Single-Mast Metal-Textile Structure for Obstruction-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal-textile building structures with numerous vertical posts impede access and create bottlenecks when multiple people move around, particularly in environments like casinos where access to gaming machines is desired from all directions.
Innovation Solution
A metal-textile building structure with a single mast and a framework comprising radial structural elements, including straight and curved beams, supported by a central mast, allowing for a large covered area without obstructing posts, and featuring reinforcement and stability means to maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If numerous vertical posts are used to support the roof structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the access to gaming machines is impeded and bottlenecks are created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the vertical posts from the structure, transitioning from a multi-post support system to a single central mast. This elimination of intermediate posts resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural stability through the central mast while completely removing obstacles that impede access to gaming machines from all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional grid of vertical posts to a three-dimensional radial framework where structural elements extend outward from a central mast at various angles. This dimensional change allows the structure to cover large area while maintaining open access underneath, as the radial configuration distributes support functions to the perimeter rather than requiring vertical posts throughout the space.
2Ease of operation
If a single mast is used to avoid obstructing access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the structural support function into multiple radial structural elements that extend from the central mast to the roof framework. Each element carries a portion of the structural load, distributing the stress across multiple components rather than relying on a single vertical column. This segmentation allows the single mast to maintain stability while avoiding obstruction of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs curved beams in the radial structural elements, particularly in the upper portions where they connect to the roof framework. These curved elements provide structural strength through their geometry, distributing loads more effectively than straight beams and enhancing the overall stability of the single-mast configuration while maintaining the open access design.
3Productivity
If the covered area is increased to accommodate more gaming machines, then the productivity is improved, but the number of posts required increases creating more bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The central mast serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary vertical support for the entire structure, acts as a central hub for the radial structural elements, and functions as an obstruction-free pivot point around which users can access gaming machines from all directions. This multi-functionality allows the structure to cover large areas for more gaming machines without requiring additional vertical posts that would create access bottlenecks.
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a metal building structure 1 comprising a mast 2 extending longitudinally along a principal vertical axis X and a framework 3 comprising: - A first arch 4 generally circular coaxial with said mast 2; - A plurality of framework elements 5 arranged around said mast 2, each framework element 5 extending radially between said mast 2 and said first arch 4, each framework element 5 comprising: - A straight beam 6 perpendicular to said principal axis X and extending between said mast 2 and said first arch 4; - A curved beam 7 arranged opposite said straight beam 6 and extending between said first arch 4 and an upper end 8 of said mast 2.