Corner Coupling Element for Close-Spaced Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for modular construction require significant space due to the use of spacers, leading to wide spacing between components, which is undesirable for structural integrity and efficient use of space, and often necessitate time-consuming welded connections.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a base body designed as a corner or edge element that eliminates the need for additional spacers, allowing components to be closely arranged, using screw connections and positioning elements for secure and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a spacer is used as the base body for coupling components, then the coupling device can provide a standardized connection structure, but the distance between coupled components becomes large, reducing structural integrity and wasting space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spacer component from the coupling system. Instead of using a separate spacer base body that creates distance, the coupling device integrates directly into the component wall structure, removing the unnecessary intermediate element that was causing the space problem
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is merged with the component wall structure itself. The base body is designed to be integrated into the wall of the first component, combining what were previously separate elements (component and spacer) into a unified structure that eliminates the gap
2Ease of operation
If spacers are used in coupling devices, then components can be easily connected, but valuable space in warehouses and transport vehicles is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is extracted and removed from the system. The coupling device uses the component's own wall structure as the mounting base, eliminating the need for additional spacer volume that would otherwise be required for the coupling mechanism
3Strength
If welded connections are used to join structural elements, then strong connections are achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical coupling system. The coupling device uses threaded rods and engagement elements that provide strong mechanical connections without requiring welding operations, thereby increasing assembly speed and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separate functional elements: the coupling device integrated in the wall, the threaded rod, and the engagement element. This segmentation allows for pre-fabrication and rapid assembly, replacing the monolithic welding process with modular mechanical components that can be quickly assembled
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device for the modular construction of structures or objects, comprising a main body (1) which has at least one through-opening (2) or at least one recess and which can be coupled to at least one component (3) of a structure or object, wherein the at least one through-opening (2) or the at least one recess is designed for cooperating with a coupling means for coupling the at least one component (3) to the main body (1), wherein, with a view to a simple and safe construction of structures or objects, said coupling device is provided with constructionally simple means and developed in such a way that the main body is designed as a corner element or edge element of a module (16) of the structure or object.