Construction system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction systems lack versatility and ease of use in forming a wide range of three-dimensional structures without the need for tools, and often require complex connections or specific shapes, limiting their adaptability and user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A construction system comprising identical frames with integral connecting means, such as plates for interference fits, and corner pieces for unit cell formation, along with panels that can be easily attached to frames, allowing for flexible and tool-free assembly of various structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional construction systems use complex connections or specific shapes to form three-dimensional structures, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The construction system divides the structure into identical modular frames that can be independently assembled. Each frame is a complete unit with integrated connecting features, allowing complex three-dimensional structures to be built from simple, standardized segments without requiring complex individual connections
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the frame structure itself, the connecting means, and the unit cell formation are combined into one element. This eliminates the need for separate connection hardware and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional construction systems require tools for assembly to ensure precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame connecting means is designed to be self-aligning and self-locating through the integral plates and corner pieces. The interference fit mechanism automatically ensures precise positioning during assembly without requiring external tools or specialized skills, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting features use interference fit with specifically designed dimensional parameters that provide both precision and ease of assembly. The plate dimensions and corner piece geometries are optimized to create a friction fit that is precise enough for structural integrity but loose enough to assemble without tools
3Ease of operation
If construction systems use identical frames with integral connecting means to simplify assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability for forming diverse structures may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The identical frames are designed with universal connecting capabilities through the integral plates and corner pieces that can form various unit cells. The same basic frame component can be assembled into different three-dimensional configurations, providing both simplicity in manufacturing and versatility in application
Solution Approach 2:
The corner pieces extend out of the unit cell to provide connection points in multiple directions and orientations. This three-dimensional extending capability allows identical frames to be assembled into diverse structural forms by varying the spatial arrangement and orientation of connections
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
Enables the formation of diverse three-dimensional structures with ease and adaptability, facilitating both toy construction and furniture creation, while providing a robust and versatile system for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the frame connecting means comprises one or more plates configured such that the plates of adjacent frames achieve an interference fit with each other
Data Source
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AI summary
A construction system comprising a plurality of frames (10). Each frame (10) has a plurality of sides (20), each side (20) comprising integral frame connecting means (30) for interconnecting a plurality of frames (10) to form a unit cell (12). Each frame (10) further comprises integral cell connecting means (40) for interconnecting adjacent frames (10) of two adjacent unit cells (12).