Staggered Modular Joist Arrangement Reduces Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The significant dead space between stacked modular building components due to typical joist configurations leads to inefficient use of space in multi-story modular constructions, as ceiling and floor joists typically occupy a gap of approximately 400mm when stacked.
Innovation Solution
The staggered arrangement of ceiling and floor joists, with part of their height disposed between each other, and a jointing arrangement with a support means that includes peripheral structural support and reinforcing gussets, reduces the dead space by allowing the joists to be positioned closer together, while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If typical ceiling and floor joists are stacked on top of one another, then structural support is provided, but significant dead space of approximately 400mm is created between the ceiling and floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing ceiling joists inside the space between floor joists, and floor joists inside the space between ceiling joists. This nested arrangement allows the joists to occupy the same vertical space rather than stacking sequentially, reducing the overall dead space from 400mm to approximately 150-225mm while maintaining structural support through the interlocking configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional vertical stacking arrangement to a two-dimensional interlocking arrangement where joists are positioned both vertically and horizontally. By staggering the joists in different positions and orientations, the solution optimizes space utilization in multiple dimensions while preserving structural integrity
2Volume of moving object
If joists are staggered and disposed in the space between ceiling and floor joists, then dead space is reduced, but jointing and support complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the joist system into distinct ceiling joists and floor joists that can be independently positioned and staggered. This segmentation allows each joist type to be optimized for its specific function while being arranged in a coordinated staggered pattern, simplifying the overall jointing arrangement compared to a fully integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring the joists with notched ends and positioning them in predetermined staggered locations before final assembly. The notched ends are pre-cut to facilitate interlocking, and the staggered positions are predetermined to optimize space reduction, reducing on-site complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A floor/ceiling joist arrangement for at least two stacked modular buildings or parts of buildings, at least one stacked modular building or part of a building having a ceiling comprising a plurality of spaced apart structural support ceiling joists carrying a ceiling member. At least one stacked modular building or part of a building having a floor comprising a plurality of spaced apart structural support floor joists carrying a floor member. The ceiling joists and the floor joists being configured relative to one another when the two modular buildings or parts of buildings are in an assembled configuration so that at least part of the floor joists and the ceiling joists are disposed in the space between the ceiling joists and the floor joists respectively.