Modular Building Connector Assembly for Rigid Multi-Floor 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, particularly in connecting corner connectors across multiple floors 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 coupling pre-fabricated units to existing structures while maintaining structural strength and preventing flexion.
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 is increased, but structural strength and rigidity at the interface are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple functional components: upper connector, lower connector, and gusset plate. Each component serves a specific purpose in distributing and transferring loads, allowing the interface to maintain structural strength while enabling building expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly extends vertically with upper and lower connectors positioned at different elevations, creating a three-dimensional connection system. This vertical dimension allows for moment resistance and improved structural rigidity at the interface while accommodating the horizontal expansion of the building footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If modular units are connected to expand pre-existing modular buildings, then the building footprint is increased, but flexion at the interface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple functional components: upper connector, lower connector, and gusset plate. Each component serves a specific purpose in distributing and transferring loads, allowing the interface to maintain structural strength while enabling building expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset plate is pre-positioned between the upper and lower connectors to provide immediate rigidity and prevent flexion at the interface. This preliminary structural support ensures that the connection maintains stability before any loading occurs.
3Area of stationary object
If corner connectors are connected across multiple floors, then building expansion is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper connector, lower connector, and gusset plate are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. This combination simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled and installed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing moment resistance, distributing vertical and lateral loads, and ensuring rigid connection across multiple floors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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.