Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY EXTENDABLE
BUILDING STRUCTURE MODULE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent
Application Serial
Number 62/849,303 entitled "Horizontally and Vertically Extendable Building
Structure
Module" filed May 17, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to the field of construction of
buildings, and in
particular to modular building systems to construct building structures with a
limited number
of types of components.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Buildings are generally constructed through long established processes.
The entire
building construction may take several months or even several years depending
on building
size and complexity of building design.
[0004] Unfortunately, the long process of building construction is often
delayed for several
reasons such as weather, fund insufficiency and change of building plan.
Moreover, the
delayed construction schedule may cause increase of construction cost. As
such, the delay of
construction schedule has become one of the main concerns in construction
industry,
especially in developed countries where labour cost is expensive.
[0005] In order to finish construction project within schedule and budget, the
construction
industry has made several efforts and attempted a number of methods reducing
building
construction time. One of the attempts is use of pre-fabricated components for
buildings
construction. Modularized building components are pre-fabricated at factory,
delivered to the
construction site and then assembled to form a larger component of the
building. This
method is generally referred to as modular construction.
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[0006] However, components used in currently available modular construction
are typically
designed for permanent structures, thus will only allow limited flexibility in
use and design.
Using these components, the modular construction would result in most
buildings being
permanent structures, which would be eventually demolished for new and
different use cases.
[0007] While there are some interlocking modular structures constructed as
temporary or
semi-permanent structures, for example display stands at exhibitions and
showroom
accommodations, most of currently available interlocking modular structures
are designed to
be one-story or one-level.
[0008] Therefore there is a need for new building construction components that
obviate or
mitigate one or more limitations of the prior art.
[0009] This background information is provided to reveal information believed
by the
applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission
is necessarily
intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information
constitutes prior art
against the present invention.
SUMMARY
[0010] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to reduce time
required for
building construction by minimizing the number of components and processes
needed to
establish buildings with focus on interior rooms. The components and processes
would allow
building structures to have ultimate flexibility as well as continuous changes
and adjustments
in use and design. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a
horizontally and vertically extendable building structure module including a
panel and a
structural frame with one or more elongated connectors on each lateral side,
the structural
frame being configured to hold the panel. The building structure module
further including
one or more beams with one or more elongated mating connectors on each lateral
side, the
beams being configured to connect and align the structural frames by
interconnecting the
elongated connector and the elongated mating connector. The building structure
module is
configured to build a building structure without additional structural
support.
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[0011] In some embodiments, the one or more elongated connectors is an
elongated
protrusion extending outwardly and wherein the one or more elongated mating
connectors is
an elongated groove.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from
the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended
drawings, in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a front view, a panel shaped in rectangle, in
accordance with
embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates, in a front view, a vertical structural frame, in
accordance with
embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates, in a cross section view, a lateral side of a
vertical structural
frame, in accordance with embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 2C illustrates, in a front view, a horizontal structural frame, in
accordance with
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 2D illustrates, in a cross section view, a lateral side of a
horizontal structural
frame, in accordance with embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates, in an elevation view, a beam configured to connect
two structural
frames, in accordance with embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates, in a side view, two rectangular horizontal
structural frames
connected each other in horizontal using a beam, in accordance with
embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates, in a perspective view, a filling bar covering a
channel between
two rectangular horizontal structural frames, in accordance with embodiments.
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[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates, in a side view, a horizontal structural frame and a
vertical
structural frame being perpendicularly connected through a beam, in accordance
with
embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates, in a perspective view, three rectangular structural
frames
connected in series using beams, in accordance with embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates, in a perspective view, a framework of one-story
building
constructed, in accordance with embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, a framework of a multi-story
building
constructed, in accordance with embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates, in a perspective view, a variety of covers
associated with a
framework of multiple-story building constructed in accordance with
embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an external corner cover in
accordance
with embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of an internal corner cover in
accordance
with embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of an edge cover in accordance
with
embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a horizontal cover in
accordance with
embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of a vertical cover in
accordance with
embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 11C illustrates a side view of a horizontal cover in accordance
with
embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 11D illustrates a side view of a horizontal cover connected to a
beam
connecting two horizontal structural frames, in accordance with embodiments.
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[0033] FIG. 11E illustrates an elevation view of a vertical cover in
accordance with
embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 11F illustrates an elevation view of a vertical cover connected to
a beam
connecting two vertical structural frames, in accordance with embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 12A illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a panel to be
secured into a
structural frame using a chemical locking system, in accordance with
embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 12B illustrates, in a perspective view, a chemical locking system
attached to a
structural frame, in accordance with embodiments.
[0037] FIG. 12C illustrates, in a perspective view, a chemical locking system
attached to a
structural frame, in accordance with embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 12D illustrates, in a cross section view, a panel secured into a
structural frame
using a chemical locking system, in accordance with embodiments.
[0039] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features
are identified
by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Embodiments of the present invention provide a building modular
structure that can
reduce time required for building construction. Time reduction for building
construction can
be achieved by minimizing the number of components and processes needed to
construct
buildings. The
building structure module disclosed herein includes three structural
components which, without additional structural support, enable to build
structural rooms,
multi-room areas, multi-story floor spaces or an entire building. Being fully
modular, the
structure module also allows building structures to have ultimate flexibility
as well as
continuous changes and adjustments in use and design.
[0041] According to embodiments, a horizontally and vertically extendable
building structure module may comprise a panel, a structural frame and one or
more beams.
The panel may be designed to form or set into a floor, ceiling, wall, window,
door or any
other components that may cover surface of the building. The structural frame
may be
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designed to provide the structural shape and strength and hold the panels. The
beams may be
designed to connect and align the structural frame.
[0042] As noted above, the panel may form or set into a floor, ceiling, wall,
window, door
or any other components that may cover surface of the building. The panel can
be made of
various materials such as wood, concrete, glass or metal. While some panels
may be
composed of a single material type, some other panels may be composed of
combination of
two or more material types. The material used for each panel may depend on the
use of the
panel. For example, the panel manufactured as a wall of building module may be
composed
of wood, mineral compounds and/or polystyrene foam for the purpose of
insulation and
humidity control.
