Modular Building Structure with Rigid Chassis and Storage Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces challenges in providing affordable, modifiable, and adaptable housing solutions, as traditional building methods are costly, labor-intensive, and often unaffordable for those in need, with existing homes often requiring costly repairs and not meeting the needs of their owners.
Innovation Solution
Modular building structures with a rigid chassis, vertical support components, and flexible wall and roof components that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported, providing a self-contained unit that can be configured for various uses such as housing, offices, or bathrooms, and can be stacked or combined for larger structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional building methods are used, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but construction cost and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building structure is divided into modular components (walls, roof, floor, foundation) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for standardized production reducing costs while maintaining structural integrity through designed connection points and methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Building components are pre-manufactured and prepared before on-site assembly. The foundation is prepared in advance, and modular components are manufactured off-site with pre-attached hardware and connection elements, reducing on-site construction time and labor costs while ensuring quality control.
2Reliability
If traditional homes are constructed, then permanent housing is provided, but mobility and modifiability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The building structure transitions from a static permanent construction to a dynamic modular system that can be disassembled, relocated, and reconfigured. Connection points and joining methods are designed to allow easy separation and reassembly, enabling the structure to adapt to changing needs while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to be used in various configurations and locations. The same wall panels, roof sections, and foundation elements can be reused across different building arrangements, providing both stability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If existing homes are used, then immediate housing is available, but maintenance costs and repair requirements increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The modular building system allows components to be easily removed, replaced, or upgraded without demolishing the entire structure. Worn or damaged modules can be detached and swapped with new or refurbished components, significantly reducing maintenance costs and extending the overall lifecycle of the building.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the building into separate modular components, maintenance and repair work can be isolated to specific modules rather than requiring extensive work on the entire structure. This segmentation enables targeted repairs and simplifies component replacement, reducing both time and cost of maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If modular components are made easily removable, then assembly and disassembly become simple, but structural connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into standardized interface elements that provide both ease of assembly and strong structural connection. Connection points are strategically located and designed with appropriate hardware (bolts, brackets, interlocking mechanisms) that maintain structural integrity while allowing for tool-based assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection hardware and mounting elements are pre-attached to modular components during manufacturing, ensuring proper placement and secure installation. This preliminary preparation simplifies on-site assembly while guaranteeing that connections meet structural requirements without requiring complex field modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular building structure can include a rigid chassis, vertical support components, and wall and roof component(s). The chassis can have storage compartments formed therein and can provide a foundation and floor for the structure. The vertical support components can couple to the chassis to provide a vertical framework for the structure. The wall and roof component(s) can couple to the vertical support components. The vertical support components and wall and roof component(s) can be disassembled from the chassis and stored within the storage compartments. The chassis can include a horizontal bottom panel, vertically oriented crossbeams above the bottom panel, and horizontal top panels above the crossbeams to form the storage compartments. The vertical support components can be poles and the wall and roof component(s) can be cloth. Leveling feet coupled to the bottom of the chassis can allow the chassis to be leveled with respect to the ground.