Corner Connector Assembly for Stable Modular Building Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular systems for prefabricated building components are complex and costly due to numerous diverse elements, lacking stability, especially in multi-story structures, and fail to adequately meet static requirements.

Innovation Solution

A modular system featuring corner connecting elements with plate-shaped fastening sections and clamping jaws that allow for easy assembly and high stability, using elongated profile elements with double-T cross-sections and hollow profiles, and module connecting elements with load distribution plates for efficient load transfer, along with elastic and heat-insulating materials for acoustic and thermal decoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If complex corner connecting elements with multiple components are used, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated corner connecting element. The L-shaped connecting element incorporates both first fastening sections for perpendicular profile elements and second fastening sections for parallel profile elements, eliminating the need for separate fixing plates and connectors. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner connecting element is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple connection tasks. It can connect perpendicular profile elements via first plate-shaped fastening sections and parallel profile elements via second plate-shaped fastening sections, making it a universal connector that replaces multiple specialized components.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional fixing plates and connectors are used to stabilize modular units, then structural stability is improved, but production cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular unit stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of corner connectors, fixing plates, and stabilizing elements into a single integrated corner connecting element. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components, reducing production costs through fewer manufacturing processes and inventory items while maintaining modular unit stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner connecting element is segmented into functional zones with first plate-shaped fastening sections for perpendicular connections and second plate-shaped fastening sections for parallel connections. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as a single integrated piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If small area connection points are used in corner connectors, then device simplicity is improved, but load distribution and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector simplicityVSAvoidload distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from point-based connections to surface-based connections by using plate-shaped fastening sections. These extended surface areas distribute loads across larger regions of the profile elements, improving strength and stability while maintaining the simplicity of the connector design through the use of basic L-shaped geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If multiple separate corner connectors are used to connect horizontal and vertical beams, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connecting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple separate corner connectors into a single integrated L-shaped connecting element. This unified connector provides reliable connections for both perpendicular and parallel profile elements, maintaining connection reliability while reducing the number of components from two or more separate connectors to one integrated element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4455417A1Modular system for the production of modular structures
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 HOCHPÖCHLER LEOPOLD
  • EP4455417A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4455417A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4455417A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular system for the production of modular structures, in particular for prefabricated components, comprising elongated profile elements (1, 2, 3) which can be connected to each other with corner connecting elements (4) to form connectable module units, wherein the module units are suitable for forming floor elements (31), ceiling elements (32) and/or wall elements.The corner connecting elements (4) comprise two first plate-shaped fastening sections (5) aligned at right angles to each other and two second plate-shaped fastening sections (6) aligned at right angles to each other, wherein the first plate-shaped fastening sections (5) can each be inserted into and fixed to the ends of an elongated profile element (1,2) associated with the respective fastening section (5), and wherein the second plate-shaped fastening sections (6) form a common inner edge (7) in which a further elongated profile element (3) with an end section can be arranged and fixed to the two second plate-shaped fastening sections (6) by means of two clamping jaws (8) that can be inserted into the profile element (3).