Modular Building Connection Node for Internal Corner Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting prefabricated building modules during construction often damage the weatherproofing layer and result in misalignment issues due to limited access and poor load distribution, leading to increased water ingress and delays in construction.
Innovation Solution
A connection node system that allows vertical supports to be connected internally using bolts, with a coupler nut configuration that maintains the weatherproofing integrity and enables precise alignment without exposing the module's corners, using a diaphragm plate for horizontal connections and a lifting plate for safe module placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If large joining plates are used to connect module corners, then vertical and horizontal continuity between modules is achieved, but the weatherproofing layer is damaged and water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is nested within the module corners themselves. The joining plates are positioned inside the corner regions of adjacent modules, with connection points accessible from the interior. This nesting approach eliminates the need to peel back external weatherproofing layers, as the connection mechanism is contained within the module structure rather than extending outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connection mechanism that transfers loads through the corner regions without requiring external plate extensions. The joining plates connect adjacent modules through their corner structures, using the corner geometry itself as the connection interface, thereby avoiding direct exposure of weatherproofing layers to water.
2Ease of operation
If construction personnel position at the base of modules for connection, then access to connection points is achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to limited visual and physical access
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having personnel access connection points from the base of modules (bottom-up approach), the patent inverts the connection approach by making connection points accessible from the interior of modules. This allows workers to approach connections from a position of better visual and physical access, dramatically improving alignment precision while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual jacking is used to correct module misalignment, then installation tolerance is adjusted, but construction time increases and labor costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed with built-in alignment features and tolerance compensation mechanisms that are prepared in advance during module fabrication. The joining plates and corner connection geometries are pre-configured to accommodate expected tolerance variations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual jacking operations during assembly.
4Ease of operation
If weatherproofing layer is peeled back for plate connection, then connection access is improved, but module integrity is compromised and water damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is nested within the module corner structures, with joining plates positioned inside the corner regions. This nesting allows connection access without compromising the external weatherproofing layer, as the connection points are accessible from the module interior rather than requiring external peeling of protective layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection node assembly for use in connecting an upper prefabricated building module to a lower module. Hollow vertical edge supports of the building modules have top and bottom connection parts. A connecting bolt can be passed through the top part of an upper vertical support in the upper building module and seated within the bottom part of that vertical support with the shank extending downward. The shank engages a threaded aperture in a connecting nut secured within the top part of a corresponding lower vertical support in the lower building module. Diaphragm plates sandwiched between the upper and lower vertical supports are used to tie horizontally placed modules together.