Modular Joint Connector for Irregular Building Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Asymmetrical or irregularly shaped buildings require unique joint connectors that cannot be mass-produced, making them cost-prohibitive due to the complexity of joint connections.

Innovation Solution

A joint connector system comprising a hub, registration caps, and at least two wing pairs, with a bolt assembly or alternative connection means, allowing for the creation of various joint networks to accommodate irregular structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If unique joint connectors are used for asymmetrical or irregularly shaped buildings, then the structure can accommodate irregular shapes, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly due to inability to mass-produce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate irregular shapesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized joint connector that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The connector uses a hub with multiple wing pairs that can be arranged in different patterns to create various joint networks, allowing one universal component to replace many unique connectors, thereby enabling mass production while accommodating irregular building shapes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint connector is segmented into modular components including a hub, multiple wing pairs, and registration caps. This segmentation allows the same basic components to be reconfigured for different structural requirements, enabling standardized mass-produced parts to be assembled into custom configurations for irregular shapes without requiring custom manufacturing for each joint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If standardized joint connectors are used for mass production, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to create unique joint networks for irregular structures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidability to create variety of joint networks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The joint connector incorporates dynamic configurability through the arrangement and orientation of multiple wing pairs around the hub. The wings can be positioned at different angles and configurations to create adaptable joint networks, allowing standardized components to dynamically adjust to various structural requirements while maintaining mass production benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple wing pairs extending from the central hub in different directions and angles. This dimensional approach allows a single standardized connector to create complex spatial joint networks that can accommodate irregular structures, transforming a simple standardized component into a versatile multi-dimensional joint solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11608625B1Joint connector

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 LOKKEN PETER

AI summary

A joint connector comprising a hub, two registration caps, a bolt assembly or similar means of connecting the components, and at least two wing pairs. The joint connector is adaptable and thus is capable of creating a variety of different joint networks. Joint connectors can be arranged to connect panel frames and panels for regularly faceted structures and asymmetrical or irregularly shaped structures.