Modular Perimeter Frame System for Building Construction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prefabricated building frames are difficult to transport and handle, especially in restricted access construction sites, leading to increased construction costs due to their large size.
Innovation Solution
A modular perimeter frame system comprising a first modular sub-frame with a blunt end portion and a second modular sub-frame with an overhang end portion, designed for continuous abutting engagement, along with ladder and top hat sub-frames that can be preassembled and easily interconnected to form perimeter frames for floors, walls, and roofs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If preassembled building frames are used, then construction efficiency is improved, but transportability and handling ease deteriorate due to large size
Solution Approach 1:
The building frame is divided into multiple modular sub-frames that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. Each sub-frame is a manageable size for transport while the complete assembly provides the structural integrity of a full preassembled frame, resolving the contradiction between construction efficiency and transportability.
2Productivity
If preassembled building frames are used, then construction speed is improved, but accessibility to restricted sites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into smaller modular sub-frames, the system enables access to restricted construction sites that cannot accommodate large preassembled frames, while maintaining construction speed through efficient on-site assembly of the modular components.
3Ease of operation
If modular sub-frames with blunt and overhang end portions are used, then assembly ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-frames employ asymmetric end portions (blunt and overhang) that provide intuitive alignment and connection during assembly. The blunt end of one sub-frame fits with the overhang end of another, creating an obvious assembly sequence that improves ease of operation despite requiring precise manufacturing of the asymmetric features.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular perimeter frame system is described for forming a perimeter frame used in the construction of floors, walls and roofs of buildings. The modular perimeter frame system has a first modular sub-frame having one or two blunt end portions, and a second modular sub-frame having one or two overhang end portions. The blunt and overhang end portions are so dimensioned and shaped as to facilitate a continuous abutting engagement between at least two surfaces which meet at a corner of the blunt end portion and at least two surfaces which meet at a corner of the overhang end portion.