Modular Building Unit Roof Frame Gutter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building units may not comply with local wind, heat, and snow load requirements, and they lack effective drainage and sealing mechanisms to prevent water ingress and heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A modular building unit design featuring a U-shaped roof frame with a gutter system for rainwater drainage, corner assemblies for channel connection, a drainage conduit, and compressible seals to enhance sealing and structural rigidity, along with a roof panel design that facilitates water drainage and panel fitting without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate drainage components are added to the roof frame, then drainage function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drainage function into the roof frame structure itself by forming U-shaped channels along the length of the roof frame members. These channels are integrated directly into the roof frame during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate drainage components. The corner assemblies connect these channels to form a continuous gutter system that drains rainwater from the roof assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof frame members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the roof panel, define the building envelope, and simultaneously form integrated drainage channels for rainwater collection and transport. The corner assemblies also serve dual purposes by connecting roof frame members structurally while facilitating drainage flow between adjacent units.
2Reliability
If additional sealing components are mounted on the roof frame, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the roof frame structure through the U-shaped channels and corner assemblies. The channels themselves act as sealing elements that prevent water ingress, and the corner assemblies provide integrated sealing between adjacent roof frame members. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components mounted on the roof frame.
3Productivity
If the roof assembly is made more compact, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roof assembly is segmented into modular components: roof frame members with integrated U-shaped channels, corner assemblies with connection features, and roof panels. Each component is designed as a discrete module that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. The corner assemblies serve as connection nodes that align and secure adjacent roof frame members, enabling compact assembly while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized connection interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular building unit has a base frame for supporting a floor panel and a roof frame for supporting a roof panel. The roof frame includes elongate roof members extending between the corners of the unit, and each defines a channel extending therealong such that elongate roof members form a gutter extending at least partially around the roof frame.