Recycled Plastic Modular Beams for Rapid Building Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional construction systems, particularly those using bricks, are costly and do not offer a simple or rapid method for building modules like dwellings or garages, while existing plastic-based systems lack the robustness and ease of assembly required for such structures.

Innovation Solution

A construction system utilizing extruded hollow rectangular main beams and secondary beams with folded edges for interlocking, along with corner pieces, to form a 3D rectangular frame, allowing for rapid assembly and enhanced structural rigidity, using recycled plastic materials for ecological benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional brick construction systems are used, then structural robustness is achieved, but construction cost increases and assembly speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural robustnessVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The construction system divides the building into modular elements (beams, corner pieces, facade elements) that can be pre-manufactured and rapidly assembled on-site, significantly improving assembly speed while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Corner pieces serve as intermediary elements that connect main beams at right angles, providing robust structural joints without requiring complex brickwork, thus achieving both strength and rapid assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If plastic bottles are used for construction, then cost reduction is achieved, but structural rigidity and sealing performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost reductionVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses extruded hollow profile beams made from plastic material (particularly recycled plastic) that are engineered to provide both cost-effectiveness and structural rigidity, overcoming the limitations of simple plastic bottles while maintaining economic advantages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic beams are designed with specific geometric parameters (hollow rectangular section, projections, folded edges) that enhance their mechanical properties and rigidity, transforming ordinary plastic material into structurally sound construction elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If complex interlocking mechanisms are added to plastic construction systems, then structural rigidity improves, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is segmented into simple, distinct components (projections on beams, corresponding recesses in corner pieces, folded edges on facades) that engage through basic geometric interlocking, providing rigidity without complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex active mechanisms to achieve connection, the system employs passive geometric interlocking where the shape of the components themselves (projections and recesses) provides the connecting function, simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3688240B1Construction system for a building module
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 UHCS PROPERTY SA
  • EP3688240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3688240B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3688240B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a construction system for a building module, the principal elements of which are made of recycled plastic material and which is suitable for simply and rapidly producing a solid structure. Said system comprises a set of main beams (1) which can be assembled end-to-end to form an open structure in the shape of a three-dimensional rectangular frame. The system further comprises intermediate secondary beams (11) which can be assembled between parallel and opposite main beams, and flat facade elements (3) which can be inserted, one against the other, between two adjacent parallel beams. Every facade element (3) comprises a flat rectangular panel having two opposite folded-in edges designed to engage with adjacent parallel beams. Every main beam has a rectangular cross-section and, on all four sides, has a projecting portion (21) that is parallel to the side and spaced apart therefrom such that an opening is left for receiving a folded-in edge of a flat facade element. Every secondary beam (11) has at least one projecting portion on at least two opposite sides, which portions leave an opening for receiving a folded-in edge of a flat facade element (3).