Rapid deployment modular system
The modular rapid deployment system addresses the challenges of bulkiness and instability in existing modular construction systems by using a frame with detachable connections and panel elements, enabling rapid and reliable assembly of structures in diverse environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/UA2023/000063
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-21
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing modular construction systems are bulky, difficult to install, and lack stability and reliability, particularly in harsh environments or military applications, where rapid deployment and adaptability are crucial.
A modular rapid deployment system featuring a frame with horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements, vertically installed support elements with detachable connections, and panel elements with connecting means, allowing for quick assembly and configuration of structures with enhanced stability and reliability.
The system enables rapid, simplified deployment of structures with increased stability, rigidity, and reliability, suitable for various configurations and environments, including combat zones and seismic risk areas, without the need for heavy equipment or specialized labor.
Smart Images

Figure UA2023000063_30052025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] MODULAR RAPID DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
[0002] The invention relates to the construction industry, in particular to the design of structures, and can be used in the construction of frame buildings and other multi-purpose structures of rapid deployment with the possibility of rapid and simplified installation of components, including the frame, panels, rapid dismantling and multiple use.
[0003] A building structure is known from the prior art (US3898779(A), MIC E04B1 / 12; E04B2 / 68; E04B2 / 86; E04C2 / 20, published 12.08.1975), including foundation means supporting a plurality of load-bearing wall panels assembled next to each other, wherein each said panel extends over the entire height of the wall of said structure, and each panel includes a core of foamed material, a high-density organic resinous material formed in the form of, as a rule, a rectangular panel having spaced-apart main surfaces; a surface layer attached to at least one of said main surfaces to obtain a finished wall surface; a locking means on each side edge of said panel for aligning and interconnecting said panel with adjacent panels after assembly of said structure;a top channel means formed inside the top edge of said panel and passing through it, said top channel meaning that it is narrower than the thickness of said panel and has a trapezoidal cross-section; a top beam having a trapezoidal cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of said top channel means; a tensioning means attached at one end to said foundation and passing vertically through said panel and said top beam; and a means adjustably attaching said tensioning means to said top beam for retracting said top beam and said top channel, a means for preventing splitting of said panel and distributing the compressive load created by said tensioning means.
[0004] Each of said wall panels includes corner cutouts continuing along the length of said panel, wherein the cutouts on adjacent panels interact to form a recess at the joint between adjacent panels, wherein said structure additionally includes a protective strip on each said recess to cover said joint.
[0005] Each of said wall panels includes at least one cavity extending from said upper edge channel means through said panel to its lower part, wherein said cavity is adapted to receive said means.
[0006] The top beam spans the joint between adjacent panels to align said panels.
[0007] The building structure further comprises a fixing means attached to said foundation, wherein said fixing means has a trapezoidal cross-section; and a locator channel formed inside the lower edge of each of said panels and extending across it, wherein said locator channel is already intended for said locator channel; of said panels on said foundation.
[0008] Said tensioning means further passes through said fixing means to pull said panel downwards toward said fixing means, thereby rigidly attaching said panel to said foundation.
[0009] The said locking means comprises a tongue means for one side edge of each panel and a groove means for the other side edge of each panel.
[0010] The building structure further includes a plurality of ceiling panels adapted to connect the tops of said wall panels to form a building enclosure, wherein said top beam comprises a lintel formed in one piece on each said ceiling panel.
[0011] Each said ceiling panel includes two spaced lintel beams adapted to interact with channel means formed along the upper edges of the spaced wall panels, wherein said ceiling panel overlaps said spaced wall panels.
[0012] The disadvantages of the known solution include the following.
[0013] The known building structure is bulky, difficult to install, and special equipment must be available and used to create the building, since the wall panels have a height corresponding to the height of the building, and other bulky, large-sized components, such as a single solid foundation slab. At the same time, the processes of erection and dismantling are complex and time-consuming.
[0014] In addition, the trapezoidal means on the foundation slab and on the roof elements for installing wall panels and the fixing elements are not sufficiently reliable and do not contribute to the stability of the building erected using the known construction system, and the use of such a building in conditions where blast waves and debris and bullets may hit the walls is dangerous and may lead to the destruction of the building and wall panels. If the wall panels are damaged, it is impossible to replace part of the wall or a separate section.
[0015] The above-mentioned disadvantages limit the scope of application, including the use in field conditions, in military operations, since the known design is difficult to use, does not provide for fast and simplified construction and dismantling of buildings for various purposes, excluding the need to use special equipment, does not provide high strength, durability and reliability of the resulting building. At the same time, the known construction system causes a large weight of components and high cost of construction and dismantling.
[0016] The prior art also includes a modular shelter assembly kit related to frame buildings (patent US10612233 (B1), IPC E04B 1 / 343, E04B 1 / 41, E04B 1 / 58, E04B 1 / 61, E04H 9 / 10, E04H / 14, E04H 9 / 16, E04B 1 / 00, published on 07.04.2020), which comprises: an upper connector; a first upper horizontal beam having an internal groove, an outer groove, an internal projection and a hook with an upwardly directed notch; a second upper horizontal beam having an internal groove, an outer groove, an internal projection and a hook with a downwardly directed notch; a roof panel; a vertical support post; an internal wall panel; an external wall panel; a first lower horizontal beam having an inner groove, an outer groove, an inner projection and a hook with a recess directed upward; a second lower horizontal beam having an inner groove, an outer groove, an inner projection and a hook with a recess directed downward; a floor panel; and a lower connector,where the vertical support column comprises a plurality of upper teeth and a plurality of lower teeth, where the recess of the first upper horizontal beam and the recess of the second upper horizontal beam are connected so that the hook of the first upper horizontal beam and the hook of the second upper horizontal beam form an upper transverse connection, the upper transverse connection is located under the upper connector, and the vertical support column covers the upper transverse connection when the plurality of upper teeth of the vertical support column engage the upper connector, where the recess of the first lower horizontal beam and the recess of the second lower horizontal beam are connected so that the hook of the first lower horizontal beam and the hook of the second lower horizontal beam form a lower transverse connection, the lower transverse connection is located above the lower connector, and the vertical support column covers the lower transverse connection,when a row of lower teeth of the vertical support column engages the lower connector, wherein the roof panel is located above the inner projection of the first upper horizontal beam and the inner projection of the second upper horizontal beam, and the floor panel is located above the inner projection of the first lower horizontal beam and the inner projection of the second lower horizontal beam, wherein the inner wall panel is engaged with the inner groove of the first upper horizontal beam or the inner groove of the second upper horizontal beam and with the inner groove of the first lower horizontal beam or the inner groove of the second lower horizontal beam, and wherein the outer wall panel is engaged with the outer groove of the first upper horizontal beam or the outer groove of the second upper horizontal beam, as well as with the outer groove of the first lower horizontal beam or the outer groove of the second lower horizontal beam.