[0043] According to embodiments, a panel is designed to be affixed to the
frame. In some
embodiments, the panel may be affixed to the inside of the structural frame
(e.g. the edge of
the panel may be inwardly attached to four lateral sides of the rectangular
structural frame) so
that at least part of the panel may stay inside of the structural frame for
the attachment. In
some embodiments, the panel may be affixed to the front or back of the
structural frame (e.g.
front or back of four lateral sides of the rectangular frame). In some
embodiments, a panel
may be affixed to the structural frame using a chemical locking system or
chemical mixtures
(e.g. glue, polyurethane foam, etc). In some embodiments, a panel may be
affixed to the
structural frame using threaded rods. In some embodiments, a panel may be
affixed to the
structural frame without using extra elements. For example, a panel may be
captured within
the frame using construction/assembly techniques such as a woodworking
technique.
[0044] In various embodiments, panels may be available in various sizes and
designs as
there are various structural frames available in a plurality of size and
design. For example,
there may be two different structural frames due to different structural
strength requirements
¨ horizontal building components (e.g. floor, ceiling, roof) and structural
frames for vertical
building components (e.g. wall, window, door). Due to different size and/or
design of the
two structural frames, there should be two different panels ¨ one fitting into
structural frames
for horizontal building components and the other fitting into structural
frames for vertical
building components.
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[0045] According to embodiments, the building structure module includes
structural frames
providing architectural shape and strength to the building module. The
structural frames are
generally designed symmetrically in order to provide sufficient structural
strength to the
building module as well as to maximize the extendibility of the building
structure module.
For that, in various embodiments, the rectangular structural frames are
provided. The
rectangular structural frames, due to the quadrilateral shape with four right
angles, may
maximize extendibility of the building modules vertically and horizontally.
For example, the
building can be extended partly or entirely at any time without prior
consideration of this
extension. As such, rectangular structural frames are preferred in shape in
various
embodiments. However, structural frames can be formed in other polygonal
shapes, for
example square, if required.
[0046] In some embodiments comprising rectangular structural frame, the length
of two
alternate sides of the structural frame is approximately three times longer
than the length of
the other two alternate sides. When the structural frame is used for vertical
elements (e.g.
wall), the longer sides may be vertical sides of the structural frame (e.g.
the two lateral sides
of the frame) and the shorter sides may be horizontal sides of the structural
frame (e.g. the top
and bottom of the frame). However, the ratio between two adjacent sides (e.g.
ratio between
the length and width of the frame) can be varied depending on one or more
factors, for
example building layout or required structural shape and strength. In one
example, a frame
may be shaped in square thus the length of two alternate sides equates to the
length of the
other two alternate sides.
[0047] In some embodiments, the structural frames have a plurality of sizes
and/or designs.
For example, there may be one type of structural frames for horizontal
components such as
floors, ceilings and roofs, and another type of structural frames for vertical
components such
as walls, doors and windows. In such cases, due to different size and design
(e.g. different
design in shape or structure), horizontal structural frames may be able to
hold only panels
acting as a horizontal elements such as floors, ceilings and roofs; and
vertical structural
frames may be able to hold only panels acting as a vertical structural
components such as
walls, doors and windows.
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[0048] According to embodiments, a structural frame with one or more elongated
connectors on each lateral side, the structural frame being configured to hold
the panel. The
building structure module further includes one or more beams with one or more
elongated
mating connectors on each lateral side, the beams being configured to connect
and align the
structural frames by interconnecting the elongated connector and the elongated
mating
connector.
[0049] According to embodiments, a structural frame may have one or more
elongated
protrusions on each side of the structural frame. The elongated protrusion of
the structural
frame may be extruded outwardly in order to extend structural module by
assembling two
structural frames together with a connecting beam. In some embodiments, each
side of the
structural frame may be initially manufactured without elongated protrusions
and the
elongated protrusions may be welded to each lateral side of the structural
frame later. In
some embodiments, structural frames or each side of the structural frame may
be
manufactured through moulding process using a mould container. In this case,
the casting
released from the mould container would be the structural frame or lateral
side of the
structural frame with elongated protrusion(s).
[0050] According to embodiments, a structural frame is configured to be
interlocked with a
beam. The beam is configured to connect two adjacent structural frames.
Specifically,
elongated protrusion(s) of the structural frame is fitted into elongated
groove(s) of the
connecting beam to connect the two components together. In order to keep the
two joining
components being engaged or interlocked, a portion of the elongated protrusion
may be
extruded outwardly, in that top portion or middle portion of the elongated
protrusion may be
larger than the bottom portion of the protrusion. In one example, the head
portion of the
elongated protrusion is designed to be larger than body portion of the
elongated protrusion
(e.g. T-slot rail). In another example, the elongated protrusion is shaped in
a cross (e.g. "+").
[0051] In various embodiments, the elongated protrusion is designed to be
complementary
to the elongated groove in shape in order to promote two joining components
being
interlocked. Because of this complementary shape, the beam is able to more
firmly connect
and align the structural frames by mating the elongated protrusion and the
elongated groove.
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[0052] According to embodiments, the building structure module includes one or
more
beams which are configured to connect and align the structural frames. For the
connection
with the structural frame, beams are configured to have one or more elongated
grooves. The
elongated grooves of the beam are designed to embrace the elongated protrusion
of the
structural frame. In various embodiments, the elongated groove is designed to
be
complementary to the elongated protrusion in shape. Because of this
complementary shape,
the elongated protrusion of the structural frame and the elongated groove of
the beam can be
mated, and accordingly the beam can connect and align the structural frame.
[0053] According to embodiments, the building structure module includes
structural frames
providing architectural shape and strength to the building module. Generally
speaking, the
shape of the beam is similar to a prism bar with two parallel polygonal bases.
In various
embodiments, the shape of the two parallel bases may be similar to a regular
polygon (i.e. a
polygon that is equiangular and equilateral) so that every lateral side of the
beam can be
identical. For example, in some embodiments, the overall shape of the beam may
be similar
to a prism with square bases. In some other embodiments, the overall shape of
the beam may
be similar to a prism with regular octagon bases.
