Lightweight Steel Parallel Modular Construction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular construction methods face inefficiencies due to redundant wall panels and labor-intensive processes, particularly in the production and transportation of large, heavy modules, which increase construction time and costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lightweight steel parallel modular system comprising prefabricated outer and inner modules with a synthetic module in between, eliminating redundant side walls and floor/ceiling panels, and utilizing light gauge steel framing for efficient production and assembly, allowing for parallel installation and reduced weight for easier transportation and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional six-sided rectangular modules are stacked perpendicular to each other, then structural stability is achieved, but redundant side walls and floor/ceiling panels are created, increasing weight and material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes redundant structural elements from conventional modular construction. Specifically, it eliminates duplicate side walls and floor/ceiling panels by implementing an open-web steel framing system where the structural framework replaces the need for complete enclosed panels, thereby reducing material usage while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the modular unit into distinct functional components: outer modules, inner modules, and open-web steel framing sections. This segmentation allows the structure to be assembled from discrete elements where the framing serves as both structural support and space-defining element, eliminating the need for redundant enclosing panels
2Strength
If large heavy modules are used in conventional construction, then structural strength is sufficient, but transportation and installation become labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the modular construction into lighter discrete components including outer modules, inner modules, and open-web steel framing sections. These segmented elements weigh less individually, making them easier to transport and handle, while the assembled structure achieves required structural strength through the integrated framework system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining open-web steel framing with modular units. The steel framing provides structural strength while being lighter than traditional solid wall assemblies, and the modular components are designed to integrate with this framework, creating a composite structure that balances strength requirements with ease of installation
3Reliability
If conventional modular assembly methods are used, then complete units are produced, but production time and labor costs increase due to redundant panel installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the redundant panel installation step from the assembly process. By designing modules that integrate with open-web steel framing rather than requiring complete enclosed panels, the system eliminates the labor-intensive process of installing duplicate side walls and floor/ceiling panels, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining module completeness through the framing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural framing function with the space-defining function. The open-web steel framing simultaneously provides structural support and defines the spatial boundaries of modules, combining multiple functions into a single system and eliminating the need for separate panel installation processes
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-family building structure using light weight prefabricated parallel modular living units is provided. The structure comprises at least first plurality of parallel modular living units and a second plurality of parallel modular living units. Each living unit in the first plurality of living units comprises a first outer and inner modules and a first synthetic residential module between the first outer module and the first inner module. Each living unit in the first plurality of living units comprises a second outer and outer modules and a second synthetic residential module between the second outer module and the second inner module. The structure further comprises a synthetic corridor module formed between the first inner module of the each living unit in the first plurality of living units and the second inner module in the second plurality of living units.