Modular Architectural Model Assembly with Magnetic Pegs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modeling techniques for building designs are time-consuming and costly due to the need for bespoke models, which are often discarded during redesigns, and lack the ability to easily create models with varying floor plans and shapes without extending beyond building walls.

Innovation Solution

A modular modeling assembly using interconnectable framework pieces with magnetic strips and pegs, allowing for the creation of models with adjustable sizes and shapes, including double height and width configurations, and the use of removable panels for exterior and interior designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If bespoke models are created for each design iteration, then the model accurately represents the specific building design, but the time and cost to produce each model increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidmodel production time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The model building kit is divided into separate modular components including framework pieces, floor parts, wall parts, and roof parts. Each component can be independently assembled and reconfigured to create different building designs, eliminating the need to recreate entire models for each design iteration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The framework pieces are designed with universal connection features (complementary grooves and protrusions) that allow the same components to be used across multiple different building configurations. The modular parts serve multiple functions and can be reused to create various floor plans and building styles.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If bespoke models are created for each design iteration, then the model accurately represents the specific building design, but the material cost increases due to discarding previous models

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidmodeling material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The modular components are designed to be reusable rather than disposable. After completing one building model, the same framework pieces, floor parts, wall parts, and roof parts can be disassembled and reused for subsequent design iterations, significantly reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The same set of modular components can create multiple different building designs through various configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single kit to serve numerous design purposes, reducing the need for additional materials.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If floor parts extend beyond building walls to accommodate different floor plans, then various floor plan shapes can be created, but the model becomes less accurate to real building proportions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor plan flexibilityVSAvoidbuilding proportion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The floor space is divided into modular floor parts that can be arranged in different configurations. Each floor part corresponds to a specific area within the building footprint, allowing various floor plans to be created without extending beyond the wall boundaries defined by the framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular floor parts can be dynamically reconfigured to create different floor plans while maintaining alignment with the framework walls. The complementary grooves and protrusions enable flexible arrangement of floor parts within the defined building perimeter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 rapid construction and reuse of architectural models, reducing time and costs by allowing for easy redesigns and the creation of accurate, multi-faceted building representations, while minimizing material waste.

Implementation Method 1

The framework pieces each have magnetic strips located on opposite sides of the framework piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2801087B1A modelling assembly
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 MBM BUILDING SYST
  • EP2801087B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2801087B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2801087B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A modelling assembly 1400 includes a plurality of releasably interconnectable parts, the parts including floor parts 1402 and wall parts 1408. The assembly 1400 includes a plurality of pegs 102, each of which, in an assembled condition, extends from one part to another part to hold the parts together, at least one of the parts defining a peg receiving hole 104 in which one of the pegs 102 is receivable.