Modular Building Connection Using Tension Rods and Flat Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building connection systems, such as those by Weese and Locke, suffer from limited structural strength and create gaps between adjacent units, making multi-unit structures less rigid and less capable of resisting external forces, and require complex shapes for connectors and recesses.
Innovation Solution
A modular unit connection system using tubular structural framing members at the vertical corners of box-shaped units, with a flat connection plate and threaded tension rods that align and secure the units with minimal separation, distributing loads and stress effectively throughout the building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If diagonal column segments are used to connect modular units, then the connection system can be assembled, but adjacent modular units become separated by a distance corresponding to the aggregate lateral projections of the column segments, reducing structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending columns outward from the modular units (Weese's approach), the invention inverts the approach by having tension rods extend through the modular units themselves and connect to vertical columns positioned at the exterior faces. This inversion eliminates the lateral projections that cause separation while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces vertical columns as intermediary elements positioned at the exterior faces of modular units. These columns serve as mediators that connect tension rods from adjacent units without requiring the units themselves to project laterally, thus maintaining rigidity while enabling assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If conical connector bars with complex shapes are used to join modular units, then connection is achieved, but the system requires fabrication of complex shapes for connectors and recesses, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex conical connector geometry from the connection system and replaces it with simple tension rods and vertical columns. The connection function is achieved through straightforward cylindrical elements and tensioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex conical shapes and their corresponding recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connectors from complex conical shapes with varying cross-sections to simple cylindrical tension rods and vertical columns with uniform cross-sections. This parameter simplification maintains connection capability while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If tension rods extending through central columns are used, then modular units can be held together, but the geometry results in adjacent modular units being separated, making the structure less capable of resisting external forces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having columns project laterally from modular units (which causes separation), the invention inverts the approach by having tension rods pass through the modular units and connect to vertical columns positioned at the exterior faces. This inversion maintains assembly capability while eliminating separation and improving resistance to external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the connection geometry from a lateral projection arrangement (Weese's system) to a longitudinal penetration arrangement where tension rods pass through the modular units in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change eliminates lateral separation while maintaining connection effectiveness.
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 enhances the structural strength of modular buildings by minimizing separation between units, allowing them to better resist external forces and complete finish work efficiently in a factory setting, suitable for high-rise constructions.
Implementation Method 1
Threaded tension rods extend through the tubular corner members and are adapted to be connected to tension rods extending through the tubular corner members of vertically aligned modular units so as to hold the vertically aligned modular units together
Data Source
AI summary
A modular unit connection system for joining together a plurality of box-shaped modular units to form a single or multistory building. The modular building units have elongated hollow structural framing members at their vertical corners and four substantially perpendicular vertical side walls extending between their vertical corner members. The side walls are topped with horizontal framing members extending between the vertical corner members. The vertical corner members lie within the planes formed by the side walls of the modular units, and their vertical corner members and their adjacent side walls abut with no significant space between them. The modular units may be connected at their vertical corner members with generally flat connection plates. Threaded tension rods may extend through the hollow vertical corner members and may be coupled to tension rods running through the hollow vertical corner members of vertically aligned modular units.