to occlude the at least one domicile upon retraction into a secure cavity of the foundation by a lift assembly positioned at the bottom of the foundation cavity. Mounted atop the lift assembly, the at least one domicile can be fully retracted into the foundation cavity and completely shielded by the cover plate. The operation of the lift assembly is commanded and powered by a supply system. A processor of the supply system facilitates emergency warnings and panic transmissions to signal for help. Further, the supply system accommodates a plurality of solar panels mounted atop the at least one domicile to keep the system charged for the use in emergency.