[0017] The known design is designed for quick assembly and can be used in remote locations, unlike traditional designs, it does not require the presence and use of power tools or heavy equipment for assembly, but it has a number of disadvantages. The design formed using the known analogue does not have high durability, rigidity and reliability, since the vertical elements of the frame and the upper and lower horizontal beams are connected by upper and lower connectors, respectively, which are inserted into the corresponding holes, thus there is no fixation of the upper and lower connectors. The upper connectors, under wave or mechanical impact, can simply jump out or slip off, which will lead to the disintegration of the entire frame structure, and, consequently, the erected building.
[0018] At the same time, the space of the rooms of the erected buildings is limited by whole wall, floor and roof panels; it is impossible to form different configurations of rooms of different sizes depending on the needs and / or intended purpose.
[0019] At the same time, as in the previous analogue, solid walls can be completely destroyed when exposed to blast waves or debris. The fact that wall panels are made of one piece eliminates the possibility of replacing their individual parts.
[0020] With prolonged use of the known design, it is possible that the openings and grooves through which the vertical and horizontal elements of the structure are connected may increase, which results in reduced rigidity, durability, and reliability of the erected building.
[0021] Also known from the prior art is a modular lightweight structural system based on panels with pre-cut grooves and splines of standard sizes (Patent US10450736 (B2), IPC A01G 9 / 02; E04B 1 / 12; E04B 1 / 18; E04B 2 / 5 1 / 12, published on 22.10.2019), which includes panels, each panel includes one or more channels formed in the foam body, wherein the channels are located in the center between adjacent fractal modules of the entire modular panel. The channels are designed to receive splines (for example, dimensional lumber). Modular panels of the wall system of the modular system consist of a plurality of panels fastened together with splines. The splines can be made and installed with the possibility of fastening two adjacent panels.
[0022] The roof panels are made with grooves into which the slats are installed.
[0023] Although the known system can be used in remote locations with the possibility of building houses without the use of special equipment and skilled labor, the known system has a number of disadvantages.
[0024] The connection of the components is not reliable enough and does not provide fixation, which results in insufficient durability, rigidity and strength of houses built using the known system.
[0025] The scope of use of the known system is limited due to the selected weak materials and design solution, in particular, the known system cannot be used in areas with strong winds, seismic risk zones, combat zones, etc.
[0026] The prior art discloses a modular construction system selected as the closest analogue (patent EP3447207 (B1), IPC E04B 2 / 02; E04B 2 / 46; E04B 2 / 48; E04B 2 / 58, published on 21.07.2021), comprising a half-block of a modular design comprising: two main surfaces designated as an inner main surface and an outer main surface; two side surfaces, left and right, and two end surfaces, upper and lower, called contact surfaces; wherein when a half-block is connected to another identical half-block by the corresponding contact surfaces, the main surfaces of the half-blocks form an adjacent surface; and wherein each of the contact surfaces comprises a fitting with a protrusion with an inclination and a fitting with a recess with an inclination, so that the protrusion is in contact with the recess of the other identical half-block when one half-block is combined with the other identical half-block;and wherein the inner surface comprises one or more fittings for connection with one identical half-block by corresponding inner main surfaces to form a block with another identical half-block; the fittings of the contact surfaces have rotational symmetry of 90° about a central axis perpendicular to the main surface.
[0027] In a semi-block of modular design, the inner main surface contains one or more channels open to receive a longitudinal support element, preferably the channels are semi-cylindrical.
[0028] The semi-block of modular design contains two horizontal channels and two vertical channels or contains two vertical channels and one horizontal channel.
[0029] The inner main surface of the half block comprises one or more connecting elements for connecting the half block to another identical half block when the half block is installed with another identical half block.
[0030] The semi-block of modular design contains a coating on its outer main surface.
[0031] The semi-block of modular design is obtained by injection moulding, in particular by injection moulding of aggregate or layered composite materials; or is obtained by injection moulding, in particular by injection moulding of ceramic, composite or polymeric materials.
[0032] The wall of the modular design contains many half-blocks, inserted into each other with their side faces and ends.
[0033] A set of a modular building system comprises a supporting structure for a modular structure and comprises a plurality of half-blocks, in which the supporting structure comprises a lower beam, an upper beam and a plurality of rods connecting the lower beam to the upper beam, in particular, wherein the rods are parallel to each other, wherein the rods are pipes, and the pipes are cylindrical, and also the lower and upper beams are made of a sheet profile.
[0034] The following are some of the disadvantages of the closest analogue.
[0035] Due to the production of a half-block with a complex configuration, with many edges, recesses and projections, as well as with many holes, the complexity of the design, manufacture and use of the known modular building system is determined, since the known system has many half-blocks, which are the main components and from which the building is formed using supporting structures.
[0036] The complex configuration of the half-blocks also causes the presence of many cold bridges, the possibility of incomplete adhesion, unevenness of the formed walls, which reduces the insulating properties, rigidity, reliability of the known design and limits the scope of application.
[0037] In this case, the implementation of the supporting structure is unstable and unreliable, since the longitudinal frame elements are made in the form of profiled sheets with a part for installing vertical supporting elements in it in the form of a curved beam with a free end, which can bend under the weight of the panels and vertical and longitudinal supporting elements, which makes the known structure unstable, insufficiently rigid, stable and reliable.
[0038] Also, the known modular building system does not provide for half-blocks or other small panels to form a floor from small components and longitudinal support elements to hold them, as well as means for installing them on longitudinal frame elements, which does not allow for the complete assembly of the building together with the floor, which could be immediately used for its intended purpose in various conditions.
