Modular Structural System Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for assembling structures like decks, walkways, and shelters require carpentry skills, tools, and significant physical effort, and often result in wastage of materials and complex foundation work, limiting flexibility and ease of disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A system of integrated structural components that can be assembled without tools, allowing for various configurations, including irregular shapes, partial or full enclosure, and roofing, using components like floor panel frame connectors, anchors, and roofing components that can be adjusted and secured using human hands alone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional carpentry methods are used to assemble structures, then structural strength and stability are achieved, but the process requires tools, significant physical effort, and time-consuming foundation work
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular components (floor panels, wall panels, roof panels, connectors) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component is pre-fabricated with standardized connection points, eliminating the need for on-site carpentry work and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Specialized connectors serve as intermediaries between structural components, providing standardized mechanical connection points. These connectors simplify the assembly process by replacing traditional carpentry joints, reducing the need for tools and physical effort while ensuring structural strength through engineered connection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional construction materials and methods are used, then structural stability is achieved, but material wastage and site damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
All structural components are pre-fabricated to precise specifications before delivery to the site. This preliminary manufacturing ensures optimal material utilization, minimizes cutting waste, and allows for precise fitting during assembly. Components are manufactured with tolerance control that eliminates the need for on-site material cutting and adjustment, thereby reducing material wastage while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables easy disassembly and reuse of components. Structures can be dismantled and components recovered for relocation or reuse in other projects, significantly reducing material wastage over the lifecycle of the structure while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed foundation structures are used, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility for disassembly and reconfiguration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from fixed permanent foundations to dynamic, reversible connections. Connectors are designed with mechanical engagement features that provide stable load-bearing capacity during use but allow for easy disengagement when reconfiguration is needed. This dynamic connection approach maintains structural stability during operation while enabling flexible disassembly and reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is segmented into modular components connected by standardized interfaces, replacing monolithic fixed foundations. Each module can be independently assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured without affecting the stability of other modules. The segmented design with standardized connectors provides both structural stability and adaptability for future reconfiguration or relocation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If irregular shapes and custom configurations are desired, then design flexibility is achieved, but traditional construction becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized connectors and modular panels serve multiple functions and can be configured in various arrangements to create different shapes and layouts. The universal connection system allows the same basic components to be assembled into rectangular, L-shaped, U-shaped, or custom configurations without requiring specialized parts, thereby providing design flexibility while maintaining construction simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of integrated structural components, designed to fit and connect together using no tools other than human hands, allowing persons with little or no construction experience to assemble floored/partitioned/roofed structures of variable shape(s) and surface area(s). Flooring panels are inserted and secured into flooring frames that have been inserted and secured into frame connectors. Flooring frames may be anchored into an outdoor installation surface for long term use. Certain configurations of the frame connector allow for the installation of variable height partition supports, as well as partition panels. A special configuration of the flooring frame allows for wheeled implement/conveyance access to the floored surface from the surrounding surface. Open, unfloored areas may be created within the periphery of a structure. Roof panels are installed onto and supported by roof brackets, roof beams and integrated gutter sections. Precipitation is conveyed to downspout pipes and fittings via downspouts.