Modular Structure With Interchangeable Facade Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular structures lack the ability to modify both the layout and functionality of their components after assembly, limiting user flexibility and modularity.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure with interchangeable facade elements and connectors that allow for various functionalities, such as electrical, fluid, or information flow transmission, enabling users to choose and change the arrangement and functionality of modules by adding, removing, or replacing base elements and facade components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules are assembled into a fixed composition, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility to modify layout and functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The modular structure divides the system into independent base elements and facade elements that can be separately assembled, removed, and reconfigured. Each module contains an interior housing with lateral openings that accept connectors, allowing individual modules to be detached and repositioned without affecting the entire structure's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed composition to a dynamic reconfigurable structure through the incorporation of removable connectors and interchangeable facade elements. Users can add, remove, or replace modules and facade elements at any time, enabling the structure to adapt its layout and functionality while maintaining structural stability during each configured state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If facade elements are fixed to base elements, then structural integrity is maintained, but ability to change functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The facade element is segmented from the base element through a removable connection system. The facade element can be detached from the base element by removing the connectors, allowing functionality changes while the base element and its connectors remain intact and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
When changing functionality, the old facade element is removed (discarded from its functional position) and can be replaced with a new facade element. The base element and connectors are recovered and reused, maintaining structural integrity while enabling functional transformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are permanently installed in modules, then connection reliability is ensured, but modularity and reconfigurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a permanent fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The connector can be inserted into and removed from the lateral openings of the interior housing, allowing modules to be reliably connected when assembled and reliably disconnected when reconfiguration is needed, maintaining connection reliability throughout the reconfigurable lifecycle.
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular structure (1) comprising: - a plurality of modules (2), each module (2) having a basic element (5) comprising a basic body (6) that is identical to the basic bodies (6) of the basic elements (5) of the other modules (2), and a facade element (20) chosen from a range of facade elements that each have different functionalities, the basic element (5) and the facade element (20) of each module (2) being designed to be mounted removably one on the other such that the facade element (20) covers at least a part of a front face (7) of the basic element (5), - a plurality of connectors (30) that are each designed to connect two modules (2) disposed adjacently, each connector (30) having a connector body (31) that is identical to the connector bodies (31) of the other connectors (30).