Patent Application
20210071417
The present invention relates to a building element for a modular construction.
WO2018/116101 describes a display module for a temporary exhibition stand. A modular temporary exhibition stand is a temporary building which consists of several walls and can be constructed or dismounted and removed rapidly when needed, wherein the main components have a modular design and are usually frame modules provided with installation holes. The display module comprises a frame and a LED screen.
Embodiments of the invention relate to a building element for a modular construction, the building element comprising the at least one LED module, the building element further comprising a curved frame with a connection surface for the at least one LED module, wherein the LED module comprises a flexible substrate one side of which is provided with a LED display and the other side of which is provided with connection means to connect the flexible substrate with the curved frame.
The combination of a LED module that is connected to a curved frame increases the ability to build a modular construction with a dynamic appearance. Because the LED modules connect to a connection surface of a curved frame, the LED display adapts to the shape of the curved frame. This results in a curved surface, the skin of which is a LED display. The outer appearance of such curved surface is adaptable by controlling the LED display. In a modular construction, curved surfaces can be integrated wherein at least a part comprises a LED display skin. This increases the modularity. It also increases the ability to create multiple structures having different shapes and sizes and outer appearances.
Preferably the curved frame is curved around an axis over about 360/N degrees, wherein N is a natural number between two and ten, preferably four.
Preferably the curved frame extends between two straight connection sides, which straight connection sides are provided with connection means to enable interconnection of adjacent curved frames.
Preferably the straight connection sides are compatible with adjacent non-curved elements.
Preferably the curved frame extends between two curved connection sides, which curved connection sides are provided with connection means to enable interconnection of adjacent curved frames
Preferably the at least one LED module comprises M identical LED modules, wherein M is a natural number between two and ten, preferably four.
Preferably each LED module comprises multiple magnets and wherein the curved frame comprises a magnetic surface to allow the LED modules to magnetically connect with the curved frame.
Preferably each LED module comprises positioning pins extending from the other side of the flexible substrate, the curved frame comprises perforations compatible with the positioning pins to enable positioning of the LED modules on the curved frame.
Preferably the curved frame comprises, opposite to the connection surface, a back surface, the back surface being provided with a groove extending around the periphery of the back surface to enable mounting of a back cover.
Preferably the back surface is additionally provided with handles to facilitate handling of the building element.
Preferably the back surface is provided with a power module for powering and controlling the LED modules.
Preferably the power module comprises a power input connection, a power throughput connection and comprises a signal input connection and a signal throughput connection.
Preferably the back surface is recessed with respect to a peripheral edge to enable a plate with a predetermined thickness to be mounted within the boundaries of the peripheral edge.
Preferably the connection surface is provided with an opening dimensioned to enable installing the building element from the front.
Preferably the curved frame comprises at least two support elements preventing the LED modules, when the curved frame is placed on a flat ground surface, to touch the ground.
Preferably the connection surface is convex. Alternatively the connection surface is concave.
The invention will now be described in more details with respect to the drawings illustrating some preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:
The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments. However, the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of different ways. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.
The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “including”, “includes” or “containing”, “contains”, and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of” when referring to recited components, elements or method steps also include embodiments which “consist of” said recited components, elements or method steps.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” or “one aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” or “one aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspects, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, while some embodiments or aspects described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments or aspects, combinations of features of different embodiments or aspects are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments or aspects, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the features of the claimed embodiments or aspects can be used in any combination.
Modular constructions are used for building movable and/or temporal structures. Examples where such modular constructions are mainly used comprise trade shows, fairs, concerts, temporal buildings, etc. In such modular constructions, the ability to exchange elements in the construction by other equivalent elements is a significant advantage. Also the ability to create multiple structures having different shapes and sizes and outer appearances, assembled with the same elements, is a significant advantage. Furthermore, the ability to efficiently mount and demount the construction is an advantage. Modularity implies a complementarity amongst multiple elements in the construction.
In modular constructions, there is a trend to increase the ability to exchange elements in the construction by other equivalent elements. This allows a designer and/or builder of such modular construction to change the outside appearance of the construction to choose amongst differently looking equivalent elements. There is also a trend to increase the ability to efficiently mount and demount the constructions. Embodiments of the invention aim to provide a new element that can be used in existing modular constructions. Therefore the new element is compatible with existing modular elements.
The building element 1 comprises a curved frame 3. The curved frame 3 is formed by a plate-like element which is bent and which is provided at its edges with border elements. The border elements define a framework around the plate-like element. The plate-like element and the framework together form the frame 3. With respect to the curve of the plate-like element, the framework can be directed towards the inside such that a convex frame 3 is obtained.
The curved frame 3, and particularly the primary visible side of the frame 3, comprises a connection surface 4 for one or more LED modules 5. The connection surface 4 is preferably formed by a ferromagnetic material while the LED modules 5 are provided with magnets such that the LED modules 5 can magnetically connect to the connection surface 4. Alternatively is the connection surface 4 provided with a smooth surface finish and are the LED modules 5 provided with suction elements such that the LED modules 5 can connect to the surface 4 via suction. Further alternative, the connection surface 4 and LED modules 5 are provided with complementary snap-fit engagement elements such that the LED modules 5 can be snap-fitted to the connection surface 4.
