Modular Dwelling Beam Connector and Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temporary dwellings, such as tents and prefabricated trailers, lack adequate shelter and security, and require skilled labor and time to assemble, while conventional buildings are costly and labor-intensive to construct in disaster areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular dwelling system comprising universal structural beams, connectors, and panels that can be quickly assembled by unskilled labor without special tools, incorporating prefabricated electrical conduits and adjustable support legs for easy deployment on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional buildings are constructed in disaster areas, then adequate shelter and security are provided, but skilled laborers are required and construction takes a long time and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The dwelling is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together on-site. Each module contains complete functional elements (walls, floor, ceiling, electrical systems), allowing parallel transport and assembly to dramatically reduce construction time while maintaining structural integrity and security
Solution Approach 2:
All dwelling modules are pre-assembled and pre-equipped with electrical systems, insulation, and finishing materials at the factory before disaster occurrence. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site construction activities, allowing modules to be deployed immediately upon arrival at the disaster site and assembled by unskilled workers
2Reliability
If prefabricated trailers are used, then shelter quality improves over tents, but they are large and bulky and difficult to transport to devastated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The dwelling system is segmented into compact modular units that can be stacked and transported efficiently. Each module is sized to optimize transport capacity while maintaining adequate living space, and multiple modules can be combined to create larger dwelling configurations as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The modular dwelling units are designed to nest within each other during transport, with smaller modules fitting inside larger ones or stacking vertically. This nesting arrangement minimizes transport volume and maximizes the number of dwelling units that can be delivered in a single shipment
3Weight of moving object
If tents are used, then transportability is improved, but they do not provide adequate shelter or security
Solution Approach 1:
The dwelling is segmented into robust modular units with rigid wall panels, structured frames, and secure connections that provide adequate shelter and security. These modules maintain structural integrity during transport and assembly, offering protection comparable to permanent structures while retaining the transportability advantages of modular systems
Solution Approach 2:
The modular dwelling units utilize composite construction materials including insulated wall panels, reinforced framing, and weather-resistant coatings that provide enhanced structural strength, thermal insulation, and security while maintaining reasonable weight for transport
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional construction methods are used, then permanent structures are created, but they require skilled labor and special tools for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The dwelling is divided into modular units with standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly. Each module is pre-assembled with all necessary components, requiring only straightforward connection operations (such as bolting or interlocking) to join modules together, eliminating the need for skilled construction techniques while maintaining structural permanence
Solution Approach 2:
The modular dwelling system employs universal connection mechanisms and standardized interfaces that can be assembled by unskilled workers using simple tools. The same connection methods are used across all module types, ensuring consistency and ease of assembly while creating permanent, stable structures
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a modular dwelling comprises a beam connector comprising a body and multiple arms that extend out from the body, structural beams comprising outer sides that define elongated channels that extend along a length of the beams, each beam being connected to an arm of the beam connector, a locking means that secure the structural beams to their associated beam connector arms, and a structural panel that comprises multiple edges, at least one edge of the panel being received by a channel of at least one structural beam.