Modular Building Unit Corner Modules for Structural Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular building units often fail to meet local wind, heat, and snow load requirements, and they lack effective sealing and drainage systems, which can lead to structural weaknesses and water ingress.
Innovation Solution
The modular building unit design features independently manufactured corner modules and L-section upright columns with stiffening configurations, along with a drainage conduit and compressible seals, to enhance structural strength, facilitate assembly, and improve sealing and drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If upright corner columns are welded directly onto the beams of the roof and base frames, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the structural strength and rigidity are insufficient to meet local wind, heat, and snow load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The corner assembly is divided into separate modular components: corner modules, upright columns, base frame members, and roof frame members. These segments are manufactured independently and then assembled together, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall structural strength through proper connection design
Solution Approach 2:
The corner assemblies utilize composite construction combining metal frame members with corner modules that integrate multiple functions. The base frame members and roof frame members are connected to corner modules through upright columns, creating a composite structure that enhances rigidity and strength compared to simple welded connections
2Strength
If corner modules and beams are manufactured separately and mounted together, then the structural strength is increased, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The building unit is segmented into independently manufacturable components including corner modules, upright columns, base frame members, and roof frame members. This segmentation enables parallel manufacturing processes and simplifies quality control while maintaining structural integrity through designed connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Corner modules and frame members are pre-assembled into corner assemblies at the manufacturing facility before final building assembly. This preliminary action allows for quality control and structural optimization to be performed on sub-assemblies, reducing complexity in the final assembly process
3Reliability
If alignment members are constructed separately from the beams, then the alignment members can withstand impacts during assembly without modifying the beam configuration, but the overall assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment members are segmented as separate components integrated into the corner modules rather than being part of the main beam structure. This allows alignment members to be specifically designed for impact resistance and precise positioning functions without compromising the structural beams
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment members act as intermediary components between the corner modules during assembly. The male alignment member on the floor corner module and female alignment member on the roof corner module facilitate precise alignment and connection of adjacent building units without requiring the beams themselves to have alignment features
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 design increases the structural strength and rigidity of modular building units, improves assembly efficiency, and effectively seals and drains water, addressing the shortcomings of conventional units in meeting local load requirements and preventing water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a seal attached to an upright column, the seal comprising a compressible seal body configured to seal against the upright column and a surface of a further modular building unit
Implementation Method 2
a drainage conduit extending between a roof corner module and a floor corner module of the corner assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular building unit has a base frame for supporting a floor panel, a roof frame for supporting a roof panel, and upright columns extending between the base frame and the roof frame. Each upright column is connected to the base frame by a floor corner module at junctions therebetween and is connected to the roof frame by a roof corner module at junctions therebetween. Each of the roof corner modules and floor corner modules are provided as sub-assemblies of the modular building unit.