Modular Corner Coupling for Close-Spaced Structural Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for modular structures require significant space due to spacers, leading to excessive distance between components, which compromises static stability and wastes space in storage and transport, and often necessitate time-consuming welded connections.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a main body designed as a corner or edge element that uses through-openings and recesses with internal threads for screw connections, allowing components to be closely arranged without additional spacers, enabling secure and rapid assembly without welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a spacer designed for insertion of a threaded rod is used in the coupling device, then a rigid connection of containers is possible, but the containers are spaced relatively far apart, resulting in large distances between coupled containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spacer component from the coupling device, extracting the element that caused excessive distance between containers. The coupling device now consists of a main body with through-openings that directly receive coupling means, eliminating the intermediate spacer that previously created large spacing between coupled containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the spacer and the coupling means into a single integrated main body. The main body directly provides both the structural connection function and the positioning function that were previously separated into distinct components, thereby reducing the overall distance between coupled containers while maintaining rigid connection stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If containers are coupled with large distances between them, then the coupling device can accommodate the spacer and threaded rod, but expensive space in warehouses or transport devices is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spacer from the coupling device design, the patent extracts the volume-consuming element that caused excessive space requirements. This allows containers to be coupled with minimal distance between them, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the coupled structure in storage and transport applications.
3Device complexity
If large distances between containers are used, then the coupling device structure can be simple, but high static requirements of the overall structure cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural support function and the coupling function into the main body, creating a compact design that maintains simplicity while improving static performance. The reduced distance between containers naturally enhances the overall structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity without requiring complex additional components.
4Strength
If welded connections are used to meet high static requirements, then structural integrity is achieved, but time-consuming assembly process results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical screw connection system. The main body contains through-openings that receive coupling means such as screws or bolts, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining high structural integrity. This mechanical substitution eliminates the time-consuming welding process while achieving the required strength and stability.
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
This design allows for a compact, stable, and efficient modular construction that meets high static requirements, saving space and facilitating quick assembly and disassembly with screw connections, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The through-opening 2 is designed for interacting with a coupling means, in particular a screw 14, for coupling the component 3 to the main body 1
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for the modular construction of structures or objects includes a main body having at least one through-opening or at least one recess and being adapted to be coupled to at least one component of a structure or object. The at least one through-opening or the at least one recess is designed to interact with a coupling means for coupling the at least one component to the main body. The main body is formed as a corner element or edge element of a module of the structure or object.