[0054] According to embodiments, the elongated groove is located on each
lateral side of
the beam. The elongated groove(s) on every lateral side may maximize
extendibility of the
building modules in that the building can be extended at any time without
prior consideration
of this extension. Specifically, in various embodiments, there may be one or
more elongated
grooves that are not connecting structural frames. These unused elongated
grooves can be
used to extend the building without demolishing existing building structural
module. The
extension can be performed by simply mating the elongated protrusion of the
structural and
the elongated groove of the beam. According to embodiments, the unused
elongated grooves
(i.e. elongated grooves that are not connecting structural frames) can be
covered or sealed
using covers or filling bars. The cover and the filling bar are configured to
hide the channel
(sunken space) between two adjacent structural frames, thereby providing a
more seamless
look on walls or floors (e.g. a more flattened floor surface or wall surface).
The cover and
the filling bar can also provide functional purpose, for example enclosure,
weather proofing,
sound proofing, heat insulation, an isolation effect between adjacent spaces
(e.g. adjacent
rooms) or any combination thereof The cover and the filling bar may be
configured to
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connect with the beam via the unused elongated grooves. For example, the cover
and the
filling bar may include an elongated protrusion which can be inserted into the
unused
elongated groove of the beam.
[0055] Furthermore, since there are elongated grooves on every lateral side of
the beam, the
building structural module can be extended, by assembling structure frames and
beams, in
any direction. Thus, the building can be extended even if the building is
constructed without
prior plan for building extension. In other words, the building can be
extended at any time,
even when the construction of the building structure is complete without
contemplating
potential building extension.
[0056] According to embodiments, the building structure module is configured
to build a
building structure without additional structural support. Accordingly, each
component of the
building structure module, especially structural frames and beams, should be
designed to
have structure providing sufficient strength and durability for heavy load of
the building
structure. For that, in various embodiments, the structural frames and the
beams may be
designed to have (partly) hollow area. The hollow area in the structural
frames and the
beams reduce material cost and provides sufficient structural strength to
endure load stress
and good resistance to twisting torques.
[0057] According to embodiments, each component of the building structure
module
should be manufactured using appropriate materials providing sufficient
structural strength
and durability. For example, structural frames and connecting beams may be
made of metal
such as steel, aluminum, or alloy. The panel may be made of various materials
such as wood,
concrete, glass or metal. In some embodiments, the panel may be composed of
combination
of two or more material types to contain several beneficial properties. For
example, the panel
manufactured for a floor system of building module may be composed of concrete
with steel
inserts. In this case, the concrete will provide strength and durability and
the steel inserts will
allow installing columns onto sleeves at factory and act as an anchor point to
attach other
building module(s).
[0058] According to embodiments, the way the structure module is designed
enables the
structural frame and the beam being repeatedly (i.e. multiple times) connected
and
disconnected in an efficient manner. The structural frame and the beam can be
repeated
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connected and disconnected by mating and unmating the elongated protrusion of
the
structural frame and the elongated groove of the beam. To mate or unmate
multiple times,
both the elongated protrusion and the elongated groove may be composed of
metals with
good strength, durability and rigidity.
[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a front view, a panel shaped in rectangle, in
accordance with
embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, the panel 100 may be shaped in rectangle.
The panel 100
may be composed of the honeycomb 130 surrounded by the internal frames 120.
The
combination of the honeycomb 130 and the internal frames 120 will reduce the
load of the
panel 100 while providing sufficient structural strength and durability. In
some
embodiments, inside of each hexagonal prism of the honeycomb 130 may be
hollow. In
some embodiments, inside of each hexagonal prism of the honeycomb 130 may be
filled with
insulating materials to prevent heat loss from or heat transfer to inside of
the building.
[0060] While the size of each hexagonal prismatic cell in honeycomb 130 can be
varied,
according to some embodiments, the size of the hexagonal prismatic cell is
about lOmm, and
in some embodiments about 9.53 mm. According to some embodiments the thickness
of the
hexagonal prismatic cell (i.e. height of the hexagonal prism) is about 100
microns and in
some embodiments, about 70 microns. The honeycomb 130 and the internal frames
120 may
be covered and protected by the skin 110 to prevent the honeycomb 130 and the
internal
frames 120 being exposed. Thus, the skin 110 may not need to be thick.
According to
embodiments, the thickness of the skin 110 is between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.
[0061] According to embodiments, while the dimensions of the panel 100 can be
varied,
according to some embodiments, the thickness is about 150 mm, in some
embodiments about
100 mm. According to embodiments, the width is about 920-960 mm and the length
is about
3050 ¨ 3200 mm. In various embodiments, the width of the panel may be a little
less than
one third of the length of the panel. The length of the panel 100 may be
slightly less than the
height of one floor especially when the panel is used as a wall panel. This is
because, in
various embodiments, the length of the structural frame holding the panel 100
may be
substantially equivalent to the height of the floor. According to embodiments,
each
dimension of the panel 100 may not be greater than each dimension of
structural frame as the
panel 100 are configured to be fitted into the structural frame.
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[0062] In some embodiments, all components of the panel 100 may be made of
metals to
provide sufficient structural strength and durability. For example, the
honeycomb 130 may
be made of 3003 aluminum alloy and the skin 110 and the internal frames 120
may be made
of 6061 T6 aluminum.
[0063] FIG. 2A illustrates, in a front view, a vertical structural frame, in
accordance with
embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2A, the vertical structural frame 200 may be
shaped in
rectangle. The structural frame 200 may be composed of four lateral sides 210,
220, 230 and
240. Each of the lateral sides 210, 220, 230 and 240 may have the outwardly
extruded part in
the middle throughout their lengthways, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The
elongated
protrusions 211, 221, 231, 241 may be externally extruded from the extruded
part of four
lateral sides 210, 220, 230 and 240, respectively. The elongated protrusions
211, 221, 231,
241 are designed to interlock with the elongated groove of the beams. For
that, the head of
the elongated protrusions 211, 221, 231, 241 are larger than their body and
extruded in two
directions (e.g. left and right). The elongated protrusions 211, 221, 231, 241
may be
complementary to the elongated grooves of the mating beams, in shape and size.
