Triangular Modular Building with Composite Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for emergency and quickly assembled housing, such as containers, fail to provide comfort, security, and energy efficiency, and do not meet modern standards for sustainability and resilience, including earthquake and typhoon resistance, energy self-sufficiency, and thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

A modular building with a triangular transverse sectional profile and double sloping roof made of composite materials, incorporating shock-absorbing materials and articulated joints for flexibility and structural integrity, allowing for easy assembly and reconfiguration, and featuring composite panel construction for enhanced strength and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional container solutions are used for emergency housing, then assembly speed is improved, but comfort, security, and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidcomfort and security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The building is divided into modular panels that can be quickly assembled while maintaining high structural and functional standards. Each panel is a self-contained unit with insulation, cladding, and structural elements integrated, allowing rapid deployment without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels use composite construction with multiple layers including insulating foam cores, structural frames, and various cladding materials. This composite structure provides thermal insulation, structural strength, and weather resistance simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between quick assembly and performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rigid building structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but resistance to earthquakes and typhoons deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidearthquake and typhoon resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The building employs dynamic connection systems with articulated joints that allow controlled movement and deformation during seismic or wind events. The panels can shift relative to each other and return to position, absorbing energy from earthquakes and typhoons while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from rigid to flexible under extreme loads through engineered joint mechanisms. The connection parameters change from fixed to movable during events, allowing the building to adapt its stiffness characteristics to withstand dynamic forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If modular panels are used for quick assembly, then assembly speed is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each panel incorporates composite construction with thick insulating foam cores (such as polyurethane or polyisocyanurate) sandwiched between structural frames and cladding layers. This composite design achieves high thermal performance (meeting or exceeding code requirements) while maintaining modular assembly advantages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation is nested within the panel structure itself, with multiple layers of protective cladding surrounding the insulating core. This integrated nesting ensures thermal performance is built-in during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate insulation installation that would slow assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If standard container sizes are used, then ease of transportation is improved, but adaptability to different configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransportationVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The building is segmented into standardized modular panels that can be transported efficiently using existing infrastructure. These standardized units can be combined in various configurations (single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, different floor plans) to meet diverse housing needs while maintaining transportation compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular panels are designed as universal building blocks that can serve multiple functions and be arranged in numerous configurations. The same panel type can be used in different building types and arrangements, providing adaptability without requiring specialized transportation solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular building provides a comfortable, secure, and energy-efficient solution that meets stringent sustainability standards, including earthquake and typhoon resistance, while being adaptable in size and configuration, suitable for various environments and applications.

Implementation Method 1

shock absorbent material interposes the frame and the composite matertial clad therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The triangular cross sectional profile of the modular building of the present invention allows a certain elasticity and deformation of the double sloping roof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2718514B1A modular building
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 ALBERTELLI ALDINO
  • EP2718514B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2718514B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2718514B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular building (2), to be assembled in various sizes and in various environments, having a generally triangular transverse sectional profile, wherein the modular building comprises a double sloping roof (6) over the generally triangular transverse sectional profile, and wherein the one or more double sloping roof panels comprise composite panel material.