Modular Stair Tower With Geometrically Coupled Steel Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular stair tower systems require significant assembly effort and are not aesthetically pleasing, especially for long-term use, and often have a construction site-like appearance.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising stackable, statically self-supporting modules with steel disk elements, where each module has a base and top area with geometrically corresponding interfaces for structural coupling, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring a staircase design that provides stability and aesthetic flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional modular stair tower systems are used, then assembly effort is reduced, but aesthetic quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortVSAvoidaesthetic quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The stair tower is divided into modular sections that can be assembled together, allowing for both ease of assembly and aesthetic flexibility. Each module maintains structural integrity while enabling clean, professional appearance through standardized interfaces and precise geometric relationships between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular system uses universal connection elements and standardized geometries that serve both structural and aesthetic functions. The same components that facilitate easy assembly also create visually appealing configurations, eliminating the need for separate aesthetic treatments.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If complex frame elements are used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidframe element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design merges structural support functions with aesthetic surface elements into unified components. The frame structure is integrated with cladding and finishing elements, eliminating the need for separate complex frame elements while maintaining structural stability through combined load-bearing and surface-defining functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the structure use appropriately scaled and shaped elements optimized for their specific functions. Connection details and frame elements are designed with local geometric characteristics that provide necessary stability without overall complexity, using form-follows-function principles for each localized area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If standardized modular modules are used, then assembly speed is improved, but adaptability to different designs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoiddesign adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable connection mechanisms that allow modules to be adapted to different spatial requirements. Standardized interfaces maintain assembly speed while incorporating variable positioning and configuration options enable diverse design outcomes from the same standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design employs nested modular units that can be configured in multiple arrangements. Smaller standardized modules can be nested or combined in different patterns to create varied overall forms, allowing the same standardized set to produce multiple design variations through hierarchical assembly and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3837407B1Modular system for a stair tower
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 MASTER ATELIERS GMBH
  • EP3837407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3837407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3837407B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A modular system consisting of a plurality of stackable, statically self-supporting modules (10; 20; 30; 50; 60; 83) each having a base surface (31) and a top surface (32) parallel thereto, having casing sections (33; 35; 52; 61) spanned therebetween and flights of stairs arranged thereon to create a stair tower (1), the modular system having a base module (10) for forming a constructional connection to a foundation (12) of the stair tower (1), a number of stair modules (30; 50; 60; 83) and an end module (20) as the end stair of the stair tower (1), wherein the modules (10; 20; 30; 50; 60; 83) are made of steel panels and have interfaces (42; 44) that geometrically correspond to one another for constructional coupling to one another.