Modular Building Construction with Segmented Wall Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modular building constructions face limitations in design versatility and require separate design of hydraulic and electric systems after the final building shape is selected, leading to rigidity in configuration options and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular building construction system where each module is composed of structurally independent frame and covering elements with coupling profiles, allowing for flexible assembly and pre-design of hydraulic and electric systems, enabling various configurations and cost estimation 'on paper'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If modules are designed as complete container-like units with all six walls included in advance, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but design versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional complete module into separate components: a basic structural unit (frame with floor and ceiling) and independent wall elements. This segmentation allows walls to be selectively added or omitted based on design requirements, enabling versatile configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability by allowing walls to be independently positioned, removed, or reconfigured within the modular system. The coupling profiles enable walls to be adaptively arranged around the basic structural unit, transforming the static container module into a dynamic, customizable structure that can adapt to various design needs.
2Device complexity
If the final building shape is selected before designing hydraulic and electric systems, then system design becomes more straightforward, but design flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary design of hydraulic and electric systems by providing standardized coupling profiles and connection points in the basic structural units and wall elements. These pre-planned connection interfaces allow system designers to anticipate and design utility routes in advance, even before the final building configuration is determined, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal coupling profiles and connection interfaces that can accommodate various wall configurations and building shapes. These standardized elements serve multiple functions: structural support, thermal insulation, and integration points for hydraulic and electric systems, allowing the same basic components to adapt to different final building forms without increasing system design complexity.
3Productivity
If complete modules are used with all finishing elements included, then assembly is faster, but customization and adaptive design are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the finishing elements (walls, windows, doors, terraces, balconies) into independent, interchangeable components that can be selectively applied to the basic structural units. This allows rapid assembly through standardized connections while enabling full customization, as each finishing element can be independently selected and positioned according to design requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the building configuration by allowing the selective addition, removal, or repositioning of wall elements and finishing components. The standardized coupling profiles maintain consistent connection parameters while accommodating variations in wall placement, opening positions, and architectural features, thus achieving both fast assembly and high customization.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular building construction (10), such as a dwelling, a structure for commercial use, and alike building constructions, comprising one, or more, modules (12, 13, 14) having a substantially parallelepiped shape, wherein the module (12, 13, 14) comprises a frame (11) including a floor wall (18), a ceiling wall (19), and at least one, or more, column elements (30) constituting support for the ceiling wall (19). The module (12, 13, 14) includes an assortment of covering elements (15, 34, 40, 44, 50, 55), wherein each of the covering elements (15, 34, 40, 44, 50, 55) is adapted to cover a corresponding portion of the frame (11).