[0039] In addition, the known system does not provide for the possibility of creating buildings of different configurations with different room sizes, which limits the scope of use, since the system does not provide for the longitudinal connection of several longitudinal frame elements. At the same time, the known system also does not have fixation of vertical supports in the installed position, as well as other elements of the structure. After assembling the last upper block and completing the assembly of the wall, it is fixed by assembling the upper longitudinal frame element from a sheet profile. In the known system, blocks formed from half-blocks surround the structure, creating a single separate surface.Such implementation without fixing at least vertical supports in longitudinal frame elements does not ensure rigidity and stability of the structure, and, consequently, reliability, even when used under normal conditions without exposure to natural factors in various zones, blast waves and debris in the zone of military operations.
[0040] The invention is based on the task of creating a new modular rapid deployment system with a simplified design of components and increased rigidity, stability and reliability of the system, with simplified manufacturing and use, simplified rapid assembly, which would ensure rapid assembly of structures of a fully completed design, of various configurations depending on needs and purposes, suitable for use in different terrain, including in combat zones, seismically hazardous zones and others for immediate use.
[0041] The stated task is solved in that a modular system for rapid deployment, including a frame containing horizontally installed upper and lower longitudinal frame elements, support elements installed vertically in the horizontally installed lower and upper longitudinal frame elements, the system contains panel elements with openings for the support elements to pass through them and with means for connecting some panel elements to others to form a wall, according to the proposal, is designed with the possibility of fixing the vertically installed support elements in the working position to form a detachable connection and the possibility of locking in the working position at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements, which also contain means for installing horizontally support elements to form a floor and / or ceiling or roof,which are arranged horizontally in the working position and, together with the panel elements through which they are passed, form a floor and / or ceiling or roof, respectively, wherein the horizontally installed lower and upper longitudinal frame elements are made along the perimeter with four sides forming a polygon, and the means for connecting some panel elements with others are made on at least two lateral sides of the panel elements along the length of these sides with the possibility of connecting the panel elements to each other.
[0042] In this case, according to the proposal, the support element, installed vertically, contains slots on the lower end part for the passage of a lower rod, contained or installed in a cup or sleeve, secured in the lower longitudinal frame element and fixing the support element in the working position by its partial rotation around its longitudinal axis.
[0043] In this case, according to the proposal, the system includes a door unit, which in the lower part has at least two sections of a pipe of the same diameter as the support elements, which are installed vertically in the working position, fixed on both sides by wall panels formed from panel elements, having recesses, and in the upper part corresponding cups or sleeves for fixing by short support elements to the lower side of the upper longitudinal frame element with fixation in the working position, as well as a panel with a cutout in the lower part in accordance with the protrusions on the frame of the door unit for fixing the doors in the upper part.
[0044] In addition, according to the proposal, the upper longitudinal frame element contains a lower L-shaped or U-shaped part and an upper L-shaped or U-shaped part, wherein the lower part has means for installing fastening elements in them, fastening the upper and lower L-shaped or U-shaped parts in the working position.
[0045] In this case, according to the proposal, the longitudinal upper frame element contains a lower L-shaped or U-shaped and an upper L-shaped or U-shaped part, on the lower part there are means for installing fastening elements in them, fastening the upper and lower L-shaped or U-shaped parts in the working position, wherein the means for installing the fastening elements in them and the fastening elements have a ring-shaped cross-section of the body and are made with slots, the fastening element has a flat upper end part, wider than the diameter of its body, and is made with the possibility of rotating and fixing the upper L-shaped or U-shaped part in the working position.
[0046] In this case, according to the proposal, the lower longitudinal frame elements are made in the form of a polygon in cross-section, contain openings for installing vertical support elements and recesses for installing horizontal support elements to form a floor.
[0047] In this case, according to the proposal, the vertical support elements are made in the form of a pipe with a ring cross-section and have vertical slots in the upper part, which in the working position of the support element are located above the openings in the lower part of the longitudinal upper frame elements, and by moving a metal plate or other locking means through these slots, all panel elements through which the support element passes are fixed by compression to the lower longitudinal frame element vertically.
[0048] In this case, according to the proposal, the horizontal support elements of the floor and roof are made in the form of a pipe of annular cross-section and at the ends have means for installation in the upper and lower longitudinal frame elements to form a floor and / or ceiling. In this case, according to the proposal, the means for connecting some panel elements to others are made in the form of depressions on one side or sides and projections on the other side or sides.
[0049] In addition, according to the proposal, the means for connecting some panel elements to others are made in the form of protrusions along the perimeter of the panel elements, and the panel elements are made with the possibility of arranging either of the two working sides outward.
[0050] In this case, according to the proposal, the system includes angular L-shaped connectors connecting longitudinal frame elements at an angle of 90° with the location and fixation of support elements in them by rotating around the axis of the support element, thus locking in the working position at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements.
[0051] In this case, according to the proposal, the system includes intermediate T-shaped connectors for connecting longitudinal frame elements along the length with the placement and fixation of support elements in them by rotating around the axis of the support element, thus locking in the working position at least three adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements.
[0052] In this case, according to the proposal, the system includes intermediate X-shaped connectors for connecting longitudinal frame elements along the length with the placement and fixation of support elements in them by rotating around the axis of the support element, thus locking in the working position at least four adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements.
[0053] In this case, according to the proposal, the longitudinal frame elements together with the connectors form the upper and lower frames of the frame, each of which is divided into sections by longitudinal frame elements connected in the center of each frame by an X-shaped connector. In this case, according to the proposal, the system includes intermediate I-shaped connectors for converting the L-shaped connector into a T-shaped connector, and the T-shaped connector into an X-shaped connector by connecting through the corresponding holes in the side surface of the L-shaped connectors and T-like connectors.
[0054] In addition, according to the proposal, the system includes corner wall elements, which in the working position are strung on support elements and installed on corner connectors with a connection to panel elements.
[0055] In addition, according to the proposal, the system includes intermediate wall elements, which in the working position are strung on support elements and installed on intermediate connectors with a connection to panel elements and / or window units, and / or door unit.
[0056] Moreover, according to the proposal, the system includes at least one door unit, which is designed with the possibility of connection with panel elements and / or with intermediate elements installed on intermediate connectors, and contains at least one opening for the passage of a support element.
