Modular Building Units with Structural Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recycled intermodal shipping containers are limited by standard dimensions and require extensive modification for building use, restricting room sizes and structural integrity, which hinders mainstream adoption.
Innovation Solution
A modular building unit with a structural frame suitable for interconnection, featuring a stud frame panel and external weather-resistant panels, allowing for load-bearing capacity and flexibility in dimensions, enabling assembly without structural modification and accommodating various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard shipping containers are used for building construction, then transportability is maintained, but structural integrity and design flexibility are limited due to fixed dimensions and extensive modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular units that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module contains complete functional elements (walls, floors, ceilings, services) that can be configured in different arrangements to create various building types and layouts, eliminating the need to modify standard containers while maintaining transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular building system uses standardized connection interfaces and universal structural components that can accommodate different building configurations, uses, and scales. The same basic module can serve residential, commercial, or industrial purposes through different assembly arrangements and internal configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard shipping containers are modified for building use, then building functionality is achieved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to cutting and removal of structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
All structural modifications, service installations, and functional elements are incorporated into the modular units during factory manufacturing before transport. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site cutting or structural modifications that would compromise integrity, as all necessary openings and configurations are pre-formed in controlled manufacturing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized connection elements and structural interfaces that mediate between the modular units and the ground or between stacked modules. These intermediary components transfer and distribute loads appropriately without requiring modification of the container structures themselves, preserving their inherent structural strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive modification is performed on shipping containers, then building suitability is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
All building suitability features including insulation, wiring, plumbing, windows, doors, and structural adaptations are installed during factory manufacturing of the modular units. This preliminary completion of all necessary modifications before transport enables rapid on-site assembly without time-consuming field modifications, thereby improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional on-site construction methods with pre-manufactured modular assemblies that connect through standardized mechanical interfaces. This substitution of manual modification work with factory-prepared units significantly reduces assembly time and labor requirements while maintaining full building suitability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular building unit for construction of a building comprises a structural frame 40 suitable for interconnection to another modular building unit in construction of the building; and a stud frame wall 80/82 internal to and fixed to the frame. The modular building unit is suitable for handling as a shipping container for transport.