1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a modular construction system that includes modular assemblies consisting of a frame, panels, insulation, spacers, and other varying attachments. These modular assemblies are then joined together by a fixed hinge system which allows for the quick and easy construction of buildings.
2. Description of Related Art
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. Further aspects of building construction involve installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and plumbing for the building. In addition to these components electrical systems must also be installed in most buildings to provide electricity for items within the 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 and even expanded in a simple manner using the techniques associated with the modular system.
The present invention relates to a modular building system comprising: a framework, where the framework provides framing for the module; panels, where the panels are attached to the framework in creating the module; fixed hinges, where the fixed hinges are attached along edges of the modules in a series of hinge connections throughout the structure, to provide a mechanism for attachment of modules to each other. The framework may include metal channels to adjoin the components of the framework. Each module assembly may include a frame, an inner surface, an outer surface, insulation within the frame and a spacer between the inner surface and the outer surface.
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) fixed hinges 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 fixed hinge 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 the formula is called the chord factor. These chord factors multiplied by the desired dome radius gives the chord lengths of a given quadrant. 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).
The following chart shows these relationships and formulas for quadrant 6.
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.