The shape
of the elongated protrusions 211, 221, 231, 241 may be identical to one
another. The cross
section view of the lateral side 210 with the elongated protrusion 211 thereon
is illustrated in
FIG. 2B.
[0064] According to embodiments, while the dimensions of the structural frame
200 can be
varied, in some embodiments, the width is about 1040 mm and the length is
about 3190 mm.
The length of lateral side may be greater than the length of elongated
protrusion thereon. For
example, the lengths of the four lateral sides 210, 220, 230, 240 may be
approximately 70
mm greater (35 mm each side) than the lengths of the elongated protrusions
211, 221, 231,
241, respectively.
[0065] In various embodiments, the preferred width of the structural frame may
be a little
less than one third of the length of the structural frame. The length of the
structural frame
200 may be substantially equivalent to the height of one floor. According to
embodiments,
dimensions of the structural frame 200 may be slightly greater than dimension
of the mating
panels as the panels are configured to be fitted into the structural frame
200.
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[0066] FIG. 2C illustrates, in a front view, a horizontal structural frame, in
accordance with
embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2C, the horizontal structural frame 250 may be
shaped in
rectangle. The structural frame 250 may be composed of four lateral sides 260,
270, 280 and
290. Unlike the structural frame 200, the lateral sides of the structural
frame 250 may not
have the extruded part in the middle throughout their lengthways. The
elongated protrusions
261, 271, 281, 291 may be externally extruded from the middle of the four
lateral sides 260,
270, 280 and 290, respectively. The elongated protrusions 261, 271, 281, 291
are designed to
interlock with the elongated groove of the beams. For that, the head of the
elongated
protrusions 261, 271, 281, 291 are larger than their body and extruded in two
directions (e.g.
left and right). The elongated protrusions 261, 271, 281, 291 may be
complementary to the
elongated grooves of the mating beams, in shape and size. The shape of the
elongated
protrusions 261, 271, 281, 291 may be identical to one another. The cross-
section view of the
lateral side 290 with the elongated protrusion 291 thereon is illustrated in
FIG. 2D.
[0067] According to embodiments, while the dimensions of the structural frame
250 can be
varied, according to some embodiments, the width is about 1040 mm and the
length is about
3250 mm. The length of lateral side may be greater than the length of
elongated protrusion
thereon. For example, the lengths of the four lateral sides 260, 270, 280, 290
may be
approximately 70 mm greater (35 mm each side) than the lengths of the
elongated protrusions
261, 271, 281, 291, respectively. In various embodiments, the preferred width
of the
structural frame may be a little less than one third of the length of the
structural frame. Also,
the dimensions of the structural frame 250 may be slightly greater than
dimension of the
mating panels as the panels are configured to be fitted into the structural
frame 250.
[0068] According to embodiments, all components of the structural frames 200
and 250
may be made of metal to provide providing sufficient structural strength and
tolerance. For
example, each of the four lateral sides of the structural frames 200 and 250
and elongated
protrusions thereon may be made of 6063 T6 aluminum.
[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates, in an elevation view, a beam configured to connect
two structural
frames, in accordance with embodiments. According to embodiments, while the
design of
the beam 300 can be varied, according to embodiments the shape of the beam 300
is square
prism. Referring to FIG. 3, inside of the beam 300 may be (partly) hollow in
order to reduce
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its weight. Despite of the unfilled space inside, the hollow structure section
of the beam 300
still provides sufficient structural strength to endure load stress and good
resistance to
twisting torques. In some embodiments, the hollow space may be filled with
materials such
as concrete when greater rigidity is required. In some embodiments, the hollow
space may be
filled with insulating materials to prevent heat loss from or heat transfer to
inside of the
building.
[0070] Further referring to FIG. 3, each lateral side of the beam 300 have an
elongated
groove (e.g. elongated grooves 331, 332, 333 and 334). The elongated grooves
of the beam
300 may be substantially similar to the indentation of the T-slot rail. While
the indentation of
the elongated groove can be varied in shape, the shape of each elongated
groove should be
configured to be complementary to that of the mating elongated protrusion of
the structural
frame (e.g. structural frame 200 in FIG. 2A and structural frame 250 in FIG.
2C).
[0071] Further referring to FIG. 3, cross-section of the beam 300 looks
symmetrical with
respect to the horizontal axis as well as the vertical axis. By virtue of the
symmetrical
structure, the beam 300 may have uniform strength characteristics and good
resistance to
twisting torques. The wall members 301, 302, 303 and 304 are connected each
other by the
reinforcing ribs. Specifically, the wall members 301 and 302 are connected by
the
reinforcing rib 311 and the wall members 303 and 304 are connected by the
reinforcing rib
312. Also, the wall member 301 and reinforcing rib 311 are connected by the
reinforcing rib
313 and the wall member 302 and reinforcing rib 311 are connected by the
reinforcing rib
314. Similarly, the wall member 303 and reinforcing rib 312 are connected by
the
reinforcing rib 315 and the wall member 304 and reinforcing rib 311 are
connected by the
reinforcing rib 316.
[0072] Further referring to FIG. 3, the reinforcing ribs 311 and 312 are
connected each
other by the reinforcing ribs 321 and 323. The reinforcing ribs 321 and 323
are parallel to
each other and may determine the depth of the grooves 331 and 333,
respectively. The
reinforcing ribs 313 and 314 are connected each other by the reinforcing rib
322. The
reinforcing rib 322 may also determine the depth of the grooves 332. The
reinforcing ribs
315 and 316 are connected each other by the reinforcing rib 324. The
reinforcing rib 324
may also determine the depth of the grooves 334.
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[0073] According to embodiments, while dimensions of the beam 300 can be
varied upon
necessity, there are preferred dimensions for each component of the beam. For
example, the
length of each lateral side of the beam 300 is about 68 mm. For example, the
thickness of
each component of the beam 300 (e.g. wall members 301, 302, 303 and 304, and
reinforcing
ribs 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 321, 322, 323 and 324) is about 3.3 mm. As
an example,
the depth of the elongated grooves 331, 332, 333 and 334 is about 10 mm.
[0074] According to embodiments, all components of the beam 300 may be made of
metal
to provide providing sufficient structural strength and tolerance against to
twisting torques.
