Wooden Module System with Plug Connections for Flexible Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wood-based constructions lack flexibility and are difficult to modify, as they are influenced by wood's anisotropic properties, such as grain orientation, leading to issues like cracking and limited recyclability.
Innovation Solution
A wooden module system with cross-sectionally square longitudinal and transverse pieces of timber, connected via wooden plugs, allowing for isotropic properties and easy assembly like Lego blocks, eliminating the need for fastening means like screws or nails, and enabling flexible configuration and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional timber constructions are used, then the construction is simple and cost-effective, but the flexibility for plan modifications is low and cracking occurs due to anisotropic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The construction is divided into individual wooden modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module consists of separate timber elements connected through plug connections, allowing flexible reconfiguration without compromising structural integrity or causing cracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different grain orientations to different components within the module system. By carefully selecting and arranging timber pieces with specific grain directions in different locations, the design optimizes both flexibility and crack resistance in each specific area of the structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wood grain orientation is considered in conventional constructions, then shrinkage tendency is reduced, but the construction complexity increases and isotropic properties are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements specific grain orientation requirements for different timber components. Longitudinal pieces have grain running lengthwise while transverse pieces have grain running transversely, optimizing shrinkage resistance in each component without requiring complex overall construction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The module system combines multiple timber pieces with different grain orientations into a composite structure. This composite arrangement of longitudinal and transverse elements with complementary grain directions creates an isotropic-like behavior at the module level, reducing overall shrinkage while maintaining construction simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If wooden modules are connected using conventional fastening means, then connection strength is high, but the assembly complexity increases and recyclability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connection system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The tapered plugs automatically guide themselves into the corresponding holes during assembly, creating strong connections without requiring additional fastening means like screws or nails, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates conventional fastening means (screws, nails, glue) from the connection system. By using standalone wooden plugs as the sole connection element, the design simplifies assembly procedures and enhances recyclability while maintaining adequate connection strength through proper plug geometry and material selection.
4Strength
If isotropic properties are achieved through module design, then direction-dependent strength is equalized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves isotropic properties by assigning specific grain orientations to specific local components rather than requiring complex processing of entire structures. Each timber piece is manufactured with its grain oriented according to its functional requirements, and the modular assembly creates overall isotropic behavior through this distributed local optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is segmented into standardized modules with repeating patterns of longitudinal and transverse timber pieces. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual module components while the cumulative effect of multiple modules with controlled grain orientations achieves the desired isotropic strength properties at the system level.
Data Source
AI summary
A wooden module may include four cross-sectionally square longitudinal pieces of timber, at least six cross-sectionally square transverse pieces of timber, and at least two cross-sectionally square plugs, which may be connected to one another via a plurality of connection plugs. The four longitudinal pieces of timber may be arranged parallel to and spaced apart from one another such that the four longitudinal pieces of timber span a square. The at least six transverse pieces of timber may be arranged over a length of the four longitudinal pieces of timber and may be arranged between the four longitudinal pieces of timber. The at least two plugs may be arranged vertically parallel to one another and to at least four vertical transverse pieces of timber on at least two horizontal transverse pieces of timber and may project from a lateral face of the wooden module.