Modular Wall Roof Truss System with Non-Parallel Chords
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional residential building methods, such as hand-framing lumber for exterior walls, result in inefficiencies due to the need for skilled labor, expensive materials, and environmental impact, while also facing challenges with water adhesion and insulation effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A modular wooden frame truss system where each wall and roof is a truss with non-parallel chords, allowing for overhangs and efficient assembly, using renewable materials and high-thermal conductivity insulation, and incorporating pre-fabricated connector pieces for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional hand-framing lumber is used for exterior walls, then construction can be performed with conventional materials and methods, but skilled labor is required and construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly is segmented into modular components: pre-cut lumber sections, standardized insulation units, and interchangeable connectors. This segmentation allows parallel fabrication and rapid assembly, reducing skilled labor requirements and construction time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Lumber components are pre-cut to precise dimensions, pre-assembled into wall sections, and pre-insulated before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site cutting and fitting operations, significantly reducing construction time and the need for skilled carpenters.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional 2x6 lumber walls are used, then conventional construction methods can be applied, but wall thickness is limited and insulation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system transitions from traditional horizontal layering to a three-dimensional modular assembly where insulation material is positioned in multiple spatial dimensions within the wall cavity. This dimensional approach maximizes insulation volume within the available wall thickness, improving thermal performance without requiring excessive wall depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall assembly uses composite construction combining lumber framing members with high-performance insulation materials and protective cladding layers. This composite approach optimizes the functional properties of each material layer, achieving superior insulation effectiveness while maintaining structural integrity and weather resistance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vertical exterior walls are used, then conventional wall construction can be applied, but water adhesion occurs and foundation damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system incorporates curved or angled geometric features at critical water exposure zones, such as sloped wall sections and curved drip edges. These curved elements redirect water flow away from vertical surfaces and foundation areas, reducing water adhesion and preventing concentration of water at the foundation level.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing water to flow down vertical walls as in traditional construction, the system inverts the water management approach by using overhanging eaves, protruding wall sections, and reversed drainage paths that direct water away from the structure before it can reach the foundation, eliminating the need for conventional gutters.
4Loss of energy
If low-thermal conductivity insulation materials are used, then heat transfer can be controlled in traditional walls, but material cost increases and environmental sustainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the wall assembly by increasing overall wall thickness and insulation volume, allowing the use of lower-cost, higher-thermal-conductivity insulation materials while achieving the same or better thermal performance. This parameter change also enables the use of renewable materials like cellulose or wool insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular wall system uses standardized insulation components that can be easily installed and removed, allowing for material recovery and reuse. This approach reduces waste and enables the use of recyclable or renewable insulation materials, improving environmental sustainability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame truss made of two walls and a roof structure. Each of the two walls have an outer and inner chord. The outer and inner chords of each respective wall are not parallel, but the inner chords of the two walls are parallel to each other. The arrangement of the inner and outer chords of each wall creates an exterior overhang with respect to the ground. Each of the walls converge at their bases and are attached at their bases to a plate. The roof structure attaches to the top of each of the walls and spans between them creating a frame that can be assembled in conjunction with similar frames to construct a building system.