For example, the 6063 T6 aluminum may be used to manufacture the beam 300.
[0075] FIG. 4A illustrates, in a side view, two rectangular horizontal
structural frames and
a longitudinal connecting beam being interlocked each other in horizontal, in
accordance with
embodiments. Referring to FIG. 4A, the structural frames 410 and 420 are the
same or
similar embodiment of the horizontal structural frame 250, illustrated in FIG.
2C. Also, the
beam 430 is the same or similar embodiment of the beam 300, illustrated in
FIG. 3.
[0076] Further referring to FIG. 4A, the structural frames 410 and 420 are
connected each
other in series through the beam 430. The elongated protrusion 411 is inserted
into the
elongated groove 431 so that the structural frame 410 and the beam 430 can be
interlocked
each other. Similarly, the elongated protrusion 421 is inserted into the
elongated groove 432
so that the structural frame 420 and the beam 430 can be interlocked each
other. Since the
elongated grooves 431 and 432 are facing each other, the structural frames 410
and 420 are
connected horizontally so that the assembled frames can be substantially flat.
[0077] According to embodiments, while the elongated grooves 433 and 434 may
be left
unused as illustrated in FIG. 4A, they can be used at a later time when the
building layout
needs to be changed. For example, the elongated groove 433 or 434 can be mated
with a
vertical structural frame (e.g. vertical structural frame 200 in FIG. 2A) when
a wall needs to
be built there. In case that the elongated grooves 433 and 434 are left
unused, the channel
440 (i.e. sunken space between the structural frames 410 and 420) can be
hidden and covered
by a filling bar (e.g. filling bar 450), as illustrated in FIG. 4B.
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[0078] Referring to FIG. 4B, the filling bar 450 has the elongated protrusion
451 to be
inserted into the elongated groove 434 of the beam 430. As illustrated in the
figure, the
filling bar 450 is a rectangular tube with hollow inside. The hollow structure
of the filling bar
450 may not cause any structural weakness as the filing bar 450 may not be
designed to
provide any structural strength to the building module. It may be just
designed to cover the
channel 440.
[0079] In order to hide and cover the channel 440 entirely, the filling bar
450 should be
complementary to the channel 440 in shape and dimensions. For that, the
thickness of the
filing bar 450 (i.e. thickness of the rectangular prism) should be
substantially equal to the
depth of the channel 440. The depth of the channel may be equal to half of the
difference
between the thickness of the structural frame 410 (or structural frame 420)
and the length of
the lateral side of the beam 430. In order to make the assembled frames flat
more easily, the
depth of the elongated protrusion 451 should be substantially equal to the
depth of the
elongated groove 434. However, the elongated protrusion 451 does not have to
be
complementary to the elongated groove 434 in shape. In terms of length and
width, the
length of the filling bar 450 and the length of the elongated protrusion 451
are preferred to be
substantially equal to the length of the structural frames 410 and 420. The
preferred width of
the filing bar 450 is substantially equal to the length of lateral side of the
beam 430.
[0080] Although FIGS. 4A and 4B only illustrate two horizontal structural
frames 410 and
420 connected in series using the interlocking beam 430, two vertical
structural frames can be
connected in series using the interlocking beam, such as beam 430, in the same
or similar
manner.
[0081] FIG. 5 illustrates, in a side view, a horizontal structural frame and a
vertical
structural frame being perpendicularly connected through an interlocking beam,
in
accordance with embodiments. Referring to FIG. 5, the structural frames 510 is
the same or
similar embodiments of the horizontal structural frame 250, illustrated in
FIG. 2C. The
structural frames 520 is the same or similar embodiments of the vertical
structural frame 200,
illustrated in FIG. 2A. The beam 530 is the same or similar embodiment of the
beam 300,
illustrated in FIG. 3.
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[0082] Further referring to FIG. 5, the structural frames 510 and 520 are
perpendicularly
connected each other through the beam 530. The elongated protrusion 511 is
inserted into the
elongated groove 531 so that the structural frame 510 and the beam 530 can be
interlocked
each other. Similarly, the elongated protrusion 521 is inserted into the
elongated groove 532
so that the structural frame 520 and the beam 530 can be interlocked each
other. Since the
elongated grooves 531 and 532 are perpendicular to each other, the structural
frames 510 and
520 are connected perpendicularly. The assembled structural frames 510 and 520
may
become a floor and a wall, respectively.
[0083] According to embodiments, while the elongated grooves 533 and 534 may
be left
unused as illustrated in FIG. 5, they can be used at a later time when the
building layout
needs to be changed. For example, the elongated groove 533 can be mated with a
horizontal
structural frame (e.g. horizontal structural frame 250 in FIG. 2B) when the
building needs to
be outwardly extended. If another floor (an upper or lower floor) needs to be
built for the
extension of the building, the elongated groove 534 can be mated with a
vertical structural
frame (e.g. vertical structural frame 200 in FIG. 2A).
[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates, in a perspective view, three rectangular structural
frames being
connected in series using beams, in accordance with embodiments. Referring to
FIG. 6, the
structural frames 610 and 620 are connected each other in series through the
beam 640. Each
of the elongated protrusions of the structural frames 610 and 620 are inserted
into the mating
elongated grooves of the beam 640 so that the structural frames 610 and 620
are interlocked
with the beam 640, in series. Similarly, the structural frames 620 and 630 are
connected each
other in series through the beam 650. Each of the elongated protrusions of the
structural
frames 620 and 630 are inserted into the mating elongated grooves of the beam
650 so that
the structural frames 620 and 630 are interlocked with the beam 650, in
series.
[0085] The beam 660 is interlocked with structural frames 610, 620 and 630 to
further
extension of the building structural module. Similarly, the beam 670 is
interlocked with
structural frame 610 to further extension of the building structural module.
As each of the
beams 660 and 670 has elongated grooves on every lateral side, a new
structural frame can be
connected to the assembled frames from any direction as desired. In other
words, a new
structural frame can be connected to the assembled frames perpendicularly or
in series.
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[0086] Further referring to FIG. 6, the length of the structural frames is
three times longer
than their width. The length of the beam is approximately equal to the length
of the structural
frames. The length of the beam is approximately three times longer than the
width of the
structural frames. As such, one beam can be interlocked with a plurality of
structural frames.
