Patent Application
20240301677
The present invention relates to a method of modular building construction that includes modular assemblies consisting of a frame, panels, insulation, panel connectors, and other varying attachments. These modular assemblies are then joined together by a fixed module connector system which allows for the quick and easy construction of buildings.
Building construction, as is well known, may be a costly and expensive endeavor. Many techniques have been developed to streamline the construction process. Building construction is an endeavor that requires extensive planning and design prior to actual construction. Most buildings are manufactured out of steel or wooden framing with walls and floors created within the framing to create the standing building.
Some buildings utilize modular techniques for construction. Typically, modular homes involve prefabrication of the building into sections that are created at a manufacturing facility. The sections are then joined together at the final site of construction. The modular homes are a quick efficient means to create residential homes. A typical modular home is transported to a construction site and then the modules are assembled onto a building foundation. The modular aspects of the building are prefabricated and therefore create an easy means for installation at the construction site. Many modular components are constructed indoors in an assembly line manner and then transported by truck to the home site. It would be advantageous to have a modular system for on-site construction that provided a means to create buildings that could be easily resized, reshaped, and even expanded in a simple manner using the capabilities associated with the modular system.
The present invention relates to a method for constructing a modular building system that includes the steps of: creating modular assemblies of various shapes and sizes that are connected to each other with modular connectors to form a structure. Various structural shapes include rectilinear assemblies compatible with conventional construction methods (box shapes), and other configurations such as vaults, cylindrical, and domes. The domes of this system are designed to be compatible with conventional construction systems. They can be divided into 90-degree quadrants, half hemispheres, or wrapped around an outside corner of an existing building 270-degrees. All outer edges of these domes are equal and can be interfaced with other modules to form a continuous integrated structure. There two engineered dome sizes which each have their own unique geometry. One dome has 3 equal edges in a 90-degree arc, the other having 6 equal edges in a 90-degree arc. The edge lengths of these dome modules are defined by “chord factors” which is the ratio of the edge length to the radius of the dome. This a modular construction system, capable of creating a wide variety of interconnectable geometric shapes, and a compatible interface with existing conventional building construction.
The present invention relates to a modular building system that provides a system for simplified construction, expansion and renovation of buildings. The modular system of the present invention creates a system that easily provides a framework for building construction. The modular system according to the present invention includes components that are manufactured and then erected at the construction site in an efficient manner. The modular system according to the present invention includes two basic components: 1) modular assemblies (modules), and 2) module connectors that connect the modules together, forming an entire structure. This modular system allows for a predictable, efficient, and simple method of quickly erecting structures, both for exterior and interior walls.
With respect to
In reference to
The module connector 632 that allows the means for connecting the modules together is shown in
The present modular construction system includes two exemplary designed dome shapes. (4) quadrants comprise a domed hemisphere. The first quadrant shape consists of (3) equal edges in a 90-degree arc. The second quadrant shape consists of (6) equal edges in a 90-degree arc. As a dome radius can vary, the edge lengths, called chords, will also vary. The constant of in each formula is the chord factor. These chord factors multiplied by the desired dome radius gives the chord lengths of a given module edge length. The advantages of these specifically designed dome shapes, are equal perimeter edges, and 90-degree quadrants allowing for a compatible interface with existing conventional construction methods. Quadrant 3 has (3) various chord lengths, and (3) different triangular modules. Quadrant 6 has (9) various chord lengths, E & J being equal, and (9) different triangular modules (some of these are mirrored).
Chord Length=Dome Radius*Chord Factor
The following chart shows these relationships and formulas for quadrant 6.
Chord Length=Dome Radius*Chord Factor
This instance of the invention has been shown and described in what it considers to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