[0057] In addition, according to the proposal, the system includes at least one window unit, which is designed with the possibility of connecting to panel elements and / or to intermediate elements installed on intermediate connectors, and contains openings for the passage of support elements through them.
[0058] Moreover, according to the proposal, the system is designed with the ability to change the configuration of the resulting structure.
[0059] In this case, according to the proposal, polyurethane foam (PUF) or another filler with properties of dense penetration into the structure of the materials of the outer and inner (front and back) covering of the panels with the possibility of gluing and reproducing the required shape of the panel element is used in the modular system as a filling material for the panel element.The listed features of the proposed technical solution are essential features of the claimed invention, and their combination allows achieving the expected technical result - ensuring the possibility of accelerated simplified deployment (erection) of structures completely ready for use with increased stability, rigidity and reliability for various purposes with the possibility of repeated disassembly and assembly, with various configurations and sizes depending on the needs, which can be assembled and used in different areas, including remote areas, in seismic risk zones, in combat zones and others, with the elimination of the need to use heavy equipment for transporting system components, qualified personnel for assembling buildings using the declared system, ensuring simplification of the design, increasing manufacturability and reducing production costs.
[0060] This ensures the unification of the system components with the production of identical panel elements, support elements, corner and intermediate connectors and elements, with identical elements for fixing the various components of the system in the working position, which simplifies and reduces the cost of its manufacture and use.
[0061] The cause-and-effect relationship between the claimed essential features of the invention and the obtained technical result is as follows.
[0062] The claimed modular rapid deployment system, which in a set of features is designed with the possibility of fixing vertically installed support elements in the working position with the formation of a detachable connection and the possibility of locking in the working position of at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements, which also contain means for installing horizontally supporting elements to form a floor and / or ceiling or roof, which are located horizontally in the working position and, together with the panel elements through which they are passed, form a floor and / or ceiling or roof, respectively, wherein the horizontally installed lower and upper longitudinal frame elements are made along the perimeter with four sides forming a polygon,and the means for connecting some panel elements to others are made on at least two lateral sides of the panel elements along the length of these sides with the possibility of connecting the panel elements to each other, which allows users to quickly and easily, without special training or obtaining qualifications, independently construct a finished structure (a special-purpose building, a residential building, etc.) with a ceiling and / or roof and a floor, with the fixation of the support elements in the working position together with the panel elements installed on them in the upper and lower longitudinal frame elements having a rigid box-shaped profile in the form of a quadrangle, and to erect structures for various purposes with increased rigidity, durability, and reliability.
[0063] The set of essential features of the declared system allows for the unification of the system components, ensuring a reduced cost of production and use of the declared system, ensuring the possibility of using the declared solution by a wide range of users without the use of heavy equipment, special knowledge and qualifications for creating houses, ensuring the possibility of their expansion, increase, redevelopment, dismantling and deployment (erection) in another place.
[0064] At the same time, the implementation of the declared system with horizontally installed support elements on longitudinal frame elements with panel elements to form a floor and ceiling (roof) gives greater rigidity and stability to the entire structure, and also creates an isolated structure with reliable adhesion and connection of components, which also increases stability, wear resistance and consumer properties.
[0065] In addition, the implementation of means for connecting some panel elements to others at least on two lateral sides of the panel elements along the length of these sides with the possibility of connecting the panel elements to each other ensures simplification of the design and reliable connection and adjoining of the panel elements connected to each other, which also increases the durability and reliability of the claimed design. At the same time, such implementation of the means for coupling ensures simplification and acceleration of the construction of structures.
[0066] Due to the fact that the support element, installed vertically, contains slots on the lower end part for the passage of the lower rod, contained or installed in the lower longitudinal frame element and fixing the support element in the working position by its partial rotation around its longitudinal axis, a simplification of the design and fixation is ensured, ensuring accelerated simplified assembly of the system and the creation of a structure of increased strength, rigidity and reliability.
[0067] Also, due to the fact that the upper and lower longitudinal frame elements are made with four sides in the form of a polygon along the perimeter in the part that does not contain openings and holes, respectively, the formed closed contour of the longitudinal frame elements provides increased rigidity of the frame structure, and, consequently, the entire system, the ability to fix supporting elements in them, install a roof and floor, simplify and speed up the construction of houses that are completely ready for use.
[0068] Due to the fact that the upper longitudinal frame element consists of two parts and contains a lower L-shaped or U-shaped and an upper L-shaped or U-shaped part, while on the lower part there are means for installing fastening elements in them, which fasten the upper and lower L-shaped or U-shaped parts in the working position, it is possible to secure the support elements installed on the lower L-shaped or U-shaped part together with the panel elements installed on them, which together form a ceiling (roof), which, in turn, increases the strength, durability and reliability of the resulting structure.
[0069] Due to the fact that the support elements are made in the form of a pipe with a ring cross-section, it is possible to perform the declared connection of the support elements with longitudinal frame elements, corner and intermediate connectors and fixation by rotation, which ensures simplification, acceleration of assembly of the structure and increased reliability and stability.
[0070] In the embodiment where the means for connecting some panel elements to others are made in the form of projections along the perimeter of the panel elements and can have a thickness equal to half the thickness of the panel element, or another thickness depending on the design features, and the panel elements are made with the possibility of arranging any of the two working sides outward, and in the embodiment where the means for connecting some panel elements to others are made in the form of depressions on one side or sides, for example in the form of an uneven trapezoid, and corresponding depressions of projections on the other side or sides, a reliable connection and adhesion of the panel elements to each other is ensured, which increases the stability of the structure, while the design of the panel element itself is simplified. In addition, the occurrence of cold bridges is prevented by tight contact between adjacent panel elements in those places that have an open surface of polyurethane foam or other panel filler.
[0071] Due to the fact that the system includes corner connectors connecting longitudinal frame elements at an angle with the arrangement and fixation of support elements in them with blocking in the working position of at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements, and includes intermediate connectors for connecting longitudinal frame elements along the length, the presence in the structure of X-shaped connectors, I-shaped connectors for converting the L-shaped connector present in the declared structure into a T-shaped connector, and a T-shaped connector into an X-shaped connector ensures increased rigidity of the structure, strength and the possibility of forming structures of different configurations, rebuilding with a change in the configuration, size, number of rooms of the structure (house).