For example, in FIG. 6 the beam 670 is interlocked with all of three
structural frames 610,
620 and 630 in series.
[0087] FIG. 7 illustrates, in a perspective view, a framework of one-story
building
constructed, in accordance with embodiments. The framework 700 is built using
horizontal
structural frames, vertical structural frames and interlocking beams.
Referring to FIG. 7, six
horizontal structural frames are horizontally connected each other to compose
the floor of the
building and another six horizontal structural frames are horizontally
connected each other to
build roof of the building. Vertical structural frames are also connected each
other to
compose walls. The floor and the ceiling are connected by the composed walls
perpendicularly using the interlocking beams.
[0088] FIG. 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, a framework of multi-story
building
constructed, in accordance with embodiments. The multi-story building
framework 800 is an
extended framework of the one-story building framework 700 shown in FIG. 7.
Since every
beam used for the framework 700 has one or more elongated grooves on every
lateral side, a
new structural frame can be inserted into any beam so that the building
framework 700 can be
extended wherever desired. As such, the building framework 700 is extended
without prior
consideration of the extension and the building framework 800 in FIG. 8 is
constructed.
[0089] In some embodiments, extra assembly elements may be used to connect and
hold
two floors of the building together with additional strength. For example,
threaded rod
assemblies may be inserted from the upper floor level to the lower floor level
to connect and
hold the two floors together. Then, nuts or other mechanical locking elements
will be
threaded onto the mating threaded rod assemblies in order to tighten up the
connection of the
two floors.
[0090] It would be understood that upon construction of a modular building in
accordance
with embodiments, there may be exterior locations wherein covers may be
required or desired
for providing a finished look to the building and in some instances to provide
a weather
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proofing sealing of the interconnection locations. With reference to FIG. 9,
examples of
covers or seals are illustrated upon interconnection with various locations of
a modular
building. For example, these covers can include an external corner cover 910,
an internal
corner cover 920, an edge cover 930, a horizontal cover 905 and a vertical
cover 935. Each
of these covers are configured to interconnect or mate with the frame or panel
at that location
thereby enabling the connection of the cover to the modular building, thereby
enabling the
cover to provide the desired purpose, for example enclosure, weather proofing,
sound
proofing, heat insulation or combination thereof It will be readily understood
that other
cover configurations are possible and can be dependent on the specific
configuration and
interconnection of the various components used to form the modular building.
[0091] FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an external corner cover in
accordance
with embodiments. FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of an internal
corner cover in
accordance with embodiments. FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of an
edge cover in
accordance with embodiments. FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a
horizontal cover
in accordance with embodiments. FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of a
vertical cover
in accordance with embodiments. It will be readily understood that other
configurations of
each of the external corner cover, internal corner cover, edge cover,
horizontal cover and
vertical cover are possible and considered to be within the scope of the
instant application.
[0092] FIG. 11C illustrates a side view of a horizontal cover in accordance
with
embodiments. According to embodiments, the horizontal cover 1110 is configured
to hide
and cover the channel (e.g. the sunken space) between two adjacent horizontal
structural
frames, thereby providing a more seamless look on floors (e.g. a more
flattened floor) and
can aid in minimizing potential safety concerns. The horizontal cover 1110 may
also provide
a functional purpose, for example enclosure, weather proofing, sound proofing,
heat
insulation, further isolation effect between adjacent spaces (e.g. adjacent
rooms) or any
combination thereof In various embodiments, the horizontal cover 1110 may be
connected
with a beam connecting two horizontal structural frames using a unused
elongated groove of
the beam (e.g. an elongated groove that is not connecting structural frames).
[0093] According to embodiments, the horizontal cover 1110 may include the
covering
skin 1111, the body 1112 and the elongated protrusion 1113. The covering skin
1111 can be
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configured to hid the sunken space (e.g. channel) between two adjacent
horizontal structural
frames, as illustrated in FIG. 11D. While the size of the covering skin 1111
can be varied
depending on applications, according to some embodiments, the size of the
covering skin
1111 is large enough to cover both the sunken space and at least part of the
horizontal
structural frames. However, in terms of length, the length of the covering
skin 1111 can be
configured to be substantially equal to the length of the two adjacent
horizontal structural
frames.
[0094] The body 1112 is configured to partly or entirely fill the sunken space
(e.g. channel)
between two adjacent horizontal structural frames. In some embodiments, the
body 1112
may be a polygon tube with a hollow inside. The hollow structure of the body
1112 may not
cause a structural weakness as the horizontal cover 1110 can be considered to
be aesthetic
and typically is not be designed to provide structural strength to the
building module. In
some embodiments, the body 1112 may be complementary to the sunken space (e.g.
channel)
between two adjacent horizontal structural frames, in shape and dimensions. In
this
embodiment, the width and thickness of the body 1112 (i.e. width and thickness
of the
polygon tube) may be substantially equal to width and depth of the sunken
space (e.g.
channel) between two adjacent horizontal structural frames.
[0095] The elongated protrusion 1113 is configured to be inserted into the
unused
elongated groove of the beam connecting two horizontal structural frames. In
various
embodiments, the depth of the elongated protrusion 1113 is substantially equal
to the depth of
the unused elongated groove of the connecting beam. However, in some
embodiments, the
elongated protrusion 1113 is not fully complementary to the unused elongated
groove of the
connecting beam in shape.
[0096] FIG. 11D illustrates a side view of a horizontal cover connected to a
beam
connecting two horizontal structural frames, in accordance with embodiments.
Referring to
FIG. 11D, the horizontal cover 1110 can be clipped on the beam 1120 which
connects the
two horizontal structural frames 1130. Specifically, the elongated protrusion
1113 of the
horizontal cover 1110 can be inserted into and therefore being held in place
by the elongated
groove 1125 of the beam 1120. In some embodiments, the elongated protrusion
1113 of the
horizontal cover 1110 can be permanently inserted into the elongated groove
1125 of the
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beam 1120 and therefore the horizontal cover 1110 may not be removed from the
beam 1120
without damage caused thereto. In some embodiments, the elongated protrusion
1113 of the
horizontal cover 1110 is inserted into the elongated groove 1125 of the beam
1120 such that
the horizontal cover 1110 may be removed from the beam 1120 for potential
reuse.
