Prefabricated Module Depth Offset for Architectural Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing prefabricated modular construction method for buildings, particularly educational establishments, lacks architectural flexibility due to standardized room dimensions and layouts, limiting adaptability to varying class sizes and teaching requirements.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated module design featuring a supporting structure composed of a slab and gable walls that can be assembled in two configurations, allowing for adjustable depth alignment or offset, enabling flexible interior volume adaptation and architectural flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standardized identical modules are stacked to create multiple floors, then construction time is reduced and assembly is simplified, but architectural flexibility and adaptability of room dimensions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into standardized prefabricated modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains complete functional elements (walls, flooring, ceiling, insulation), allowing rapid deployment while maintaining adaptability through selective assembly configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth offset as an additional dimensional variable beyond simple vertical stacking. Modules can be arranged with depth offsets to create varied architectural configurations (corridors, classrooms, offices) while maintaining standardized manufacturing, thus resolving the contradiction between standardization and architectural flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If all rooms have identical dimensions and layouts, then manufacturing costs are optimized and structural constraints are easily managed, but the scope of use is limited for different class sizes and teaching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized modules are designed to serve multiple functions through different assembly configurations. The same module type can create classrooms, offices, or corridors depending on the depth offset arrangement, providing universal applicability across different educational needs without requiring custom manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of module assemblies to adapt to varying requirements. By changing the depth offset relationships between modules, the building can be reorganized to accommodate different class sizes, teaching methodologies, or institutional needs while maintaining the same standardized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modules are assembled with depth offset configurations, then architectural flexibility is improved, but structural load distribution becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gable walls are pre-engineered with integrated load-bearing capabilities that account for various assembly configurations including depth offsets. Connection elements and structural features are built into the modules during manufacturing, so that when assembled on-site, the load distribution is automatically managed without requiring complex field calculations or adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application describes a prefabricated module (1) for a room, comprising: - a slab (10); - a ceiling (20) arranged opposite the slab (10); and - two gable walls (30) extending opposite each other substantially perpendicular to the slab (10) and the ceiling (20) so as to connect the slab (10) and the ceiling (20), the two gable walls (30) and the slab (10) together forming a load-bearing structure configured to take up loads exerted on the module (1) by a top module configured to be assembled with the module (1) by being placed above the module (1) and in contact with at least one of the two gable walls (30) of the module (1).