Wood Ceiling Frame Connection for Flush Modular Building Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing constructions with wooden ceiling and floor frames connected by uprights face issues such as increased bulk and risk of impact during transport due to welded lifting components, interference with waterproofing membranes, and complications in load distribution during lifting, which can damage the structure.

Innovation Solution

A modular construction design using metal uprights connected to wooden frames via a fitting system with threaded connecting pieces that allow for screw-in lifting components, ensuring the ceiling frame can be sealed without interference and enabling reliable load transfer and lifting forces to be transmitted efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If lifting parts are welded above the uprights, then the construction can be lifted using a crane, but the overall dimensions of the building increase, exposing it to impact risk during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting part is nested within the upright structure itself, with the lifting ring integrated into the upper end of the upright and positioned within the ceiling frame. This eliminates the need for external protruding lifting components while maintaining lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting ring is repositioned from a vertical extension above the upright to a horizontal integration within the ceiling frame plane. This dimensional change allows the lifting function to be achieved without increasing the vertical height of the construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If lifting parts are welded above the uprights, then lifting is enabled, but the stacking of two building modules is hindered at the level of the uprights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidstacking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting ring is nested within the ceiling frame structure rather than extending externally, allowing upper modules to be stacked directly over lower modules without interference from protruding lifting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the lifting part at the top of the upright (external placement), the lifting ring is inverted and integrated into the ceiling frame structure, reversing the conventional approach to resolve the stacking conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If lifting parts are welded above the uprights, then lifting is enabled, but the installation of waterproofing membrane is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidwaterproofing installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting ring is nested within the ceiling frame and positioned below the upper face of the ceiling beams, providing clearance for the waterproofing membrane to be installed continuously over the ceiling frame without interruption from protruding lifting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting ring is pre-positioned and welded to the upright before the ceiling frame is assembled and before waterproofing is applied. This preliminary placement ensures the lifting component does not interfere with subsequent waterproofing installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a lifting spreader is used with the crane, then vertical tensile forces are obtained and damage risk is limited, but the lifting operation is complicated and requires additional accessories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage risk during liftingVSAvoidlifting operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upright structure itself provides the lifting function through its integrated lifting ring, eliminating the need for external lifting accessories like spreaders. The construction is self-sufficient for lifting operations, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability through proper force distribution via the rigid upright structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4628667B1Construction, preferably modular, comprising a wooden ceiling frame and a wooden floor frame
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 COUGNAUD
  • EP4628667B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4628667B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4628667B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a construction with a floor frame and a ceiling frame made of wood, connected by metal uprights. A connecting system connects each upright to a longitudinal member (31) and a cross member (32) of the ceiling frame. This system includes a first connecting fitting system (5) with connecting wings (531, 532) for the longitudinal member and the cross member, and a threaded connecting piece (85), housed in a cutout (58) made in one of the wings. The threaded connecting piece has a threaded hole for screwing in a lifting piece (86). A second connecting fitting system, fixed to the upright, allows a riveted connection with the connecting wings of the first connecting fitting system. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.