Stackable Access Structure for Modular Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access structures for modular buildings, such as those made of wood or steel, are not adequately strength-calculated, lack fire-resistance, are time-consuming to build, and cumbersome to remove, and often require application-specific arrangements, especially when modular buildings need to be demounted.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, stackable framework module with a box shape that includes vertical and horizontal edge beams, top and bottom interconnection portions, an entrance stairway connection, and a slidable roof, allowing for easy mounting and demounting, and featuring collapsible corner posts with hinge and sleeve mechanisms for stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current access structures are built of wood or steel scaffolding, then they provide basic access functionality, but they are time-consuming to build and cumbersome to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The access structure is divided into modular framework modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module contains standardized connection elements that enable rapid assembly without time-consuming on-site construction, directly addressing the productivity improvement while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework modules are pre-assembled with connection portions and interconnection elements before being transported to the construction site. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations and facilitates quick mounting and demounting, resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If access structures are made of wood, then they are easy to construct, but they lack fire resistance and proper strength calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The framework modules utilize composite construction combining steel components for structural integrity and fire resistance with design simplicity. The standardized edge beams, corner posts, and interconnection portions provide both ease of manufacture through modular assembly and reliable fire-resistant properties, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
3Strength
If steel structures are fastened in forklift pockets, then they provide structural support, but they are impossible or difficult to use when forklift pockets are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The framework modules are designed with universal connection portions that can attach to various building types regardless of the presence of forklift pockets. The standardized interface design allows the same module to be used with different modular buildings, maintaining structural support while achieving versatility across multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portions act as intermediary elements that bridge the framework module to the modular building wall. This intermediary design allows attachment through various methods (screws, bolts, or other connection mechanisms) rather than relying solely on forklift pockets, thereby maintaining structural support while enabling adaptability to different building configurations.
4Ease of operation
If the access structure is positioned close to the modular building, then it provides direct access, but it causes damage to the building and is difficult to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portions are extracted from the main framework module and positioned at the interface with the modular building wall. This separation allows the framework module to be mounted at an optimal distance from the building, providing direct access while preventing damage to the building structure through controlled connection points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mountable and demountable access structure for modular buildings, wherein the access structure is self-contained and comprises a stackable framework module, which has an overall box shape in a mounting state. The framework module comprises vertical and horizontal edge beams, top interconnection portions, for interconnection with another framework module stacked on top of the framework module, bottom interconnection portions, for interconnection with another framework module on top of which the framework module is stacked, an entrance stairway connection portion, a floor and a roof.