Building module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building modules for temporary structures, such as construction sites, lack versatility and adaptability for long-term use, particularly in creating shops or supermarkets, where flexibility in size and functionality is needed.

Innovation Solution

A building module designed with tunnel-like structure featuring inner and outer ribs for static support and goods attachment, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and integrated facade systems with diverse modules for public interaction and utility, using solid wood for insulation and structural support, and a green roof system for improved climate control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If building modules are designed for rapid assembly and disassembly with corner casts, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but versatility and adaptability for long-term use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The building module is designed with dual functionality: it can be rapidly assembled and disassembled using corner casts for temporary construction site offices, while simultaneously being adaptable for long-term use as shops or supermarkets through the addition of inner ribs for goods attachment and integrated facade systems. The module serves multiple purposes across different time horizons and usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The building module transitions from a static container design to a dynamic, adaptable structure. The corner casts enable rapid assembly/disassembly when needed, while the inner ribs and facade systems can be configured or removed based on usage requirements, allowing the module to dynamically adapt between temporary and permanent applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If building modules are designed as simple containers with corner casts, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability for creating shops or supermarkets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidfunctional adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The building module is segmented into functional components: the basic container structure with corner casts for ease of assembly, plus optional inner ribs attached at desired locations for goods display, and modular facade systems. This segmentation allows the module to maintain operational simplicity while gaining shop-specific functionalities through selective addition of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner ribs are pre-positioned or pre-attached to the container structure at planned locations, and the facade systems are prepared as modular units. This preliminary preparation enables rapid transformation from a simple container to a functional shop environment without requiring complex on-site construction, maintaining ease of operation while achieving functional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If building modules lack inner structural elements, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ability to support goods and provide structural integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructural support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The structural support system is segmented into the basic container structure for ease of manufacture and the optional inner ribs for enhanced goods support. The inner ribs are attached to the container walls at specific locations where structural reinforcement or goods attachment is needed, adding strength only where required rather than throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations within the container where goods need to be attached or where additional structural support is required. This local addition of structural elements provides strength and support capability exactly where needed, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity in the basic container structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3945171A1Building module
Publication Date: 2022.02.02 TEGUT GUTE LEBENSMITTEL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3945171A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945171A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945171A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the invention, a building module (2), - for the construction of a building, wherein several of the building modules (2) are joined together, - is designed in a tunnel-like manner, namely with two opposing wall sections and, between them, a floor section and a roof section (16), such that the wall sections, the floor section and the roof section (16) together enclose a tunnel interior (18) and extend between two tunnel openings (20), the edge (22) of each of which is arranged to be joined with the edge (22) of one of the tunnel openings (20) of another of the building modules (2), so that these joined tunnel openings (20) open into one another and - with at least two inner ribs (26) which extend - on the inside of the wall sections and/or the roof section (16) - radially inwards to the tunnel extension (10), - spaced apart from the tunnel openings (20) in the direction of tunnel extension,- extend at least over a section of the respective tunnel circumference.