Modular Construction Components for Continuous Lateral Force Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular construction systems lack efficient mechanisms to transfer and absorb lateral forces, such as those caused by wind or earthquakes, between building components and shear walls, posing a risk to the structural integrity of buildings.

Innovation Solution

A modular construction system with prefabricated building components featuring lateral force collectors, such as parallel and perpendicular collectors, connected via connectors to form a continuous force transfer system, ensuring efficient absorption of lateral forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If modular construction is used to reduce construction time, then productivity is improved, but the ability to transfer lateral forces between components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction timeVSAvoidlateral force transfer capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral force collection system is divided into discrete modular components, each with its own force collector that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables parallel production of modules while maintaining the continuous force transfer path through standardized connectors between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connectors serve as intermediary elements that bridge adjacent modular components, enabling lateral force transfer between otherwise separate modules. These connectors act as the mediating mechanism that maintains structural continuity despite the modular discretization of the building system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If prefabricated components are used to accelerate construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural integrity under lateral loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprefabrication capabilityVSAvoidlateral force resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Lateral force collectors are pre-installed within prefabricated components during manufacturing, and connectors are pre-configured with appropriate strength characteristics. This preliminary action ensures that force transfer capability is built into the modular system before assembly, eliminating the need for complex field modifications while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs composite construction combining prefabricated components with specialized connector elements that provide enhanced lateral force transfer. The composite nature of the assembled structure integrates the advantages of prefabrication with the strength requirements for lateral load resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12435533B2Construction system

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 WALL TO WALL LLC

AI summary

A modular construction system comprising: a first prefabricated building component including: a first plurality of support members extending parallel to each other in a first direction; and a first lateral force collector configured to transfer lateral forces; a second prefabricated building component including: a second plurality of support members extending parallel to each other in a second direction; and a second lateral force collector configured to transfer the lateral forces; and a connector extending between the first lateral force collector and the second lateral force collector configured to transfer the lateral forces therebetween.