Accessible Modular Connector for Seismic Building Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building systems face limitations in connector strength, alignment accuracy, and ease of assembly, particularly in seismic zones, with connectors often rated for lower building heights and requiring complex access methods for fastening.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector system featuring accessible connectors with angled arms, cavities for side access to fasteners, and pin observation windows, allowing for easier alignment and fastening of modules without wall cut-outs, and suitable for various beam and column profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional modular connectors are used, then the building structure can be assembled, but the connector strength is insufficient for high-rise buildings and seismic zones
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple arms (typically four) that can be independently configured, each arm having adjustable positioning features. This segmentation allows the connector to distribute and manage structural loads more effectively across multiple connection points, enhancing overall strength while maintaining adaptability for various building heights and seismic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features, including movable positioning elements and adjustable arm configurations, allowing the connector to dynamically adapt to different structural demands. This dynamic capability enables the same connector design to serve both high-rise applications requiring superior strength and seismic zones requiring flexibility and energy dissipation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional connector designs are used, then modules can be connected, but wall cut-outs are required to access fasteners which complicates the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows fasteners to be accessed and installed from the interior side of the module envelope, eliminating the need for exterior wall cut-outs. The fastening mechanism is self-contained within the module, allowing workers to complete the fastening operation from within the building interior, thereby simplifying the assembly process and avoiding additional exterior modifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional connector designs are used, then modules can be fastened together, but alignment accuracy is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates pre-configured positioning features and alignment guides that are built into the connector structure before installation. These preliminary alignment features guide the modules into correct relative positions during assembly, ensuring high alignment accuracy without requiring complex adjustment procedures or specialized alignment tools during the fastening operation.
4Ease of operation
If the cavity height is increased to accommodate fasteners, then fastening is enabled, but the cavity exceeds the module floor and ceiling envelope
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the vertical dimension (cavity height) to accommodate fastener installation, the design transitions to accessing fasteners from the horizontal interior side of the module. This dimensional shift allows fasteners to be installed from within the module envelope without requiring excessive cavity height, maintaining compact vertical dimensions while ensuring fastener accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an accessible connector for a building module, the accessible connector comprising arms with a top plate and bottom plate, a cavity formed between the top plate and the bottom plate and having an open side, and fixing apertures formed in one of the plates to receive fasteners for engaging with a corresponding connector of a second building module. The fixing apertures are accessible through the open side of the cavity, which has a height containable within a module floor and/or ceiling envelope and sufficient to allow the insertion of fasteners through the open side.