Modular Building Components with Force-Locked Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction industry contributes significantly to CO2 emissions and waste due to inflexible and outdated building designs, making it difficult to update or retrofit existing buildings, and there is a need for adaptable and sustainable building solutions that can easily assemble and disassemble.

Innovation Solution

A modular building system comprising building components with force-locked connections using steel and wood, featuring a three-dimensional skeleton and volume body with aligned through holes and slots for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for flexible extension or reduction of building assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional building designs are used, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability and ease of disassembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The building is divided into modular components (building components with receiving elements, braces, volume bodies) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module maintains structural integrity through force-locked connections while enabling overall building adaptability through reconfiguration of discrete units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The building system transitions from static traditional construction to a dynamic modular system where components can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled. The force-locked connections with locking elements enable the structure to be reconfigured over time, allowing the building to adapt to changing needs while maintaining stability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If modular building components with force-locked connections are used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building components are designed as universal modules with standardized receiving elements, braces, and locking mechanisms that can be used across multiple building configurations. The same basic component types serve different functions depending on their arrangement, reducing the variety of unique parts needed while maintaining ease of assembly through consistent connection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional linear value chains are followed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but environmental harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 emissions and wasteVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular building system enables recovery and reuse of building components instead of discarding them. The force-locked connections allow for easy disassembly and reuse of braces, volume bodies, and receiving elements in new configurations, reducing material waste and the need for new manufacturing, thereby lowering CO2 emissions associated with production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS20240376703A1Building components for building assemblies and building assemblies comprising such building components

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 URBAN BETA UG

AI summary

The present invention relates to various building components (1) and building assemblies (100) as well as a method of production of a building component (1).