Modular Façade Units With Reversible Attachment and Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current construction methods face challenges such as rising material costs due to resource scarcity, complex design demands, prolonged construction times, inadequate insulation, and thermal bridges, especially in wooden and metal structures, and lack of scalability for family life changes.
Innovation Solution
A modular construction system using multi-material structures, comprising metal support uprights with insulating layers and moisture protection, allowing for prefabricated modular units with reversible attachments, enabling easy installation and expansion, and integrating thermal and acoustic insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional construction methods are used, then buildings can be constructed with basic structural integrity, but construction times are prolonged and material costs are rising
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular units that can be prefabricated separately and then assembled on-site. Each module contains complete functional elements (walls, insulation, flooring, ceiling), allowing parallel production and reducing overall construction time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular units are prefabricated in advance in controlled factory environments before being transported to the construction site. This preliminary action allows simultaneous preparation of multiple modules, significantly accelerating on-site assembly and reducing total construction time.
2Loss of energy
If insulation is added from the inside of existing buildings, then thermal insulation is improved, but internal surface area is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation problem is solved by shifting from internal to external insulation placement. The modular units incorporate thick insulation layers on the external face of load-bearing walls, maintaining full internal surface area while providing superior thermal performance through increased insulation thickness.
3Loss of energy
If insulation is added from the outside of existing buildings, then thermal insulation is improved, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
External insulation is integrated into modular units during factory prefabrication, allowing controlled application and optimization of insulation materials. This approach reduces waste, enables precise installation, and lowers overall costs compared to retrofitting insulation onto existing buildings after construction.
4Strength
If metal structures are used, then structural strength is increased, but thermal bridges are created
Solution Approach 1:
The modular units combine metal load-bearing elements with thick insulation layers and wooden finishing elements. This composite construction creates a multi-material assembly where insulation discontinues thermal bridges between metal and interior spaces, while metal provides necessary structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are strategically placed in different zones: metal provides structural strength at critical load-bearing points, while insulation and wood are positioned at thermal interface zones to eliminate thermal bridges. This localized material assignment optimizes both strength and thermal performance.
5Loss of energy
If wooden structures are used, then thermal bridges are reduced, but structural strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines metal and wood in a composite structure where metal elements provide the necessary structural strength for load-bearing functions, while wooden elements and insulation layers are positioned to create thermal breaks and reduce thermal bridges at critical interfaces.
6Productivity
If modular units are used for construction, then construction time is reduced, but adaptability for family changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The building is segmented into standardized modular units that can be independently added, removed, or reconfigured. This segmentation enables future expansion by simply adding new modules while maintaining the original construction efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed with universal connection systems and standardized dimensions that allow them to serve multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements. This universality enables easy adaptation to changing family needs through reconfiguration or addition of modules.
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
Facilitates standardized, cost-effective, and efficient construction with improved thermal and acoustic insulation, reduced construction time, and eliminates thermal bridges, while allowing for easy expansion and renovation.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer adapted to fill said volume and comprising at least a first face and a second opposite face
Implementation Method 2
The insulating layer may provide thermal and acoustic insulation for the building
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular unit (100) intended to form at least a portion of a facade of a building and adapted to be mounted on a structure (11), said unit (100) comprising: at least four support uprights (100.1) forming a volume (100.10), each upright (100.1) comprising a first end (100.11); an insulating layer (100.2) adapted to fill the volume (100.10) and comprising at least a first face and a second opposite face; two protective layers (100.3; 100.4) against humidity fixed directly on said uprights (100.1) so that a first protective layer (100.3) is positioned on the first face of the insulating layer (100.2) and a second protective layer (100.4) is positioned on the second face of the insulating layer (100.2) characterized in that the first end (100.11) comprises at least one first reversible attachment member (100.110) to the structure (11).