Modular Building Panels with Keyway Wedge Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building systems are inefficient due to limited flexibility in design changes, requiring reordering and reassembly of structural parts, which leads to delays and restricts modifications or expansions without unique plans and parts.
Innovation Solution
A modular building system utilizing panels with primary and secondary joints, where panels are removably attached through wedges and keyways, allowing for rapid assembly and modification by connecting and disconnecting panels without special planning or unique parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional building systems use rigid structural parts that are bolted, welded, or stacked together, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the flexibility for design changes and modifications is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The building structure is divided into discrete modular panels that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing the building to be segmented into replaceable sections for easy modification while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from rigid permanent joints (welding, bolting) to dynamic reversible connections using removable fasteners. This allows the structure to adapt between fixed and movable states, enabling design changes by simply removing and reconfiguring panels without permanent structural modifications.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional building systems require parts to be cut to proper length and rigorously joined together, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity and construction speed are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
All structural panels are pre-fabricated with precise dimensions and pre-equipped with connection interfaces (fasteners, keyways) during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site cutting and precise field assembly, allowing rapid construction by simply assembling pre-prepared modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized, interchangeable panels that can be quickly replaced if needed. Rather than permanently fixing unique custom parts, the design employs replaceable standard panels that maintain precision through manufacturing standardization rather than complex field adjustments.
3Reliability
If conventional building systems use unique building-specific plans and parts for changes or expansions, then the reliability of the original design is improved, but the ease of operation for modifications is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal standardized panels and connection interfaces that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The same panel type can be used in different locations and arrangements, allowing expansions and modifications using the same catalog of parts rather than requiring unique custom-designed components for each change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains design reliability through standardized parameters (panel dimensions, connection interface specifications) while allowing operational flexibility by changing the configuration and arrangement of these standard elements. Modifications are achieved by reconfiguring existing standard components rather than introducing new unique parts.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional building systems require reordering and reassembly of parts when design changes are requested, then the manufacturing precision of original parts is improved, but the loss of time for construction delays is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the building into standardized modular panels, the system allows localized modifications without affecting the entire structure. Only the specific panels needing change need to be removed and replaced, rather than reordering and reassembling entire structural components, significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables easy discarding of obsolete panels and recovery/reuse of standard connection components. When design changes are needed, old panels can be removed and standard fasteners and connection elements can be recovered and reused in new configurations, avoiding the need to discard entire assembly sets.
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 and flexible assembly of structures, allowing for modifications and expansions without the need for unique plans or special parts, improving construction efficiency and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The first panel is removably attached to the second panel through a primary joint. The primary joint includes a wedge and a keyway
Data Source
AI summary
A modular building system consists of panels of various sizes and shapes that join together through a series of primary joints and secondary joints. The primary joint and secondary joint have key-to-keyway fasteners and wedge-to-slot fasteners. In this way any panel can attach to any other panel. Panels could be joined for form larger panels and cutouts or other features could be included in the panels.