Modular Building Framework with Insulating Air Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular construction methods for buildings face challenges in achieving cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency while meeting structural strength, insulation, and safety standards, particularly in large-scale constructions like apartment buildings or office complexes.
Innovation Solution
A building framework with a minimum of three walls is used, allowing modules to be easily assembled with limited wall insulation, as a continuous air gap surrounding the modules provides additional insulation, reducing heat leakage and enabling efficient energy use, and allowing for easy replacement or repair of modules without compromising structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If modules are constructed with thick insulation walls to meet building norms, then insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is divided into separate modules and a framework structure. The insulation function is segmented from the module walls and transferred to the framework's air gap system, allowing modules to have simpler construction while the overall building meets insulation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
An air gap is introduced as an intermediary insulation layer between the modules and the external environment. This air gap, formed by the framework structure, acts as a thermal barrier that reduces heat leakage without requiring thick insulation walls in the modules themselves.
2Area of stationary object
If modules are tightly connected to maximize space utilization, then building density is improved, but insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation strategy moves from a two-dimensional wall-based approach to a three-dimensional space-based approach. Instead of insulating only the module walls, the framework creates a volumetric air gap surrounding each module, providing insulation in multiple directions simultaneously while maintaining compact module arrangements.
3Productivity
If modules are designed for easy assembly to reduce construction time, then productivity is improved, but structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The building is segmented into pre-fabricated modules and a separate framework structure. This segmentation allows modules to be manufactured independently with optimized structural integrity, then quickly assembled into the framework using simple connection mechanisms, achieving both high productivity and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework structure is designed beforehand to provide structural support and stability. This pre-prepared framework cushions the structural strength requirements, allowing modules to be simply connected during assembly without compromising overall building strength.
4Loss of energy
If complete insulation is applied to all module walls, then insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation function is extracted from the module walls and assigned to the framework's air gap system. This extraction allows modules to use minimal or no insulation material, while the overall building achieves required insulation performance through the framework's atmospheric insulation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation approach changes from using thick solid insulation material in walls to using a volumetric air gap with controlled dimensions. This parameter change from material-based to space-based insulation reduces material consumption while maintaining or improving thermal performance.
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
This approach enables the construction of energy-efficient and cost-effective buildings that meet established norms, allowing for the creation of high-rise structures with improved insulation and ease of maintenance, including efficient repair and replacement of modules, while maintaining structural strength and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a relatively wide air gap surrounds each module a continous space surrounding all modules in the building is formed, and the air in this space contributes to insulation and decreases heat leakage from the modules
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a building and a method for assembling a building. The building comprises an external framework 10 with at least three external walls connected with a floor structure and a roof structure such that a space is formed within said framework, the external framework further comprises a support system for each floor, and at least two modules 1, wherein each module comprises four walls 2a,2b,2c,2d, a floor 4 and a roof 3, wherein said at least two modules are mounted in the space in said external framework, which said at least two modules rests on said support system 15, such that an air gap of at least 150 mm is formed between two adjacent walls of said at least two modules.