[0072] Due to the fact that the system includes corner elements, which in the working position are strung on the support elements and installed on corner connectors with a connection to the panel elements, as well as the fact that the system includes intermediate elements, which in the working position are strung on the support elements and installed on intermediate connectors with a connection to the panel elements and / or to the window units, and / or to the door units, it is possible to use identical panel elements, which ensures the unification of the system components, simplifies its manufacture and use, and ensures the possibility of creating structures of various configurations with simplification and acceleration of the construction of structures.
[0073] Due to the fact that the system includes at least one door unit, designed with the possibility of connection with panel elements and / or with intermediate elements installed on intermediate connectors, and containing at least one opening for the passage of a support element, the assembly of the structure is simplified and accelerated.
[0074] Due to the fact that the system includes at least one window unit in an embodiment designed with the possibility of connection with panel elements and / or with intermediate elements installed on intermediate connectors, and containing openings for the passage of support elements therein, it is possible to use the same support elements both for installing panel elements to form the walls of a building and for installing windows, simplifying and accelerating construction, performing various building configurations, replacing panel elements with window elements and vice versa.
[0075] The declared system is made with means of fastening and fixing elements with the same operating principle, which also simplifies and speeds up the assembly of the system, ensures the unification of the system components, simplifies and reduces the cost of their production.
[0076] The further essence of the invention is explained in the description given below as a non-limiting embodiment, with reference to the drawings, which show: Fig. 1 - General view of the claimed modular rapid deployment system in an assembled state in an embodiment; Fig. 2 - General view of the claimed modular rapid deployment system in a partially disassembled state in an embodiment; Fig. 3 - Side view of the claimed modular rapid deployment system in an assembled state in an embodiment; Fig. 4 - View from the other side of the claimed modular rapid deployment system in an assembled state in an embodiment; Fig. 5 (a, b, c) - Image of the structural elements of the modular rapid deployment system in the sequence of their connection in an embodiment; Fig. 6 - Image of a section of the connected corner connector and the elongated frame element; Fig. 7 (a, b) - Image in the sequence of installation of the support element in the corner connector; Fig.8 (a, b) — General view of the I-shaped longitudinal connector in the embodiment; Fig. 9 — General view of the frame with panel elements not shown; Fig. 10 (a, b) — Image in sequence of connections of the floor panel elements with the support elements; Fig. 11 (a, b) — Schematic cross-sectional image of the floor panel elements without support elements passed through them and with support elements in the embodiment; Fig. 12 (a, b, c) — Image in sequence of connections of the floor with the lower frame of the frame in the embodiment; Fig. 13 (a, b, c) — Image in sequence of connections of the wall of the building assembled from panel elements and support elements in the embodiment; Fig. 14 — Image in section of the floor and wall assembled on the lower frame of the frame in the embodiment; Fig. 15 — Image of an embodiment of the panel element; Fig.16 (a, b, c, d, d, e, g, h, k, l, m) — Image of the connection of the elements of the claimed system in one of the embodiments; Fig. 17 (a, b, c, d, d) — Image of the sequence of installation of window units in the embodiment; Fig. 18 (a, b, c) — Image of a fragment of the upper frame of the frame during assembly and fixation in the embodiment; Fig. 19 (a, b, c) — Image of a fragment of the upper frame of the frame during assembly and fixation in the embodiment of the claimed system; Fig. 20 (a, b, c, d, d) — Image of the sequence of installation of the door unit in the embodiment; Fig. 21 (a, b, c, d) — Image of the sequence of connections of the ceiling or roof with the upper frame of the frame in the embodiment of the claimed system; Fig. 22 (a, b, c) — Image of the sequence of installation and fixation of the upper part of the upper frame of the frame in the embodiment; Fig.23 (a, b, c) — Image of a roof in the sequence of installation of roof elements in an embodiment of the claimed system; In addition to the above drawings, the essence of the claimed invention is explained with the help of other images: Fig. 24 — General view of the claimed modular rapid deployment system in a partially disassembled state in an embodiment; Fig. 25 — General view of the claimed modular rapid deployment system in an assembled state in an embodiment.
[0077] The proposed modular rapid deployment system in an embodiment that does not limit other embodiments includes a frame 1 containing horizontally installed lower 2 and upper longitudinal frame elements 3, which form, in embodiments together with corner 6 and intermediate connectors 8, lower 4 and upper 5 frames of the frame, respectively,and vertically installed in horizontally installed lower 2 and upper longitudinal frame elements 3 support elements 7. The system comprises panel elements 9 with openings 10 for passing through them support elements 7 and with means 17 for connecting some panels 9 with others to form each wall 19 of the formed building. In this case, the claimed system is designed with the possibility of fixing the vertically installed support elements 7 in the working position to form a detachable connection and the possibility of locking in the working position at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements 2, 3, which is ensured by the design of the elements of the claimed system, in particular, in one of the possible embodiments, the support elements 7 are made with slots 11 for installing a rod 12, which is contained or can be installed in the lower longitudinal frame element 2 or in the angular L-shaped 6 or intermediate 8 connector,which connect the longitudinal frames 2, 3, and fix the support element 7 in the working position in the cup 14 with the hole 15 available in the lower longitudinal frame element 2 or in the angular L-shaped 6 or intermediate connector 8 with rotation of the vertically installed support element 7 by 90° in the embodiment of its longitudinal axis, so that the rod 12 enters the slot in the form of a groove 16.
[0078] Panel elements 9 can be made with the appropriate coating: ceiling panel elements can be made with an internal finish and an external coating that meets the project requirements and other requirements for resistance to various factors, wear resistance and other requirements, floor panel elements can be made with an internal coating in the form of a laminate or other, ceiling panel elements can be made with an internal finish or coating and an external coating that meets the requirements for forming finished walls, floors and ceilings (roofs in the embodiment) that do not require additional processing or finishing.
