Asymmetric Modular House Sidewalls for Solar Roof Slope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular houses with multiple modules face challenges in achieving optimal natural lighting and efficient roof construction due to size limitations and complex roof designs, which hinder their attractiveness for permanent human habitation and energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A modular house design featuring elongated modules with uneven sidewalls to create a sloping roof, allowing for simpler and more durable construction, improved drainage, and optimal placement for sunlight harvesting systems, while maintaining a standardized and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If modules are arranged with free space between them to create wider rooms, then room width is improved, but natural lighting conditions deteriorate and roof construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making one sidewall higher than the other, creating an asymmetric roof structure. This asymmetric design allows the roof to slope downward from the higher sidewall, creating a larger opening on the higher side for improved natural lighting while maintaining the desired room width through the free space between modules.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat roof is used to simplify construction, then manufacturing ease is improved, but drainage capability deteriorates and watertightness becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric sidewall heights create a naturally sloping roof surface that maintains the simplicity of flat roof construction methods while providing effective drainage. The roof slopes downward from the higher sidewall to the lower sidewall, enabling water to drain naturally without requiring complex pitched roof structures or additional drainage systems.
3Reliability
If traditional pitched roof with ridge is used to improve drainage, then drainage capability is improved, but structural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional symmetric pitched roof with a central ridge, the patent employs asymmetric sidewall heights to create a single-sided slope. This eliminates the need for complex ridge structures, strengthening beams, and complicated roofing systems, while still achieving effective drainage through the natural slope created by the height difference.
4Ease of manufacture
If flat roof is used to simplify construction, then manufacturing ease is improved, but energy harvesting efficiency for sunlight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric roof design creates a sloped surface that is optimally angled for sunlight harvesting. The slope angle, determined by the height difference between sidewalls, can be optimized to maximize solar energy capture throughout the day while maintaining the simplicity of flat roof construction techniques and materials.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances natural light inflow, reduces construction complexity and costs, and optimizes energy harvesting capabilities, making the modular house suitable for permanent habitation and efficient energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a sloping roof is ideal for mounting sunlight harvesting means - such as a solar power cell or a solar thermal collector - in that it will ensure a more optimal angle in relation to the sun
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a modular house (1) comprising three or more elongated modules (2) having substantially similar height (H), wherein one or more of the three or more modules (2) are arranged to form a first sidewall (3) and one or more further modules (2) of the three or more modules (2) are arranged to form a second sidewall (4). The second sidewall (4) is arranged opposite the first sidewall (3) and the first sidewall (3) is arranged at a distance from the second sidewall (4), so that a free space (5) is arranged between the sidewalls (3, 4). The modular house (1) further comprises a roof (6) extending across the free space (5) between an upper side (7) of the first sidewall (3) and an upper side (7) of the second sidewall (4), wherein the number of modules (2) forming the vertical extent (E) of the first sidewall (3) is different from the number of modules (2) forming the vertical extent (E) of the second sidewall (4), so that one of the first and the second sidewall (4) is higher than the other. A modular housing system comprising a number of substantially identical modular houses(1) is also disclosed along with a method for building a modular house (1) being optimized towards harvesting energy from the sun and use of a modular house (1).