In the embodiment of
The framework provided around the plate-like element comprises a first straight connection side 9 and a second straight connection side 10. Furthermore, the framework provided around the plate-like element comprises a first curved connection side 12 and a second curved connection side 13. Each of the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 is adapted to connect the building element 1 to an adjacent building element in the modular construction 2. In particular, each of the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 are formed to lay flat against a corresponding one of the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 of an identical element. Two sides laying flat against each other can be firmly interconnected via connector elements that are described hereunder. Sides laying against each other and firmly interconnected provide a high resistance against relative movement and/or rotation of the building elements with respect to each other such that a strong modular construction 2 can be made.
The plate-like element is bent and shows two substantially straight edges and two substantially bent edges. The first straight connection side 9 and second straight connection side 10 are provided at opposite straight edges of the plate-like element. The first curved connection side 12 and second curved connection side 13 are provided at opposite curved edges of the plate-like element.
Each one of the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 is connected to the plate-like element and extends substantially perpendicular from this plate-like element. The connection surface 4 is considered the front side of the plate-like element and the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 extend in the backward direction. The backward direction is the direction opposite to the front side direction. Each one of the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 have a length, the length being substantially equal to the length of the corresponding edge of the plate-like element, a width, the width determining the thickness of the building element 1. At the back side of the building element 1, each one of the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 is provided with a groove. The groove preferably extends around the complete periphery of the building element 1. This allows an element to be connected to the back side of the building element 1 to cover the elements and parts between the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13. In particular, a flexible cover can be tensioned over the back side of the building element 1, and a string-like element fitting in the groove can be used to connect the flexible cover to the back side of the building element 1. This allows to provide a visual finish to the back side thereby improving the appearance of the building element 1.
Each one of the connection sides 9, 10, 12 and 13 is provided with connector elements 23 and connection openings 24 to interconnect multiple building elements in a modular construction. The connector elements 23 are formed in pairs of complementary elements. The first straight connection side 9 is provided with a spring-loaded pin with a handle while the second straight connection side 10 is provided with an opening for the spring-loaded pin. The opening at the second straight connection side 10 is provided with a slidable collar and the pin is provided with a groove. Via the handle, the pin can be pushed through the opening such that the groove aligns with the collar. The collar can be slid over the groove to lock the pin in the opening. At this moment, the connection is made. In an analogue way, the first curved connection side 12 is provided with the spring-loaded pin with the handle and the second curved connection side 13 is provided with the opening with the slidable collar. More preferably, the connector elements 23 are provided at each connection side 9, 10, 12 and 13 in pairs such that each side has two spring-loaded pins and/or two openings with slidable collar. This is a preferred embodiment allowing building elements to be interconnected without external tools. An operator can manually interconnect the building elements via the connector elements 23.
Via the connection openings 24, screws or bolts can be used to interconnect adjacent building elements. In cases where at least one of the connection elements 23 is malfunctioning or absent, the connection openings 24 can be used to interconnect the building elements. Via the connection openings 24, building elements can also be connected to profiles or other elements used in the modular construction.
To improve the handling of the building element 1, handles 17 are provided in the embodiment of
The plate-like element is provided with a mounting structure for mounting a power module 18. The power module is provided with a power input 19 and a power throughput 20. Via the power input 19, the power module receives electrical power. Via the power throughput 20, the power module can provide power to an adjacent power module. The power input and power throughput 20 enable multiple power modules in a modular construction to be interconnected, providing all power modules with power in an efficient manner. The power module is preferably provided with a signal input 21 and a signal throughput 22. Via the signal input 21, the power module receives a control signal. Via the signal throughput 22, the power module can provide a control signal to an adjacent power module. The signal input 21 and signal throughput 22 enable multiple power modules in a modular construction to be interconnected, providing all power modules with a control signal in an efficient manner. The signal is generated by an external device (not shown) in a conventional manner as can be implemented by a person skilled in the art. The power modules can individually be provided with control signals and/or power. Preferably the input and throughput is used to interconnect multiple power modules, providing multiple power modules with power and/or control signals via a bus-like connection.
The power module 18 is further provided with a connector to each LED module 5. The LED module is provided with a signal connector 25, to which the power module connects. A signal cable and/or power cable is preferably used to interconnect the signal connector 25 and the power module 18.
The plate-like element is provided with openings 26. In the embodiment of
To enable placing the building element 1 on a ground surface and to minimize or prevent damage to the LED modules 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, the lower curved connection side 13 is preferably provided with at least two, preferably three bulges functioning as spacers or support of the building element 1. Further preferably, the upper curved connection side 12 has corresponding indentations so that the bulges of an upper adjacent building element 1 can extend in the indentations allowing adjacent curved connection sides to lay against each other.
The flexible substrate 6 is preferably provided with reinforcement ribs at least at the periphery of the flexible substrate. In the embodiment of
A LED module for a convex building element 1 is preferably different in shape as a LED module for a concave building element 1. To increase the modularity of the building elements, the framework of convex and concave building elements is preferably identical. This implies that the surface area of the connection surface of a convex building element is larger than the connection surface of a concave building element. Because the LED modules preferably completely cover the connection surface, the LED modules for convex building elements are preferably larger than the LED modules for concave building elements. Furthermore, the density of LEDs on a LED display for a convex building element can be different from the density of LEDs on a LED display for a concave building element because the LED module is bent in a different direction.
A person having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that any of the various illustrative elements, logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two, which may be designed using source coding or some other technique), various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referred to herein, for convenience, as “software” or a “software module), or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.
Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein. The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.