[0079] In this case, the system includes, in addition to the angular 6 L-shaped connectors connecting the longitudinal frame elements 3 at an angle of 90° with the arrangement and fixation of the support elements 7 in them by rotating around the axis of the support element 7, thus locking in the working position at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements 3, intermediate 8.1 T-shaped connectors for connecting the longitudinal frame elements 3 along the length with the arrangement and fixation of the support elements 7 in them by rotating them around their vertical axis, thus locking in the working position at least three adjacent horizontally longitudinal frame elements 3.
[0080] The system also includes intermediate 8.2 X-shaped connectors for connecting longitudinal frame elements 3 along the length with the arrangement and fixation of support elements 7 in them by rotating them around their vertical axis, thus locking in the working position at least four adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements 3.
[0081] The system also includes intermediate 8.3 I-shaped connectors for converting the L-shaped connector 6 into a T-shaped connector 8.1 and the T-shaped connector 8.1 into an X-shaped connector 8.2 by connecting through the corresponding openings in the side surface of the L-shaped connectors 6 and T-like convectors 8.1, providing an additional opening for connecting the longitudinal frame elements 3 along the length with the arrangement and fixation of the support elements 7 in them by rotating around the axis of the support element 7, thus providing the possibility of installing additional space to an existing system without changing the elements of the existing system, for example an additional room or terrace.
[0082] The longitudinal frame elements 3 contain means 45 in the form of recesses or depressions or openings for installing horizontally supporting elements 7 for the floor of the formation 20 and / or the ceiling 21 or the roof. The longitudinal frame elements 3 are arranged horizontally in the working position and together with the panel elements 9 through which they are passed, form the floor 20 and / or the ceiling 21 or the roof, respectively, wherein the horizontally installed lower 2 and upper longitudinal frame elements 3 are made along the perimeter with four sides forming a polygon, and the means 17 for connecting some panel elements 9 with others are made of at least two lateral sides of the panel elements 9 along the length of these sides with the possibility of connecting the panel elements to each other.
[0083] The lower longitudinal frame elements contain recesses 47 for installing horizontal support elements 7 to form a floor.
[0084] In one embodiment, the panel element 9 can be made with a projection 17.1 on one side, and on the opposite side - with a recess 17.2 corresponding to the projection 17.1. In another embodiment, the panel element 9 can be made with projections on all sides with the possibility of connecting the panel elements 9 with their turning over one after the other. The support elements 7, installed vertically and installed horizontally in the preferred embodiment, have different end parts. Since the support elements 7, installed horizontally, are placed in the recesses 47, they are made with cutouts or grooves for fixation with frame longitudinal elements.
[0085] In a possible embodiment, the protrusion 17.1 and the depression 17.2 may have a complex configuration for reliable connection of the panel elements 9 to each other and insulation of the resulting ceiling or roof.
[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the upper 4 and lower frames 5 of the frame 1 are divided into sections 22 by longitudinal frame elements 3, connected in the center of each frame 4, 5 by an X-shaped connector 8.1, which gives greater rigidity and stability to the declared design.
[0087] The claimed system can be implemented with internal partitions 37, formed by panel elements 9 strung on support elements 7, with an internal door.
[0088] The system includes a door unit, which in the lower part has at least two pipe sections - short support elements 7.1 of the same diameter as the support elements 7, which are installed in the working position vertically instead of two adjacent support elements 7, fixed on both sides by wall panels formed from panel elements 9, having recesses, and in the upper part corresponding cups or sleeves for fixing by short support elements to the lower side of the upper longitudinal frame element 3.2 with fixation in the working position according to the same principle as all support elements 7, as well as a panel 9.1 with a cutout in the lower part according to the projections on the frame of the door unit 25 for fixing the doors 34 in the upper part.
[0089] The system may include a support element 7.1 of a special length for installing a door unit 25, installed vertically, which may contain slots on the upper end part for passing a stopper 24 through them and fixing the support element 7 in the working position. The stopper 24 may be made in the form of a plate.
[0090] The upper and longitudinal lower frame elements 2 are made with a closed contour with the exclusion of the formation of a beam with a free end, as in the closest analogue, which ensures their rigidity and makes it possible to install and fix the support elements 7 in them, which makes it possible to ensure a rigid and stable design of the lower and upper 4, 5 frames of the frame, and, consequently, the entire frame 1.
[0091] The upper longitudinal frame element 3 comprises a lower 3.1 L-shaped or, in an embodiment, a U-shaped and an upper 3.2 L-shaped or U-shaped part, wherein on the lower part there are means 27 for installing fastening elements 28 in them, fastening the upper 3.1 and lower 3.2 L-shaped or U-shaped parts in the working position. Such a design solution makes it possible to install horizontally located support elements 7 with strung panel elements on the lower part and securely fasten them in the working position.
[0092] In the embodiment of the means 27 for installing the fastening elements 28 in them and the fastening elements 28 have a ring shape in the section of the housing 29, 30, respectively, and are made with slots 31. The fastening element 28 has a flat upper end part 32, wider than the diameter of its housing 30, and is made with the possibility of arranging the upper rod 12 and with the possibility of partially rotating around the longitudinal axis of the housing 30 and fixing the upper 3.1 L-shaped or U-shaped part in the working position.
[0093] The vertically installed support elements 7 are preferably made in the form of a pipe of annular cross-section and have vertical slots in the upper part, which in the working position of the support element 7 are located above the openings in the lower part of the longitudinal upper frame elements 3, and by moving a metal plate or other locking means 18 through these slots, they fix all panel elements through which the support element passes by compression to the lower longitudinal frame element 3 vertically.
[0094] The angular connectors 6 in the L-shaped version connect two longitudinal frame elements 3 at an angle of 90° with the arrangement and fixation of support elements 7 in them with blocking in the working position of two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements 3.
[0095] Intermediate connectors 8 in various design versions provide the ability to connect 2, 3 and 4 longitudinal frame elements 3 along the length and at an angle, respectively, which provides the ability to construct buildings of different sizes and configurations with different numbers and sizes of rooms.
[0096] The system includes wall corner elements 35, which in the working position are strung on support elements 7 and mounted on corner connectors 6 with connection to panel elements 9 by means similar to means 17 for connecting panel elements 9 to each other.
