Modular Building Frame Layout for Flexible Ceiling Heights

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular building systems are limited by ISO cargo container dimensions, leading to constraints in ceiling height and modularity, making it difficult to construct buildings with acceptable heights and flexible architectural designs.

Innovation Solution

Building modules with standardized dimensions where length is an integer multiple of width, allowing for connection nodes at regular intervals, enabling flexible assembly in various orientations and configurations without gaps or overhangs, and incorporating load-bearing beams with aligned apertures for service components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If building modules are constrained to ISO cargo container dimensions, then transportability is improved, but ceiling height and architectural flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidarchitectural flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The building system is divided into modular units with standardized connection interfaces. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing the system to achieve both standardized transport and customized architectural configurations by combining different module types and orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional parameter for module height that is independent of conventional ISO container constraints. By establishing a separate height standard (e.g., 2.8-3.2 meters) that accommodates building code requirements while maintaining width and length standardization for transport, the system resolves the contradiction between transportability and architectural flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If building modules are designed with fixed ISO container dimensions, then manufacturing standardization is improved, but modularity and assembly flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing standardizationVSAvoidmodularity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple module configurations. The standardized connection nodes and interfaces allow modules to be assembled in various orientations and configurations, making the same standardized components adaptable to different architectural designs while maintaining manufacturing standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular system incorporates dynamic assembly capabilities where standardized modules can be configured in different arrangements based on project requirements. The connection system allows for flexible assembly patterns while maintaining the benefits of standardized manufacturing, enabling the system to adapt to various architectural needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If building modules are made non-standard to meet specific project requirements, then architectural customization is improved, but production efficiency and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitectural customizationVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The building is segmented into standardized modules that can be mass-produced efficiently. By dividing the building into repetitive modular units with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces, the system achieves both architectural customization through configuration and high production efficiency through standardized manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows architectural customization by changing the number, arrangement, and orientation of standardized modules rather than changing the modules themselves. This parameter-based customization approach maintains production efficiency by continuing to manufacture the same standardized components while achieving diverse architectural outcomes through different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If connection nodes are placed at irregular intervals to accommodate ISO container dimensions, then module compatibility with transport standards is improved, but alignment precision and assembly ease are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport compatibilityVSAvoidconnection alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses localized connection nodes positioned at regular intervals along the module edges. These regularly spaced nodes provide precise alignment references that facilitate accurate assembly, while the overall module dimensions maintain compatibility with transport standards. The local regularity of connection node placement ensures manufacturing precision regardless of the module's overall size or transport configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12595651B2System for architectural modular building construction

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 CUBIT BUILDING CO EHF

AI summary

Disclosed is a building module for use in modular building assemblies. The building module has frame comprising one or more parallelepiped unit cells and connection nodes at the corner of the unit cells, so that building modules can be connected together in a modular fashion using the connection nodes. Also disclosed is a system for building construction that comprises such building modules, and habitable modular buildings that comprises the building modules.