Shiftable Modular Wall Frame for Seismic Shiftability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular wall systems are rigid and unable to compensate for building movements during seismic events, leading to damage and potential injury, as they lack the flexibility to shift relative to support structures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shiftable frame system with pivoting brackets that connects multiple frame sections, allowing them to move relative to each other while maintaining structural strength under normal conditions, thereby reducing damage during seismic events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If modular wall systems are rigidly connected to support structures, then structural strength and stability are improved under normal conditions, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage during seismic events due to inability to compensate for building movement
Solution Approach 1:
The wall module employs a dynamic connection system where the second wall section can move relative to the first wall section through a connection mechanism. This allows the wall module to adapt to seismic movements while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigid strength and seismic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall module is divided into multiple sections (first wall section and second wall section) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to respond to seismic forces independently, preventing catastrophic failure while maintaining overall structural strength.
2Ease of operation
If modular wall systems use rigid connections between wall modules, then ease of installation and configuration is improved, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate support structure movement during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between wall sections transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic connection that allows controlled movement during seismic events. The connection mechanism maintains ease of installation while providing seismic adaptability through its ability to move with building deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes its mechanical parameters (rigidity, degrees of freedom) based on loading conditions. Under normal conditions, it provides rigid stable support for easy installation; during seismic events, it allows movement to accommodate building deformation.
3Device complexity
If wider wall modules are used to reduce the number of connections, then device complexity is reduced, but the increased mass and depth make the walls more susceptible to seismic damage
Solution Approach 1:
The wall module is segmented into multiple sections that can move independently. This segmentation reduces the seismic vulnerability of each individual section while maintaining overall wall functionality, counteracting the increased vulnerability that would result from using fewer, wider wall modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented wall sections are connected through a dynamic mechanism that allows relative movement during seismic events. This dynamic capability reduces the harmful effects of seismic forces on wider wall modules by allowing controlled deformation rather than rigid failure.
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 shiftable frame system minimizes or prevents damage to modular walls and connected structures by enabling relative movement during seismic events, while maintaining rigidity and structural integrity under normal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The individual wall modules can include multiple frame sections (e.g., outer sections) connected together by pivoting brackets to form a single wall module. The pivoting brackets can allow the frame sections to shift or otherwise move relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing components of a wall module and a modular wall with the ability to shift or move relative to each other. The ability to shift can reduce or prevent damage to the wall modules during movement of support structures (ceilings, floors, permanent or structural walls) that secure the wall modules, which can shift or move relative to each other during seismic events or otherwise.