[0097] The system also includes wall intermediate elements 36, which in the working position are strung on support elements 7 and mounted on intermediate connectors 8 with a connection to panel elements and / or to window units 39 in an embodiment, and / or to door unit 25 by means similar to means 17 for connecting panel elements 9 to each other.
[0098] The system includes at least one door unit 25, designed with the possibility of connection with panel elements 9 and / or with wall intermediate elements 36 installed on intermediate connectors 8, and containing at least one opening for the passage of a support element 7.
[0099] The system may include at least one window unit 25, designed with the possibility of connection with panel elements 9 and / or with wall intermediate elements 36 installed on intermediate connectors 8, and containing openings for the passage of support elements 7 into them.
[0100] The system may also include overlays 41 for use as floor 20 and / or ceiling 21 plugs according to the design and for installation between adjacent floor 42 or ceiling 43 sections installed on the frame.
[0101] The system can also include strips 23 installed on the upper frame 5 in various embodiments.
[0102] The components of the modular system can be made of any materials that can reproduce its design and provide rigidity, strength and stability. The components of the system can be manufactured by pressing, including waste, extrusion or injection molding, or other technology depending on the properties of the selected materials.
[0103] The declared technical solution is used as follows.
[0104] The proposed modular system allows for the installation of a structure on any site, with or without a foundation.
[0105] In one embodiment, the modular system can be installed on supports with bases.
[0106] The proposed modular system has the ability to assemble several floors if instead of fastening elements 28, supporting elements 7 are inserted, the roof structure will be the ceiling 21 of the second floor and the assembly of wall 36, corner 6 and intermediate 8 elements will continue to cover the required area of the house with the installation of the roof 21, and so on.
[0107] In the embodiment, the lower frame 4 of the framework 1 is assembled, horizontal support elements 3 are installed and fixed, onto which the floor panel elements 9 are strung, support elements 7 are installed vertically and fixed, onto which the panel elements 9 are strung to form the walls 19 of the building. In the presence of corner 6 and intermediate connectors 8, wall corner 35 and wall intermediate elements 36 are strung onto the support elements 3 installed and fixed in them by rotation, to form integral walls 19 of the structure connected to each other.
[0108] The prefabricated steel structure of the frame 1 in the embodiment forms a platform for erecting the structures of the walls 19 and the floor 21 - the ceiling and / or roof. The vertical support elements 7 (posts) inserted into the openings of the frames 4, 5 also perform the function of mechanically locking the adjacent elongated frame elements 3.
[0109] When creating the corresponding walls 19, window 39 and door 25 blocks are installed in the places corresponding to the construction project. When using panel elements 9, it is possible to create internal partitions of the structure.
[0110] Next, the lower parts 3.1 of the upper longitudinal frame elements 3 are installed, forming the lower part of the upper frame 5, the ceiling and / or roof or roofing in embodiments 21 are installed on them, passing the corresponding support elements 7 through them, which are fixed with the help of stoppers 24. The upper L-, T-, X- and / or I-shaped connectors are installed and fixed, respectively, after which parts 3.2 of the upper longitudinal frame elements 3 are installed, forming the upper frame 5.
[0111] In the design variants, the roof 21 can be flat, gable (gable) or multi-pitched (multi-pitched).
[0112] When using the declared system, the required architectural form is formed. The size and shape of the object can be absolutely different, if necessary - asymmetrical, with the possibility of extending in any horizontal direction of the existing structure due to the use of I-shaped connectors 8.3.
[0113] The geometry of panel elements 9 allows for water resistance. Any filler can be used that has the properties of dense penetration into the structure of the materials of the outer and inner coatings (walls) of the panels for the purpose of gluing and reproducing the required shape of the panel. Polyurethane foams (PUF) can be used as a filling material for panel elements 9, depending on the formula and thickness of the panels selected by the customer; it is possible to provide protection down to -50°C.
[0114] The system may include a protective roof covering 21 - rubber fabric or various options for making waterproof fabrics and other materials that can provide protection for the roof from precipitation and the ingress of foreign substances into the house, which may have releases on the sides to protect from precipitation and be pulled together along the perimeter with polymer belts, ropes, cables or having sewn-in magnetic tapes that are attached to the steel surface of the frame 5 or framework, or may be secured in any other way that reliably holds the protective material on the roof.
[0115] The roof structure may also include additional covering elements in the form of panels or plates, or any elements that, due to their geometry, are joined together in a way that prevents water or any substances from penetrating into the house.
[0116] The roof structure may be flat, triangular, trapezoidal or have any complex shape that can be assembled using roof fasteners 21 with additional support elements 7 of different lengths inserted instead of fastening elements 28 and having the necessary fastening system with the necessary roof structure according to the design.
[0117] The resulting building can be dismantled if necessary, transported or moved to a new location and rebuilt using multiple components.
[0118] The declared system has unified fixing elements, which simplifies installation and does not require highly skilled, high-cost operations. Using the declared modular system of rapid deployment, it is possible to assemble the entire structure of the house without special knowledge, without tools in minimal time even by one person, the possibility of quick disassembly, moving to another place and reassembly. And so - an unlimited number of times.
[0119] The quickly assembled structure of a house built using the declared system is transported by any available means of transport (or carried manually) to the installation site and assembled within a short period of time.
[0120] It is used as temporary or permanent housing, country or garden houses, tourist bases, seasonal hotels, fishing or hunting lodges, for special events, for example, for refugees affected by natural or man-made disasters, for the construction of storage facilities with tunnel transitions or isolated rooms, etc. It can be used as an operational headquarters for rapid response services, storage of inventory items, refrigeration or freezing chambers if an additional compressor is connected.
[0121] Provides the ability to be used for military purposes - field hospitals, tactical modules, field bunkers, headquarters, barracks and training camps - with the ability to quickly move to other positions when detected.
[0122] A comparative analysis of the above technical solution with the closest analogue showed that the implementation of a set of essential features characterizing the proposed invention leads to the emergence of qualitatively new technical properties indicated above.
[0123] Since the set of properties specified above in the description has not been previously established from the existing level of technology, it can be concluded that the proposed technical solution meets the criterion of "inventive step". At the same time, in known sources of patent and other scientific and technical information, no designs of modular rapid deployment systems with the set of essential features specified in the proposal have been found, therefore the proposed technical solution is considered to meet the criterion of "novelty".
