Rotatable Building Structure with Independently Suspended 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 a 360-degree viewing capability, which limits their ability to enhance the saleability and value of apartments based on desirable views, and they suffer from reduced load stability and wind resistance.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable building structure with a vertically disposed central core and independently rotatable suspended floor units that can be actuated by motor, wind, or electromagnetic power, featuring a stationary platform for access and aerodynamically designed to reduce wind load, allowing for variable building profiles and improved seismic stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If floor units are interconnected in traditional rotatable buildings, then structural continuity is maintained, but load stability decreases and seismic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload stabilityVSAvoidfloor independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building structure is divided into independently rotatable floor units that are suspended from the central core without interconnection to adjacent floors. Each floor unit functions as an independent segment, allowing it to rotate and respond to seismic forces separately, thereby improving load stability and reducing the propagation of seismic vibrations through the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed building configuration is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but viewing capability and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing capabilityVSAvoidbuilding configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building employs dynamically rotatable floor units that can change their orientation relative to the central core. This dynamic configuration allows the building to provide 360-degree viewing capability and adapt to different environmental conditions, while the rotation mechanism adds controlled complexity to the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rotatable structures are used for apartments, then rotational capability is achieved, but they lack suitability for multi-story dwellings and hotels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding type suitabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable floor unit structure is designed with universal applicability for various building types including apartments, hotels, and observation towers. The central core with suspended floor units provides a versatile platform that can accommodate different occupancy patterns and functional requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the core's load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If floor units are made aerodynamically designed, then wind resistance is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind loadVSAvoidfloor unit fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The floor units are designed with aerodynamic parameters optimized to reduce wind load, including streamlined shapes and optimized surface areas. These parameter changes are integrated into the prefabricated floor unit designs, allowing the aerodynamic characteristics to be achieved during manufacturing rather than requiring complex field modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables a rotatable building structure that provides enhanced seismic stability, improved load distribution, and adjustable building profiles, enhancing view options and reducing wind resistance, making it suitable for high-rise and low-rise buildings while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

The floor units are independently displaceable about the core, for example, by motor-power actuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotor power actuation:

Implementation Method 2

aerodynamically designed floor units that can be repositioned to reduce wind load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic design: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 3

independently displaceable about the core, for example, by motor-power actuation, wind-power, electromagnetic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 4

vertically disposed central core with plural horizontal floor units suspended from and surrounding the core at incremental heights for transferring balanced vertical loading through the core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad transfer:

Data Source

PatentEP1876307B1Rotatable building structure

Publication Date: 2010.11.03 ROTATING HIGH TOWERS SA

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AI summary

A rotatable building structure 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 (40) for rotational displacement. A wind tool deployable from the floor unit provides alternative wind power assist for rotating the floor units.