Modular Structural Elements With Ratio-Controlled Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular structures lack efficient and versatile designs that allow for easy assembly and integration of different geometric shapes, leading to limitations in structural strength and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular structural elements with specific geometric ratios and interface features, such as hexagonal and square outlines, allowing for connection and assembly into various configurations, including upright and lateral structures, with integrated apertures and fastening mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If modular structures use conventional geometric designs without specific ratio constraints, then design flexibility is maintained, but structural strength and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise geometric ratio constraints (principal lateral dimension to height dimension between 0.5 and 1.75) for modular structural elements. This standardization of dimensional parameters enables consistent structural strength while maintaining design flexibility through various allowed configurations within the ratio bounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the modular structure into standardized elements with controlled geometric ratios, allowing individual components to be optimized for strength while maintaining overall system versatility through combinatorial assembly of these standardized segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular structures use complex connection mechanisms to achieve versatile configurations, then adaptability is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through standardized connection interfaces that work across all modular elements regardless of their specific configuration. This universal interface design enables versatile structural configurations while maintaining simple, consistent assembly procedures that reduce assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining standardized connection interfaces and geometric ratios during the design phase, which simplifies the actual assembly process by eliminating the need for complex on-site calculations or custom fabrication, thereby reducing assembly time.
3Quantity of substance
If modular elements have high aspect ratios (large difference between principal dimensions), then material efficiency is improved, but structural stability and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing specific parameter bounds for the aspect ratio (principal lateral dimension to height dimension between 0.5 and 1.75). This controlled parameter range optimizes material efficiency by avoiding excessive material use in highly compact forms while preventing structural instability that would occur with extremely elongated configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular structural element (20) which is arranged to be connected to another such element so as to form an assembled structure, wherein the modular structural element is of substantially square outline or of substantially hexagonal or half-hexagonal outline, and the element comprises a principal height dimension and a principle lateral dimension, wherein, a ratio of the two said principal dimensions is no more than 6.