Modular Room Connection Node for Replaceable Building Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular timber buildings lack a system that allows for the easy exchange of entire room modules without external supporting structures, limiting repairability and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connection node system with opposing end plates, shear plates, and spacers that enable the temporary transfer of loads during module replacement, allowing for the detachment and replacement of individual or entire modular units, facilitated by hydraulic cylinders and guide rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If modular units are connected with rigid permanent connections, then structural strength and stability are improved, but replaceability and maintenance efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple functional components: end plates anchored to uprights, shear plates for load transfer, and spacers for positioning. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through multiple connection points while enabling replacement by disconnecting individual components rather than the entire connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The spacers can be detached to relieve loads, allowing temporary disconnection and replacement of modular units. This dynamic capability enables maintenance while preserving structural integrity during operation.
2Ease of repair
If entire modular units are replaced, then damaged components are renewed, but external supporting structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
Shear plates act as intermediaries between modular units, enabling load transfer during replacement operations. The shear plates temporarily bear the load of upper modules while lower modules are being replaced, eliminating the need for external support structures. This intermediary mechanism facilitates in-situ replacement while maintaining structural continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is pre-configured with detachable spacers and shear plates that enable load redistribution before replacement begins. The spacers can be removed in advance to prepare for module extraction, and the shear plates are positioned to immediately assume load-bearing roles, allowing seamless replacement without external intervention.
3Productivity
If load transfer paths are simplified for ease of assembly, then construction speed is improved, but load redistribution capability during maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shear plates serve multiple functions: they provide permanent shear connection during normal operation, enable temporary load transfer during replacement, and facilitate load redistribution when spacers are detached. This multi-functionality allows the same component to support both simplified assembly and complex maintenance operations without requiring separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for connecting room module units (1) of a, in particular multi-story, room module building (2) is described, comprising connection nodes (3) between uprights (4) adjoining each other in a vertical direction (H).For advantageous interchangeability of at least the uprights (4), a connecting node (3) comprises end plates (5) opposite each other in the vertical direction (H), one of which is assigned to a module ceiling (6) of a lower room cell module (1) and the other end plate (5) to a module floor (7) of a room cell module (1) lying above it in the vertical direction (H), a shear plate (8) which is coupled to the end plates (5) of the uprights (4) of two adjacent room cell modules (1) lying above it in the vertical direction (H), in particular in a form-fitting manner, and at least one spacer (9) which is arranged between the shear plate (8) and the end plate (5) of the upright (4) of the room cell module (1) lying below it in the vertical direction (H), and wherein the at least one spacer (9) is detachably connected to the shear plate (8) and to the end plate (5).