Building Construction Module Notches for Forklift Handling and Pipe Passage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular construction faces challenges in handling and assembly of building modules, including risk of damage during transport, labor-intensive assembly, and damage to insulation and vapor barriers during pipe installation.

Innovation Solution

The construction module features notches in side uprights for forklift handling, allowing even weight distribution and safe transport, and facilitates easy passage of pipes and conduits, with crosspieces positioned at central notches to support forklifts and intermediate uprights for stable assembly, and a hooking system for secure module connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If modules are stacked on pallets for transport, then transport efficiency is improved, but modules risk falling and being damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidmodule safety during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side uprights are segmented with notches that allow forklift forks to insert and provide support at multiple points along the module stack, preventing modules from falling while maintaining transport efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Forklift forks act as an intermediary element between the pallet and the modules, inserting into notches to provide stable support and eliminate the risk of modules falling during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If modules are assembled by screwing and gluing, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Notches are pre-formed in the side uprights during manufacturing, allowing forklift forks to be inserted immediately upon arrival at the construction site, enabling rapid positioning and assembly without time-consuming drilling or reservation work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The notches are self-positioning features that guide the forklift forks into the correct location, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If pipes are installed through drillings in modules, then utility passage is achieved, but insulation and vapor barrier are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutility passage capabilityVSAvoidinsulation and vapor barrier integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Notches are pre-formed in the side uprights during manufacturing, allowing pipes to be inserted through these pre-prepared openings without the need for on-site drilling that would damage insulation and vapor barriers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The notches serve as an intermediary structure that provides a dedicated pathway for pipes, separating the utility installation function from the insulation and vapor barrier functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2549025B1Building construction module

Publication Date: 2015.09.02 MODULE 3D

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The module (10) has notches (11, 21, 31, 41) placed in lateral uprights (13, 23, 33, 43) to allow passage of pipes and distributed on the uprights on both sides of a horizontal symmetry axis (S). Two central notches, surrounding the axis of symmetry, are practiced, so that spacing (E) of the central notches corresponds to a standard spacing of forks of a fork lift truck. Intermediate uprights include notches aligned with the notches of the side uprights. The notches are partially closed again after the passage of the pipes.