Modular Building Connector Assembly for Multi-Level Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Expanding pre-existing modular buildings by connecting additional modular units poses challenges in maintaining structural strength and avoiding flexion at the interface, especially when coupling corner connectors across multiple levels and ensuring overall structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising upper and lower connectors with gusset plates, featuring arms and bosses for secure fastening and load distribution, allowing for the expansion of modular buildings by sandwiching gusset plates between connectors to maintain structural integrity and facilitate the connection of modules across different levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If modular units are connected to expand pre-existing modular buildings, then the building footprint can be increased, but structural strength and stability may be compromised at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate upper and lower connector bodies that can be independently positioned and secured to modular units at different levels. This segmentation allows each connector body to be optimally designed for its specific location while working together to provide overall structural strength at the expansion interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset plate is sandwiched between the upper and lower connector bodies, creating a nested configuration where the gusset plate fits within the space defined by the two connector bodies. This nested arrangement distributes loads effectively and reinforces the connection at the expansion interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corner connectors are coupled across multiple levels to expand modular buildings, then the building can be extended vertically and horizontally, but flexion may occur at the connection interface
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates different structural features at different locations: the upper and lower connector bodies have distinct geometries optimized for their respective positions, and the gusset plate provides localized reinforcement at the critical interface zone. This local quality enhancement prevents flexion while maintaining adaptability for multi-level expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines multiple structural components (upper connector body, lower connector body, and gusset plate) into a composite structure that leverages the strengths of each component to resist flexion while enabling versatile expansion across multiple levels.
3Strength
If additional bracing frames are added to maintain structural strength during expansion, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges the functions of multiple structural elements into a single integrated component. The upper and lower connector bodies combined with the sandwiched gusset plate perform together as a unified structural element that provides both connection and bracing functions, eliminating the need for separate additional bracing frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects modular units, provides structural reinforcement at the expansion interface, and acts as a bracing element. This multi-functionality maintains structural integrity without requiring separate dedicated bracing frames, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly, having an upper connector coupled to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. The upper and lower connectors allow for coupling to adjacent upper and lower connectors, respectively, allowing for addition of a modular unit to a pre-existing modular structure. Also, ways of coupling adjacent upper connectors and coupling of adjacent lower connectors when coupling a modular unit to a pre-existing modular structure are provided.