Modular Building Structure with Connecting Knots for Standardized Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular building structures require extensive specialized manpower and time for assembly, often necessitate special transportation due to non-standard sizes, and are limited to provisional uses, as they demand additional components like walls and floors to be added post-frame construction.

Innovation Solution

A modular building structure featuring connecting knots with a hollow straight parallelepiped core and supporting plates that allow easy assembly and connection of module frames, enabling transportation in standard container sizes, and accommodating technical plants, with the ability to expand and arrange modules for varied configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular building structures use non-standard sizes for modules, then assembly flexibility and building complexity are improved, but transportation requirements become more complex requiring special transportation devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidtransportation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by standardizing the module dimensions to conform to standard container sizes (e.g., 20ft and 40ft shipping container dimensions). This allows the modules to be transported using conventional shipping infrastructure and vehicles, eliminating the need for special transportation devices while maintaining adaptability through modular configuration options

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If modular building structures use standard container sizes, then transportation ease is improved, but assembly flexibility and building complexity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation easeVSAvoidassembly flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the building into standardized modular units that can be independently manufactured and transported. These segments can then be assembled in various configurations using standardized connecting mechanisms, allowing flexibility in building layout and design while maintaining standard container dimensions for each module

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality through standardized connection interfaces and mounting systems that work across all module types. The standardized rails, bolts, and connecting mechanisms allow the same standard-sized modules to be configured for different building types and purposes, maintaining assembly flexibility despite size standardization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular building structures require additional components like walls and floors to be added post-frame construction, then structural adaptability is improved, but assembly time and specialized manpower requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural adaptabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling complete building modules that include walls, floors, ceilings, and internal partitions all integrated into the module frame before transportation. This eliminates the need for post-assembly of these components, significantly reducing on-site assembly time and specialized manpower requirements while maintaining structural adaptability through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of time

If modular building structures use pre-assembled modules with complete functions, then assembly time is reduced, but module sizes become difficult to transport without special means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly timeVSAvoidtransportation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing module dimensions to fit standard container sizes while integrating complete building functions within these constrained dimensions. This allows fully functional pre-assembled modules to be transported using conventional shipping infrastructure, eliminating the need for special transportation means while maintaining reduced assembly time benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10458114B2Modular building structure

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 EMMEALLAENNE SRL

AI summary

A modular building structure, obtained by assembling a plurality of module frames to obtain a complex frame is provided. The structure includes walls and floors implemented by cladding panels, and the module frames have a substantially parallelepiped shape. The structure includes connecting knots joining module frames adjacent on a same plane, on the lower side or upper side, at angles, or which provides for the connection of the module frames to a basement or to a roof structure. Each knot has a box-like structure with an inner core shaped like a hollow straight parallelepiped, formed by six walls facing two by two, each wall has an opening that form respective channels opened according to orthogonal axes. At each opening, the knot includes a corresponding supporting plate, parallel or orthogonal therebetween; each supporting plate, extending beyond the plane defined by one or more adjacent supporting plates, defines a respective rest.