Modular Inhabitable Space with Movable Transverse Partitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional construction methods lack flexibility and efficiency, leading to complex and time-consuming processes with potential errors and delays, while current modular solutions are not optimally adaptable to inhabitant needs and often require cumbersome furniture arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A modular living space design featuring movable transverse partitions with sealing devices and rail systems, allowing for flexible configuration and easy assembly of standardized parts, which can be adapted to create various room configurations without disrupting the floor covering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional construction methods are used, then construction can be completed with fixed architect plans, but the construction process becomes complex and time-consuming with potential errors and delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The building is divided into standardized modular units (e.g., 3m x 6m modules) that can be pre-assembled and then quickly combined on-site. This segmentation allows parallel preparation of multiple modules, reducing overall construction time while maintaining quality through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Modular components are pre-assembled and prepared in advance in controlled environments (factories or pre-construction areas) before final assembly on-site. This preliminary action allows quality control and error detection before installation, improving reliability while accelerating the main construction phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed architect plans are used in traditional construction, then construction can proceed systematically, but the design lacks flexibility for inhabitant adaptation over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction systematicityVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The building incorporates movable partitions and reconfigurable modular elements that allow inhabitants to dynamically change interior layouts over time. The standardized modules can be disassembled and reconfigured, providing long-term adaptability while maintaining the systematic approach of modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized modular units are designed to serve multiple functions and can be arranged in various configurations. The same basic module can become a bedroom, living space, or office depending on arrangement, providing design flexibility without requiring custom construction for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular solutions with movable partitions are used, then flexibility for room configuration is improved, but the partitions require sealing devices and complex mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom configuration flexibilityVSAvoidpartition mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable partitions use simple, lightweight sealing mechanisms that can be easily replaced or adjusted. Rather than complex permanent sealing systems, the design employs simpler sealing elements that are easier to maintain and replace, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing devices utilize flexible materials and thin film elements that can accommodate the movement of partitions without requiring complex mechanical sealing mechanisms. This approach maintains airtightness and insulation while keeping the partition system simple and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3746614B1Modular inhabitable space
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 MAGENTA
  • EP3746614B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3746614B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3746614B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An inhabitable space, characterised in that it comprises a through-space (40) extending in a longitudinal direction from a first outer wall (1) to a second opposing outer wall (11), delimiting the inhabitable space into a right-hand side portion (41) and a left-hand side portion (50), a first side portion (41) comprising at least a bathroom (42) and a kitchen (43), and the other second side portion (50) comprising at least one transverse partition (51) that can be moved in the longitudinal direction in order to modify the configuration of the inhabitable space.