Modular Building Structures with Measurement-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular building kits lack structural rigidity, are limited in design flexibility, require traditional measurement and cutting techniques, leading to errors and waste, and fail to provide insulation at thermal bridges, resulting in inefficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A modular building system comprising prefabricated components with regularly spaced attachment receiving elements for measurement-free assembly, adjustable post anchors, and insulation to reduce thermal bridges, allowing for demountable and reassemblable structures that can be easily modified or relocated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement and cutting techniques are used to assemble building kits, then assembly can be completed, but errors and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building structure is divided into modular components (walls, floors, ceilings) with standardized connection points. Each module is pre-fabricated with attachment receiving elements positioned at regular intervals, eliminating the need for on-site measurements and cutting. This segmentation allows precise assembly through simple connection of pre-defined modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the assembly approach from custom measurement-based fitting to standardized parameter-based connection. Attachment receiving elements are positioned at fixed regular intervals (e.g., every 16 inches), transforming the assembly process into a repeatable parameter-driven operation that eliminates measurement errors and material waste.
2Productivity
If modular building kits are used, then assembly speed improves, but structural rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Structural reinforcement elements are pre-integrated into the modular components during manufacturing. Blocking members, shear walls, and diagonal bracing are built into the wall and floor modules before assembly, so that the simplified on-site connection process does not compromise structural rigidity. The preliminary action of pre-installing these elements maintains strength while preserving assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components use composite construction combining wood framing with engineered wood products (LSL, PSL) and metal connection elements. This composite approach provides both the ease of modular assembly and the structural rigidity required for load-bearing applications, merging the advantages of different materials in a single integrated system.
3Loss of energy
If insulation is placed between internal and external walls, then thermal insulation improves, but thermal bridges form at stud locations
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal bridge problem is solved by extracting the stud function from the wall assembly. Load-bearing studs are removed from the exterior wall envelope, with their structural function transferred to the foundation and roof systems. This allows continuous insulation to be installed without interruption from stud penetrations, eliminating thermal bridges while maintaining structural integrity through alternative load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layer is merged with the wall sheathing and siding systems to create a continuous thermal envelope. Insulation boards are applied continuously over the wall framing, and exterior cladding is installed over the insulation, merging multiple layers into an integrated thermal barrier that eliminates thermal bridges at stud locations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If building structures are made demountable and reassemblable, then flexibility and reconfigurability improve, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal connection system is implemented with standardized attachment receiving elements and corresponding fasteners used throughout the entire building structure. The same connection details are used for walls, floors, and ceilings, and can accommodate different module configurations. This universality allows the building to be easily disassembled and reconfigured without requiring different connection methods for different purposes.
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
The system enables flexible, efficient, and waste-reducing construction with improved thermal insulation and energy efficiency by allowing for measurement-free assembly and reconfiguration of building structures, reducing errors and material waste.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation panel (36) to be frictionally engaged between each of the substantially elongated posts (10), adjacent to the exterior surface of the respective wall panel (32). The space defined between the exterior surface of the wall panel and each of the posts substantially reduces thermal bridge effects between an interior and an exterior of the building structure.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided building structures that are demountable from a first configuration to be reassemblable to the first configuration or another configuration. The building structures include systems and kits for the structure, post anchors, kits for floor structure, method for assembling floor structures, wall and ceiling support systems, electrical junction box supports, and kits for frame assembly.