Modular Hub Framework for Resilient Housing Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building systems are complex, require many parts, and are difficult to assemble efficiently, especially by unskilled labor, and lack flexibility in supporting various building configurations and infill panels.
Innovation Solution
A novel framework component system using connecting hubs and L-shaped demountable beam connection brackets allows for versatile assembly of vertical posts, beams, and shear panels, enabling easy construction of various building sizes and types with a minimal number of uniform parts, supporting both horizontal and vertical loads, and accommodating utility subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional post and beam frameworks with multiple panel configurations are used, then building structures can be formed, but the system becomes complex in manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized post and beam framework where uniform posts, beams, and corner assemblies can be configured to create multiple building types, shapes, and sizes. The same basic components serve multiple functions through different arrangement configurations, eliminating the need for specialized parts for each building type.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework is segmented into modular components (posts, beams, corner assemblies, infill panels) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified production of standardized parts while maintaining overall system versatility through combinatorial assembly of these modules.
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized uniform components are used to minimize manufacturing complexity, then production efficiency improves, but the ability to create varied building sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic configurability where standardized components can be arranged in different configurations to adapt to various building requirements. The framework allows dynamic adjustment of building dimensions and layouts by repositioning and reconfiguring the same uniform posts, beams, and corner assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Uniform corner assemblies and beam components are designed to serve multiple structural roles depending on their arrangement. The same corner assembly can function in different building configurations, and beams can be positioned to create various wall and floor arrangements, enabling diverse building forms from standardized parts.
3Reliability
If many assorted panel configurations are integrated into the framework, then complete building enclosures can be formed, but assembly difficulty increases for unskilled labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by separating the structural framework assembly from the infill panel installation. The framework can be assembled and made weathertight as a complete structure first, then infill panels (insulation, drywall, siding) are added separately. This allows unskilled labor to assemble the main structure without needing to coordinate complex panel integrations during framework assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The building system is segmented into the structural framework (posts, beams, corner assemblies) and the infill panels as separate modules. This segmentation allows the framework to be assembled independently using standardized connections, while infill panels are installed as separate finishing elements, simplifying the assembly process for each component type.
4Strength
If traditional heavy framework systems are used, then structural strength is achieved, but manufacturing and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using steel for the framework components, which provides high strength-to-weight ratio compared to traditional wood or concrete systems. This composite approach (steel framework with various infill panel materials) achieves required structural strength while reducing overall material quantity and enabling more efficient manufacturing and transportation.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthogonal framework for the fabrication of modular buildings includes a plurality of hub members formed to fit in the ends of vertical hollow post members including base hubs for securing the lower end of a hollow post to a foundation and/or base beams or shear panels, terminal hubs for securing the top ends of a post upper beam members and/or the upper ends of shear panels, and intermediate tubes for securing the ends of two vertically aligned posts together and/or to support beams for the building. The hubs are hollow and have press nuts mounted on their inner surfaces to allow the terminals to be bolted to the posts, beams and shear panels in a large variety of beam and post combinations to form modular buildings in various configurations.