Rotatable Building Structure with Independent Floor Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotatable building structures are not suitable for multi-story apartment buildings or hotels, lack floor independence, and do not provide selective 360° viewing capability, leading to limited load stability and aesthetic limitations.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable building structure with a vertically disposed central core and independently displaceable horizontal floor units, supported by an annular platform, allowing for motor-powered or wind-powered rotation, with prefabricated units and integrated energy generation through wind turbines and solar panels, and movable lighting elements for aesthetic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If floors are interconnected in traditional rotatable structures, then structural support is simplified, but load stability and seismic resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into independently rotatable floor units rather than a monolithic structure. Each floor unit can rotate independently around the central core, allowing seismic forces to be absorbed individually rather than transmitted through the entire structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural support simplicity through modular design while dramatically improving load stability and earthquake resistance.
2Device complexity
If all floors rotate together, then structural control is simplified, but viewing capability and aesthetic versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static or uniformly dynamic rotation to independently controllable dynamic rotation. Each floor unit can rotate at different speeds, directions, and times, enabling selective 360° viewing capabilities and dynamically changing building profiles. The central control system coordinates these independent movements, maintaining manageable complexity while achieving high versatility in viewing and aesthetic presentation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional rotatable structures are used, then construction is simplified, but energy efficiency and aesthetic dynamism deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The floor units serve multiple functions: they provide habitable space, generate energy through integrated wind turbines and solar panels, and contribute to the dynamic aesthetic profile of the building. The modular design maintains construction simplicity while the multi-functionality addresses energy efficiency needs and aesthetic versatility, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and energy/aesthetic performance.
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 structure provides improved seismic stability, variable building profiles, and energy generation, while enhancing aesthetic appeal through dynamic lighting, addressing the limitations of existing systems and offering a versatile, energy-efficient solution for high-rise or low-rise buildings.
Implementation Method 1
wind-powered rotation
Implementation Method 2
transforming the wind load in electrical power
Implementation Method 3
solar panels situated on top of each floor... generating electrical power
Implementation Method 4
aerodynamically designed floor units that can be repositioned to reduce wind load
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable building structure (10) contains a vertical central core (14) for supporting suspended floor units (12) surrounding the core. An annular platform (22) extends from the core at corresponding floor units for providing accessibility to and from the central core. The floor units contain a drive mechanism (38, 40, 42) for rotational displacement. The wind load on the exterior side of each floor, and/or horizontal wind turbines that turn around the core but is a separate part of the floor itself, solar panels situated as a roof cover on top of each floor and a wind tool (46) deployable from the floor unit provides alternative wind power assist for rotating the floor units.