[0097] Further referring to FIG. 11D, the body 1112 can fill the channel 1140
(e.g. sunken
space) between two adjacent horizontal structural frames 1130. The body 1112
can be a
hollow structure, while this configuration does not cause a structural
weakness as the
horizontal cover 1110 is not designed to provide any structural strength to
the building
module. The body 1112 can be partly complementary to the channel 1140 (e.g.
sunken
space) in shape and dimensions. Specifically, the width and the thickness of
the body 1112
can be substantially equal to width and depth of the channel 1140 (e.g. sunken
space).
[0098] Further referring to FIG. 11D, the horizontal cover 1110 is configured
to hide and
cover the channel 1140 (sunken space) between two adjacent horizontal
structural frames
1130. The covering skin 1111 can hide and cover the channel 1140. As
illustrated in FIG.
11D, the size of the covering skin 1111 can be sufficiently large in order to
cover both the
channel 1140 and part of the horizontal structural frames 1130. In terms of
length, while not
shown in the figure, the length of the covering skin 1111 can be substantially
equal to the
length of the two horizontal structural frames 1130.
[0099] FIG. 11E illustrates an elevation view of a vertical cover in
accordance with
embodiments. According to embodiments, the vertical cover 1150 is configured
to hide and
cover the channel (sunken space) between two adjacent vertical structural
frames, thereby
providing a more seamless look on the walls (e.g. more flattened wall) and aid
to minimize
potential safety concerns. The vertical cover 1150 may also provide for
example enclosure,
weather proofing, sound proofing, heat insulation, further isolation effect
between adjacent
spaces (e.g. adjacent rooms) or any combination thereof In various
embodiments, the
vertical cover 1150 may be connected with a beam connecting two vertical
structural frames
using an unused elongated groove of the beam (e.g. elongated groove that is
not connecting
structural frames).
[00100] According to embodiments, the vertical cover 1150 may include the
covering skin
1151, the body 1152 and the elongated protrusion 1153. The covering skin 1151
is a portion
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hiding the sunken space (e.g. channel) between two adjacent vertical
structural frames, as
illustrated in FIG. 11F. While the size of the covering skin 1151 can be
varied depending on
applications, according to some embodiments, the size of the covering skin
1151 can be
sufficiently large to cover both the sunken space and at least part of the
vertical structural
frames. However, in terms of length, the length of the covering skin 1151 can
be
substantially equal to the length of the two adjacent vertical structural
frames.
[00101] The body 1152 is configured to partially or entirely fill the sunken
space (e.g.
channel) between two adjacent vertical structural frames. In some embodiments,
the body
1152 may be a polygon tube with hollow inside. The hollow structure of the
body 1152 may
not result in a structural weakness as the vertical cover 1150 may not provide
any structural
strength to the building module. In some embodiments, the body 1152 may be
complementary to the sunken space (e.g. channel) between two adjacent vertical
structural
frames, in shape and dimensions. For example the width and thickness of the
body 1152 (i.e.
width and thickness of the polygon tube) may be substantially equal to width
and depth of the
sunken space (e.g. channel) between two adjacent vertical structural frames.
[00102] The elongated protrusion 1153 can be configured to be inserted into
the unused
elongated groove of the beam connecting two vertical structural frames. In
various
embodiments, the depth of the elongated protrusion 1153 can be substantially
equal to the
depth of the unused elongated groove of the connecting beam. However, the
elongated
protrusion 1153 does not have to be complementary to the unused elongated
groove of the
connecting beam in shape.
[00103] FIG. 11F illustrates an elevation view of a vertical cover connected
to a beam
connecting two vertical structural frames, in accordance with embodiments.
Referring to FIG.
11F, the vertical cover 1150 is clipped on the beam 1160 which connects the
two vertical
structural frames 1170 in a way illustrated above. Specifically, the elongated
protrusion 1153
of the vertical cover 1150 is inserted into and therefore being held in place
by the elongated
groove 1165 of the beam 1160. In some embodiments, the elongated protrusion
1153 of the
vertical cover 1150 is permanently inserted into the elongated groove 1165 of
the beam 1160
and therefore the vertical cover 1150 cannot be removed from the beam 1160
without
demolition. In some embodiments, the elongated protrusion 1153 of the vertical
cover 1150 is
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inserted into the elongated groove 1165 of the beam 1160 such that the
vertical cover 1150, at
any time, can be removed from the beam 1160 without demolition.
[00104] Further referring to FIG. 11F, the body 1152 is filling the channel
1180 (e.g. sunken
space) between two adjacent vertical structural frames 1170. The body 1152 has
a hollow
structure however this configuration does not cause a structural weakness as
the vertical
cover 1150 is not designed to provide any structural strength to the building
module. The
body 1152 is partly complementary to the channel 1180 (e.g. sunken space) in
shape and
dimensions. Specifically, the width and the thickness of the body 1152 can be
substantially
equal to the width and depth of the channel 1180 (e.g. sunken space).
[00105] Further referring to FIG. 11F, the vertical cover 1150 can be
configured to hide and
cover the channel 1180 (sunken space) between two adjacent vertical structural
frames 1170.
The covering skin 1151 can hide and cover the channel 1180. As illustrated in
FIG. 11F, the
size of the covering skin 1151 can be sufficiently large to cover both the
channel 1180 and
part of the vertical structural frames 1170. In terms of length, while not
shown in the figure,
the length of the covering skin 1151 can be substantially equal to the length
of the two
vertical structural frames 1170.
[00106] It will be readily understood that each of the external corner cover,
internal corner
cover, edge cover (e.g. external corner cover, internal corner cover and edge
cover illustrated
in FIGs. 10A to 10C, respectively) are similarly configured to be connected
with the beam as
illustrated above for the horizontal and vertical covers, and these
connections will be also be
considered to be within the scope of the instant application.
[00107] According to some embodiments, a panel may be affixed to the
structural frame
using a chemical locking system. In some embodiments, a chemical locking
system can be
configured as a chemical mixture which upon activation thereof enables the
affixing of the
desired components. For example, a chemical locking system can be configured
as a glue,
polyurethane foam or other chemical system that can provide a desired locking
force as
would be readily understood. FIGs. 12A to 12D illustrate examples for securing
a panel to a
structural frame using a chemical locking system, in accordance with
embodiments. FIG.
