Prefabricated Housing Module with Reinforced Steel Facades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular construction solutions fail to simultaneously provide reinforcement, resistance to load requirements, high thermal and acoustic comfort, ease of transport and assembly, and disassembly for versatile building applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular assembly using metal structures with reinforced sheet steel facades, a monolithic structure capable of accommodating sand bags for shock absorption, and a design that includes double roof slabs for stability and insulation, allowing for rapid assembly and compatibility with standard dimensions and installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If modular construction solutions are used, then ease of assembly and transport is improved, but reinforcement and resistance to load requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidresistance to load requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The module employs composite construction combining metal profiles for structural framework, concrete for load-bearing walls and floors, and insulation materials for thermal and acoustic performance. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its strength properties while maintaining modular assembly capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The building is divided into standardized modular units that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each module includes integrated structural, insulation, and finishing elements, allowing for easy transport and assembly while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If reinforcement with sheet steel is added, then strength and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereinforcementVSAvoidcomplexity of construction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement sheet steel is integrated directly into the wall and roof panel assemblies during manufacturing. The steel reinforcement is combined with insulation layers and finishing surfaces into unified composite panels, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement installation steps on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

All reinforcement elements, including sheet steel positioning and anchoring, are pre-configured during factory manufacturing. The reinforcement structure is built into the modular units before shipment, so that on-site assembly only requires connecting the pre-reinforced modules to each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sand bags are positioned for shock absorption, then resistance to shocks is improved, but weight and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to shocksVSAvoidweight of module
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorption capability is achieved by varying the thickness and density of insulation materials and structural elements rather than adding heavy sand bags. Thicker insulation layers and reinforced structural panels provide the necessary damping and shock resistance while maintaining acceptable weight levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If thermal and acoustic insulation is enhanced, then thermal and acoustic comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal and acoustic comfortVSAvoidcomplexity of insulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation system uses composite panel construction combining different insulation materials (such as mineral wool, foam, or reflective barriers) in layered configurations. These composite panels are manufactured as integrated units with the structural and finishing elements, simplifying installation while providing comprehensive thermal and acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures safety and habitability by providing resistance to strong shocks, maintaining stability, and achieving high thermal and acoustic comfort, while enabling efficient transport and assembly, accommodating various building types from warehouses to residential units.

Implementation Method 1

The module has two roof slabs spaced in such a way that a free space is formed between them to absorb possible warping that might affect the habitable area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWarping absorption:

Implementation Method 2

capable of accommodating a thickness of 60 cm throughout the entire surface of its roof through the positioning of superimposed sand bags that will serve to damp against strong shocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3456893B1Industrialised module for prefabricated housing solutions
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 CUBRIAHOME SL
  • EP3456893B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3456893B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3456893B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Industrialised module for prefabricated housing solutions comprising: - A roof made with three levels: a first level (1), followed by a second level (2) and finished with a third level (3) - A series of pillars (16) joined at their upper ends to the third level (3) and at the lower end to the ground and to - A lower slab (17) joined to the pillars and further supported by a series of central supports (18) where the First Level (1) of the roof comprises a first ribbed sheet (5); the second level (2) comprises a first perimeter frame (8), tubular crossbeams (9) and a ribbed sheet (10), to support a load for the upper reinforcement; and the third level (3) comprises a second perimeter frame (11) and tubular crossbeams (12). An inhabitable module is achieved, which ensures safety, with reinforced facades, as well as under-roof reinforcement, which is quick to assemble and disassemble.