[0124] In addition, based on the results of practical testing, the proposed modular rapid deployment system is suitable for industrial use, since it does not contain any structural elements or materials that could not be reproduced at the current stage of development of science and technology, in particular, in the construction industry, and can be implemented using known technologies, therefore the proposed technical solution is considered to meet the criterion of “industrial suitability”, and therefore, can receive legal protection.
Claims
FORMULA 1. A modular rapid deployment system comprising a frame containing horizontally installed upper and lower longitudinal frame elements, support elements installed vertically in the horizontally installed lower and upper longitudinal frame elements, the system comprising panel elements with openings for the support elements to pass through them and with means for connecting some panel elements to others to form a wall, which is characterized in that it is designed with the possibility of fixing the vertically installed support elements in the working position to form a detachable connection and the possibility of locking in the working position at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements, which also contain means for installing horizontally the support elements to form a floor and / or ceiling or roof, which are located horizontally in the working position and together with the panel elements,through which they are passed, form a floor and / or ceiling or roof, respectively, wherein the horizontally installed lower and upper longitudinal frame elements are made along the perimeter with four sides forming a polygon, and the means for connecting some panel elements with others are made on at least two lateral sides of the panel elements along the length of these sides with the possibility of connecting the panel elements to each other.
2. A modular system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the support element, installed vertically, contains slots on the lower end portion for the passage of a lower rod contained or installed in a cup or sleeve secured in the lower longitudinal frame element and fixing the support element in the working position by its partial rotation around its longitudinal axis.
3. A modular system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that it includes a door unit, which in the lower part has at least two sections of a pipe of the same diameter as the support elements, which are installed vertically in the working position, fixed on both sides by wall panels formed from panel elements, having recesses, and in the upper part corresponding cups or sleeves for fixing by short support elements to the lower side of the upper longitudinal frame element with fixation in the working position, as well as a panel with a cutout in the lower part according to the projections on the frame of the door unit for fixing the doors in the upper part.
4. A modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that the upper longitudinal frame element contains a lower L-shaped or 11-shaped and an upper L-shaped or U-shaped part, while the lower part has means for installing fastening elements in them, fastening the upper and lower L-shaped or 11-shaped parts in the working position.
5. The modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that the upper longitudinal frame element contains a lower L-shaped or 11-shaped and an upper L-shaped or U-shaped part, on the lower part there are means for installing fastening elements in them, which fasten the upper and lower L-shaped or U-shaped parts in the working position, wherein the means for installing the fastening elements in them and the fastening elements have a ring-shaped cross-section of the body and are made with slots, the fastening element has a flat upper end part, wider than the diameter of its body and is made with the possibility of rotating and fixing the upper L-shaped or U-shaped part in the working position.
6. The modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that the lower longitudinal frame elements are made in the form of a polygon in cross-section, contain openings for installing vertical support elements and recesses for installing horizontal support elements to form a floor.
7. A modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that the vertical support elements are made in the form of a pipe of an annular cross-section and have vertical slots in the upper part, which in the working position of the support element are located above the openings in the lower part of the longitudinal upper frame elements, and by moving a metal plate or other locking means through these slots, all panel elements through which the support element passes are fixed by compression to the lower longitudinal frame element vertically.
8. A modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that the horizontal support elements of the floor and roof are made in the form of a pipe with a ring cross-section and at the ends have means for installation in the upper and lower frame longitudinal elements to form a floor and / or ceiling.
9. A modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that the means for connecting some panel elements to others are made in the form of recesses on one side or sides and protrusions on the other side or sides.
10. A modular system according to paragraph 1, which is characterized in that the means for connecting some panel elements to others are made in the form of protrusions along the perimeter of the panel elements, and the panel elements are made with the possibility of arranging either of the two working sides outward.
11. A modular system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that it includes angular L-shaped connectors connecting longitudinal frame elements at an angle of 90° with the location and fixation of support elements in them by rotation around the axis of the support element, thus locking at least two adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements in the working position.
12. The modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that it includes intermediate T-shaped connectors for connecting longitudinal frame elements along the length with the arrangement and fixation of support elements in them by rotation around the axis of the support element, thus locking in the working position at least three adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements.
13. A modular system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that it includes intermediate X-shaped connectors for connecting longitudinal frame elements along the length with the placement and fixation of support elements in them by rotation around the axis of the support element, thus locking at least four adjacent horizontally installed longitudinal frame elements in the working position.
14. A modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that the longitudinal frame elements together with the connectors form the upper and lower frames of the frame, each of which is divided into sections by longitudinal frame elements connected in the center of each frame by an X-shaped connector.
15. A modular system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that it includes intermediate I-shaped connectors for converting an L-shaped connector into a T-shaped connector, and a T-shaped connector into an X-shaped connector by connecting through corresponding openings in the side surface of the L-shaped connectors and T-shaped connectors.
16. A modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that it includes corner wall elements which, in the working position, are strung onto support elements and installed on corner connectors with a connection to panel elements.
17. A modular system according to item 1, which is characterized in that it includes intermediate wall elements which, in the working position, are strung onto support elements and installed on intermediate connectors with a connection to panel elements and / or window units and / or door units.
18. A modular system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that it includes at least one door unit, which is designed with the possibility of being connected to panel elements and / or to intermediate elements installed on intermediate connectors, and contains at least one opening for the passage of a support element.
19. A modular system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that it includes at least one window unit, which is designed with the possibility of being connected to panel elements and / or to intermediate elements installed on intermediate connectors, and contains openings for the passage of support elements through them.
20. A modular system according to paragraph 1, which is characterized in that it is designed with the possibility of changing the configuration of the resulting structure.
21. A modular system according to paragraph 1, which is distinguished by the fact that polyurethane foam (PUF) or another filler with properties of dense penetration into the structure of the materials of the outer and inner coating of the panels with the possibility of gluing and reproducing the required shape of the panel element is used as the filling material of the panel element.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Blocks and modular building system
EP3447207B1
Modular light weight construction system based on pre-slotted panels and standard dimensional splines
US10450736B2
Modular building panels and enclosures
US3898779A
Blocks and modular building system
EP3447207A1
Modular assembly shelter kits and methods
US10612233B1