12A illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a panel to be secured to a
structural frame
using a chemical locking system, in accordance with embodiments. FIG. 12B and
12C
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illustrate, in a perspective view, a chemical locking system attached to a
structural frame, in
accordance with embodiments. FIG. 12D illustrates, in a cross section view, a
panel secured
into a structural frame using a chemical locking system, in accordance with
embodiments.
[00108] Referring to FIGs. 12A to 12D, one or more chemical locking systems
1220 which
can be configured to secure the panel 1230 to the vertical structure frame
1210. The
chemical locking system 1220 may be configured to be inwardly attached to one
or more
lateral sides of the vertical structural frame 1210 and outwardly attached to
one or more
edges of the panel 1230. In one example, as illustrated in FIGs. 12A and 12D,
the chemical
locking system 1220 can be configured as one or more bags or containers with
chemical
mixtures, therein and can be configured to be placed between the internal
surface of longer
lateral sides of the vertical structural frame 1210 and the external surface
of longer edges of
the panel 1230.
[00109] According to embodiments, the chemical locking system 1220 may be a
glue,
polyurethane foam or other chemical component or combination of chemical
components. In
various embodiments, the chemical locking system 1220 may comprise one or more
chemical
components. For example, the chemical locking system can be configured as two
separate
components and position and positioned within members to be connected, wherein
these two
components are combined thereby activating the chemical locking system when
desired. As
illustrated in FIGs. 12A and 12C, the chemical locking system has a first
portion 1221 and a
second portion 1222, for combination when locking is desired. For instance, in
some
embodiments, the chemical locking system may be ELASTOPORO Rigid Polyurethane
Foam System, manufactured by BASF Corporation (Florham Park, N.J.) which
comprises a
first component being a polyol resin component (e.g., ELASTOPORO P 15390R
Resin) and
a second portions being an isocyanate component (e.g. ELASTOPORO P 1001U
Isocyanate),
or other equivalent polyurethane foam system. The
chemical components of the
polyurethane foam system may be contained in a bag made of an appropriate
material (e.g.
ESP-5001 C white foil laminated film). Each bag of the polyurethane foam
system may
comprise 83m1 of the polyol resin component and 83m1 of the isocyanate
component, in total
166m1 of chemical components. Upon mixing thereof, the example chemical
locking system
provided thereby can be activated.
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[00110] According to embodiments, to secure the panel 1230 into the vertical
structural
frame 1210 using the chemical locking system 1220, the top of the chemical
locking system
1220 (e.g. top of the chemical bag comprising polyol resin component and
isocyanate
component) may be attached into the top of the inlet of the lateral sides of
the vertical
structural frame 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 12B. Here, it is noted that the
top of the chemical
locking system 1220 may be an end where the two chemical components, namely
the first
portion and the second portion 1221 and 1222 are not placed, as illustrated in
FIG. 12B. The
bottom of the chemical locking system 1220 may be the other end where the
chemical
components are located, as illustrated in FIG. 12C. Once the chemical locking
system 1220
is attached, the pouch bags containing the chemical components (e.g. a polyol
resin
component and an isocyanate component) may be opened (e.g. breaking the seal)
at the same
time so that the chemical components e.g. first portion and second portion
1221 and 1222 can
be mixed. The chemical components may be mixed for a period instructed by the
product
manual (e.g. 40 seconds). Then, the bottom of the chemical locking system 1220
may be
attached into the bottom of the inlet of the lateral sides of the vertical
structural frame 1210.
In some embodiments, the bottom of the chemical locking system 1220 may be
attached into
the frame before mixing the chemical components and in the chemical locking
system 1220.
When the chemical locking system 1220 with mixed chemical components is
appropriately
attached into the top and bottom of the inlet of the frame 1210, the panel
1230 will be placed
inside of the vertical structural frame 1210 (e.g. the panel 1230's four edges
are inwardly
affixed to four lateral sides of the structural frame 1210), and hold the
panel 1230 until it is
securely affixed to the structural frame 1210 (e.g. approximately for 2
minutes). Upon
activation of the chemical process, the mixed chemical component (e.g.
polyurethane foam)
of the chemical locking system 1220 will make an expanded chemical foam
thereby securing
the panel 1230 into place. In some embodiments, friction between the expanded
chemical
foam (e.g. expanded polyurethane foam), the structural frame 1210 and the
panel 1230 may
enable the panel 1230 to being secured. In various embodiments, the chemical
locking
system 1220 may be capable of holding the panel 1230 in position against
substantial force.
A cross section view of the panel 1230 being secured into the structural frame
1210 is
illustrated in FIG. 12D.
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[00111] According to embodiments, the panel 1230 which is securely affixed to
the
structural frame 1210 using the chemical locking system 1220 can be removed
from the
frame 1210. The expanded chemical component (e.g. expanded foam) may be cut,
for
example through the use of a utility knife or other appropriate cutting tool,
along the edges of
the panel 1230 and the frame 1210 on both sides. Upon the cutting of the
chemical locking
system, the panel 1230 can be separated from the frame 1210 by pushing the
panel 1230 out
of the frame 1210.
[00112] It will be readily understood that while a vertical structural frame
is illustrated in
FIGs. 12A to 12D, a panel can be similarly secured into a horizontal
structural frame as
illustrated above for the vertical structural frame, and such securing will be
also considered to
be within the scope of the instant application.
[00113] Potential advantages of some embodiments include construction time
reduction,
flexibility and adjustability in design and use, and extendibility of the
building structural
module in a horizontal and vertical manner. For example, time required for
building up one
room is only expected to take a few hours. With a traditional construction
method, it would
have taken up to several weeks or months to build the same room. This is an
enormous
amount of time reduction which would also result in huge cost saving,
especially labour cost
saving.
[00114] Although the present invention has been described with reference to
specific
features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various modifications and
combinations
can be made thereto without departing from the invention. The specification
and drawings
are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the invention as
defined by the
appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications,
variations,
combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present
invention.
26
