Modular Building Frame with Integrated Duct Knots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building structures require ducts to be integrated into walls after the complex frame is constructed, complicating design and lengthening implementation time, as they are not integrated with the module frame as a whole.
Innovation Solution
Integrating ducts into the module frames with connecting knots that have through channels and quick connections, allowing ducts to be associated with the module frames and walls during assembly, eliminating the need for repetitive duct arrangement between modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ducts are integrated into walls after the complex frame is constructed, then walls can be assembled separately, but design complexity increases and implementation time lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is divided into modular frames that can be assembled independently. Each frame is a self-contained unit with standardized connection points, allowing the overall structure to be built through simple repetition of modular units rather than complex custom assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection knots and duct routing paths are pre-configured within each modular frame during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of ducts and connection points eliminates the need for complex on-site design and installation work, as the integration path is already established before assembly begins.
2Strength
If ducts are integrated into walls after frame construction, then structural integrity is maintained, but implementation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates structural elements (frames) from service elements (ducts integrated via knots). Frames maintain structural integrity through rigid beam connections, while ducts are integrated through standardized knots that do not compromise frame strength. This segmentation allows parallel preparation of structural and service components.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection knots with integrated duct paths are prepared in advance as standardized components. During assembly, these pre-configured knots are simply connected to the frame, eliminating time-consuming on-site duct installation while maintaining structural integrity through the standardized connection design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ducts are arranged repetitively in each module, then standardization is achieved, but design flexibility is reduced and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection knot is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple duct types and routing configurations. A single standardized knot design serves multiple functions: structural connection, duct routing, and service integration. This universality allows the same modular frame to be used in various building configurations without requiring different duct arrangements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ducts are integrated into walls rather than frames, then wall functionality is enhanced, but overall system integration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection knot merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural connection between frames, serves as a mounting point for ducts, and enables service integration. By combining these functions at the knot level rather than integrating ducts into walls, the system achieves both wall functionality and overall system integration without complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular building structure with relative integrated plants, as obtained by assembling a plurality of module frames to obtain a complex frame, allows associating ducts of one or more plants to the module frame. The module frames have a parallelepiped-like shape and are identified by beams joining in respective angles, including a plurality of connecting knots joining module frames adjacent to the angles; the adjacent beams of side-by-side module frames are spaced apart by the knots and the panels and are connected to the beams of the module frame thereto, so as to create an air gap. The integrated plants have a plurality of ducts arranged in the air gaps and in the through channels, which include, at edges or angles of the module frame, quick connections for connecting the ducts related to a module frame to those of another module frame placed side-by-side thereto.