Cube Coupling Joint for Modular Frame Seismic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular construction methods face challenges in reducing construction time, effort, and cost, particularly in connecting prefabricated sections on-site, and in withstanding static and dynamic loading conditions such as seismic forces without requiring extensive on-site welding.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of cube coupling joints, which are pre-manufactured and secured to structural members with fasteners and marriage straps, allowing for quick assembly and providing robust connections that can resist vertical and lateral forces, including seismic loads, by forming a moment-resisting frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional on-site welding methods are used to connect modular sections, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but construction time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct components: cube coupling joints with recessed channels, marriage straps, and fasteners. This segmentation allows pre-fabrication of connection elements with precise geometric features (recessed channels) that guide and constrain the assembly process, enabling quick field assembly without welding while maintaining structural integrity through standardized mechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The cube coupling joints are pre-manufactured with recessed channels that precisely receive the marriage straps. This preliminary preparation of connection geometry in the factory eliminates the need for on-site measurement, fitting, and welding operations. The pre-configured geometric features ensure proper alignment and connection strength are achieved through simple placement and fastening operations
2Strength
If on-site welding is performed to ensure structural integrity, then connection strength is improved, but construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marriage strap design features tapered perimeters surrounding the through-holes that self-align with the recessed channels of the cube coupling joints. This self-aligning geometric feature eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures, specialized welding equipment, and certified welders. The connection system serves itself through inherent geometric constraints that ensure proper positioning and structural strength through simple mechanical fastening
3Productivity
If simple connection devices are used to reduce construction time, then assembly speed is improved, but capacity to withstand dynamic loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs a composite approach combining multiple materials and components: the cube coupling joint body, the marriage strap material, and the fastener material. Each component is designed with specific material properties optimized for its function, creating a composite connection system that achieves both rapid assembly through simple geometric interfaces and high strength through the combined material properties of the composite structure
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed channels in the cube coupling joints create a three-dimensional geometric feature that receives the marriage strap. This dimensional feature (the recessed channel geometry) provides multi-directional constraint and load path redundancy, enabling the simple connection device to resist dynamic loads from multiple directions including seismic forces, while maintaining quick assembly capability
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly for joining structural members in a building frame can comprise: a marriage strap including one or more through-holes; one or more fasteners configured to be inserted through the one or more through-holes of the marriage strap; and a cube coupling joint including one or more recessed channels sized and shaped to receive a portion of the marriage strap, one or more fastener holes located within the one or more recessed channels and configured to receive and secure to the one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the marriage strap is configured to be inserted into the one or more recessed channels of the cube coupling joint and the one or more fasteners are further configured to be inserted into and secured to the one or more fastener holes of the cube coupling joint.