Concrete-Filled Structural Cell Formwork for Compressive Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural cells for under hardscapes face issues of complexity, high cost, and inadequate structural strength, particularly when subjected to compressive loads, and often exhibit deflection due to elastic deformation.
Innovation Solution
A structural cell formwork comprising hollow legs linked by a frame, designed to receive and retain a structural fluid like concrete, which enhances compressive strength and minimizes deflection, with a balanced void space configuration for efficient material use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic structural cells are used to support compressive loads, then the cells can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the structural strength and rigidity are insufficient causing elastic deflection under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines plastic structural cells with concrete infill to create a composite system. The plastic cells provide the structural framework and void spaces, while the concrete infill provides compressive strength and rigidity. This composite approach allows the lightweight, easy-to-manufacture plastic cells to achieve the structural strength of concrete, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic structural cells are used to support compressive loads, then the cells can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the cells exhibit elastic deflection under load which is problematic when coupled with brittle materials
Solution Approach 1:
By filling the plastic cells with concrete, the patent creates a composite structure where the concrete infill provides dimensional stability and prevents the elastic deflection characteristic of plastic cells. This resolves the reliability issue when brittle materials are coupled with the cells, as the concrete infill acts as a rigid support that eliminates problematic elastic deformation.
3Device complexity
If traditional plastic structural cells are used, then the design is simple, but the structural capability in civil and structural applications is perceived as insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple design of traditional plastic structural cells while dramatically improving structural capability through concrete infill. The plastic cells retain their simple geometry and assembly method, but the added concrete provides the structural capability required for civil and structural applications, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and structural capability.
4Strength
If more plastic material is used to increase structural strength, then the compressive load capacity improves, but the cost and material volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses concrete infill instead of increasing plastic material volume to achieve compressive load capacity. The concrete provides the necessary strength while the plastic cells maintain their original volume and geometry. This resolves the contradiction by substituting a different material (concrete) that provides the required strength without increasing the overall material volume or cost associated with plastic production.
Data Source
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AI summary
Structural cell formwork, cells and matrices using the structural cells for positioning below a hardscape that define a void space therein, the structural cell formwork, cells, matrices using the cells and methods of assembly allowing in one embodiment the introduction of a structural fluid such as concrete to provide an alternative structural cell and matrix product.