Unified Modular Wall System with Interchangeable Brackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing modular wall systems require separate components and manufacturing processes for full-height and partial-height wall modules, leading to inefficiencies and unsightly connections when trying to combine both in a seamless and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines wall module portions to form both full-height and partial-height modules using interchangeable brackets and trim caps, allowing for seamless integration and reducing the need for multiple systems and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate modular wall systems are used for full-height and partial-height wall modules, then each system can be optimized for its specific height requirements, but the number of components increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight configuration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector post is designed with universal functionality to work with both full-height and partial-height wall modules. The same connector post structure can connect to wall modules of different heights, eliminating the need for separate connector types. This is achieved through the standardized connection interface that accommodates various wall module configurations while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the previously separate full-height and partial-height wall module systems into a single unified modular wall system. By combining the design standards and connection methods into one system, the total number of components is reduced while maintaining the ability to create both full-height and partial-height configurations using the same set of standardized parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate modular wall systems are used for full-height and partial-height wall modules, then each system can be independently manufactured, but manufacturing tools and processes must be duplicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent manufacturing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized connector post and wall module interface are designed to be universally applicable across both full-height and partial-height configurations. This universality allows manufacturing facilities to use the same tools, processes, and production lines for both types of wall modules, eliminating the need for duplicate manufacturing capabilities while maintaining independent manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate modular wall systems are used for full-height and partial-height wall modules, then each system can be optimized for its specific application, but the number of adapters required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidnumber of adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connector post is designed as a universal component that can adapt to both full-height and partial-height wall module applications without requiring separate adapter types. The same connector post structure provides the necessary adaptation functionality for different height configurations, significantly reducing the total number of adapters that need to be stocked and installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If separate modular wall systems are used for full-height and partial-height wall modules, then each system can be independently assembled, but connection between systems creates unattractive joints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent assembly capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance of connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the design approaches of separate full-height and partial-height systems into a unified system where the same standardized components are used throughout. This ensures consistent aesthetic appearance at all connection points, whether between full-height modules, partial-height modules, or combinations thereof, eliminating the unattractive joints that occur when connecting different separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8151527B2System for providing both partial-height and full-height wall modules

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A system for providing both partial-height and full-height wall modules can include a plurality of wall module portions. The plurality of wall module portions can include lower wall module portions and upper wall module portions. A lower wall portion can be configured with a top bracket upon which a trim cap can be placed to form a partial-height wall module. One or more upper wall module portions can also be stacked on the lower wall module portion to form a full-height wall module.