Retractable Foundation Structure for Storm and Disaster Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dwellings are vulnerable to natural disasters, and existing foundation technologies do not provide adequate protection or retraction mechanisms to shield structures from environmental hazards like debris, flooding, and fire.
Innovation Solution
A building sheltering structure with a retractable foundation system that includes a lift assembly, a supply system with solar panels, and a cover plate mechanism to securely retract and deploy a domicile within an underground foundation, equipped with a processor for emergency warnings and HVAC systems for environmental control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a domicile is permanently fixed on the foundation, then structural stability is improved, but vulnerability to natural disasters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic foundation system where the domicile can transition between deployed and retracted states. The lift assembly enables the domicile to be raised into the foundation cavity during emergencies, transforming the static foundation into a dynamic protective structure that adapts to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The domicile is nested within the foundation cavity when retracted, creating a protective configuration where the smaller domicile fits inside the larger foundation structure. This nesting arrangement allows the domicile to be shielded within the foundation during hazardous conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable lift assembly is added to the foundation, then protection from environmental hazards is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system is segmented into distinct functional components: the foundation cavity, the lift assembly with actuators, the cover plate mechanism, and the domicile. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by breaking down the complex retraction function into manageable subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation cavity serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the domicile, acts as a protective enclosure during emergencies, houses the lift assembly mechanisms, and accommodates the retracted domicile. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the domicile is fully retracted into the foundation cavity, then shielding from debris and flooding is improved, but access and egress become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is positioned and ready to close over the foundation aperture in advance of emergency conditions. The lift assembly is pre-configured to raise the domicile into the cavity, so that when hazards approach, the retraction and sealing actions can be executed quickly without delay, maintaining both protection and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A building sheltering structure is configured to facilitate the shielding of domicile or building into an underground foundation before an emergency environmental condition arises. The foundation includes a cover plate and/or a second plate that translate horizontally to occlude the at least one domicile upon retraction into a secure cavity of the foundation by a lift assembly in the foundation cavity. The cover plate and second plate offer optimal protection to the domicile thereunder for various extreme conditions. Mounted atop the lift assembly, the at least one domicile can be fully retracted into the foundation cavity and completely shielded. The operation of the lift assembly is commanded and powered by a supply system, of which a processor facilitates emergency warnings and panic transmissions to signal for help. Further, a plurality of solar panels mounted atop the at least one domicile keeps the system charged for the use in emergency.