Earthquakes, one of nature’s most devastating forces, have always posed a significant threat to human life and infrastructure. Living in seismically active regions such as Japan, it’s imperative to devise innovative solutions for mitigating these risks. One such revolutionary solution is brought to light by Air Danshin, a Japanese company that has introduced a remarkable new technology – floating homes on earthquakes.
The Birth Of The Idea of Floating homes on Earthquakes
The brain behind the innovation, Shoichi Sakamoto, was motivated by the high seismic activity in Japan. His idea was simple yet groundbreaking – an airlift system that could automatically elevate a house during an earthquake, thereby isolating it from the destructive tremors.
The system developed by Air Danshin works by separating the house from its foundation using an expandable, sliding air chamber. In the event of an earthquake, the chamber fills with air from a storage tank within 0.5-1 second, lifting the entire structure up to 3 cm from the ground. The house remains elevated until the shaking ends as detected by a sensor. Emergency batteries ensure the system remains functional even during power outages, which are common during earthquakes.
The Cost Factor for Floating Homes
One of the significant advantages of Air Danshin’s system is its cost-effectiveness. The company claims that their product is about a third of the cost of other seismic isolation systems. This makes the technology more accessible, increasing its potential for widespread adoption.
While Air Danshin’s current focus is on residential homes, the company has also developed larger versions of the system suitable for factories and laboratories. This shows the potential for the technology to be used in a variety of contexts, providing an earthquake-proof solution for various types of structures.
The installation process for this earthquake-proof housing solution is straightforward. The technology can be fitted to existing houses without any major structural changes, making it a flexible and feasible option for earthquake-prone regions.
The Company’s Vision
Air Danshin’s mission is to significantly reduce the destruction caused by earthquakes. The company is set to install the levitation system in 88 houses across Japan, and with positive results, they plan to expand their reach even further.
While the earthquake-resistant levitation system is currently being installed in houses, Air Danshin hopes to expand its application to larger, more critical structures. This ambition reflects the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of earthquake-proof design.
To promote their innovative technology, Air Danshin has created some engaging and informative videos demonstrating their system in action. These demonstrations show the practical application of the technology, providing a clear visual of how the system works during an earthquake.
Conclusion
Air Danshin’s floating homes on earthquakes is a testament to the power of innovation in the face of natural disasters. As the threat of earthquakes continues to loom over seismically active regions, such technological advancements provide hope for safer and more resilient communities in the future.
For more information on Air Danshin’s groundbreaking technology, visit their official website. You can also check out their patent applications here.