Flat Building Element With Recessed Metal Beam Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building systems using flat wooden and metallic elements face challenges in ease of assembly, increased thickness due to component arrangement, and difficulties in accommodating service systems, leading to inefficient construction processes and structural limitations.
Innovation Solution
A flat building element comprising a wooden panel with metal beams rigidly connected via metal connection elements, allowing for reduced thickness, easy assembly, and integration of service components, with beams arranged along lateral faces for enhanced structural strength and seismic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If beams are arranged on one face of the panel and connected by screws or bonding concrete, then structural connection is achieved, but the overall thickness of the building element increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are nested within grooves cut into the panel face, with the beam seated in the groove and the connection element embedded in the groove space. This nesting arrangement allows the connection mechanism to be contained within the panel thickness rather than adding to it, resolving the contradiction between achieving strong structural connection and maintaining reduced overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a protruding three-dimensional arrangement (beam on face with external connectors) to a planar integration where the connection element is embedded in the groove at the same level as the panel surface. This dimensional reorganization eliminates the need for additional thickness to accommodate the connection hardware.
2Strength
If conventional mechanical fasteners and adhesives are used for assembly, then structural strength is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical anchoring through the groove embedding, structural connection between panel and beam, and positioning alignment. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and alignment components, resolving the contradiction between achieving structural strength and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: structural attachment, positioning alignment, and load transfer. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized components (screws, nuts, adhesives, shims), simplifying the assembly system while maintaining or enhancing structural performance.
3Strength
If beams are connected to panel faces with protruding connection elements, then structural connection is achieved, but transport and handling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is nested within the groove cut into the panel, creating a flush or recessed arrangement rather than a protruding one. This nesting eliminates protruding elements that would interfere with stacking, loading, and handling during transport, while still providing the necessary structural connection when the beam is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the connection element protrude from the panel surface to engage the beam, the solution inverts the arrangement by having the beam engage a recessed groove where the connection element is embedded. This inversion transforms a transport-obstructing protrusion into a transport-friendly recessed configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient, lightweight, and sustainable construction with reduced material usage, facilitating easy assembly and improved seismic resistance, while accommodating service systems within the structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
a first plate portion which is inserted into a respective seat provided on said lateral face of the panel and is fixed therein by an adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
The building element (E) comprises: a panel (P) of non-metallic material having a pair of flat and parallel faces (S, I), namely a top face (S) and a bottom face (I), and a plurality of lateral faces (L) extending between said flat and parallel faces (S, I); at least one beam (T) of metallic material, having a pair of opposed faces (12, 14), namely a proximal face (12) and a distal face (14); and a plurality of connection elements (B) of metallic material that rigidly connect said at least one beam (T) to the panel (P). Each beam (T) is arranged along a respective lateral face (L) of the panel (P) with the proximal face (12) in contact with said lateral face (L). Each connection element (B) is a plate element comprising a first portion (20), which is inserted into a respective seat (18) provided on a respective lateral face (L) of the panel (P) and is fixed therein by adhesive means, and a second portion (22), which protrudes from said respective lateral face (L).