FI129062B - A set of modules for constructing a building - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a set of modules (100, 200, 402) for constructing a building (300, 400) by arranging several modules next to one another in horizontal and vertical directions, the set of modules comprising a first module (102, 202, 304) comprising a floor part (106), a ceiling part (108), at least a first wall part (110, 206) and a second wall part (112, 208), wherein each wall part of the first module comprises a first vertical beam (122, 130, 214, 218) at its first vertical end (124, 132) and a second vertical beam (126, 134, 216, 220) at its second vertical end (128,136). The set further comprises a second module (104, 204, 302) comprising a floor part (114), a ceiling part (116), at least a first wall part (118, 210) and a second wall part (120, 212), wherein each wall part of the second module comprises a first vertical beam (138, 146, 222, 226) at its first vertical end (140, 148) and a second vertical beam (142, 150, 224, 228) at its second vertical end (144, 152). In the set, the first vertical beam of the first module comprises a first locking means (154, 230, 236, 238, 246, 248, 254, 256, 262, 264, 506) at a height h1, wherein h1 lies in a range of 30 to 70 percent of a total height of the first vertical beam, and the second vertical beam of the second module comprises a second locking means (156, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 252, 258, 260, 508) at a height h2 corresponding to the height h1, wherein the second locking means is configured to cooperate with the first locking means in order to lock the first module to the second module.

Description

A SET OF MODULES FOR CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to construction of modular buildings; and more specifically, to locking of modules in modular buildings.

BACKGROUND In the past few decades, there has been a rapid increase in population of the world. In order to sustain such an increasing population there is a significant demand for amenities such as food, clothing and buildings. Notably, buildings are considered to be one of the most expensive amenities since, substantial time, money and effort is required to construct them. As an example, construction of a building requires many time intensive and high precision works (such as plumbing, electrical wiring, laying of ventilation ducts, fitting of air conditioning and so forth) to be implemented. Notably, a given building could be a residential building (such as an individual villa, a residential apartment and the like), a commercial building (such as a hotel, a school, an office, a shopping mall and the like), an industrial building (such as a factory, a warehouse N 20 and the like) and so forth. Generally, buildings are integrated structures 5 that are constructed entirely on-site. Therefore, construction of such = buildings is time intensive, effort intensive, reguires presence of different 7 specialists and vendors on-site, is impacted by on-site weather and S generates a lot of waste.

D S 25 Nowadays, modular buildings are increasingly being constructed S throughout the world. Such modular buildings are made up of multiple modular blocks (or multiple portions) which are manufactured at a specialized manufacturing facility, and then transported to a construction site, and subsequently assembled at the construction site to construct the building structure. Although the modular buildings overcome or at least reduce some of the aforesaid problems associated with the integrated buildings, there continues to exist a number of limitations associated with the modular buildings and construction methods thereof Conventionally, individual modular blocks of the modular buildings are lifted using heavy machines and placed at desired position to obtain the building structure. However, weight of each of the modular block makes this process a time-consuming one. Additionally, precise stacking of the modular blocks is of paramount importance. Due to conventional stacking procedures of the modular blocks (for example lifting the modular blocks using heavy machine) it is not easy to comfortably stack the modules, thereby leading to error in positioning of the modular blocks. Moreover, once set in place, it is not possible to re-align the modular blocks.

Document JP H0649911 A discloses a junction structure of a principal structural members of adjacent building units adjacent across a gap in the unit building, said one and first nut member provided in the principal structural members of the side of the building units, the first nut characterized by comprising a second nut member while being opposed to a member provided in the principal structural members of the building _ unit of the other side, and a screw member screwed to the nut member O thereof within the gap junction structure of the principal structural 3 members of the unit building to be.

a - Document WO 2011106842 A1 discloses a folding beam system for use E 25 in the assembly of pre-fabricated modular building units having beam s members for supporting the floor and ceiling structures of the modular > unit, said beam members being adjacent to each other when the modular N units are arranged in a vertical stack, an open web structure pivotally associated with one of the beam members to allow the web structure to be folded from a stored position, to an operative position in which the web structure is connected to the other beam member of a vertically adjacent unit to form a structural truss between the adjacent units, and means for locking the web structure to the other beam in the operative position.

Document US 5473845 A discloses an apparatus and process for joining an add-on module to a base module to form a modular material storage building by selective positioning of the add-on module with respect to the base module. The invention includes protruding locking members having a locked position, a plurality of locking apertures having a locked position and a roof connector assembly where the protruding locking member is affixed to a vertical leveling bar for stabilizing and locking the modules together which is plumbed with and affixed to the base module near a side wall edge, the locking apertures are in communication with a vertical leveling bar plumbed with and affixed to the add-on module near a side wall edge to orient the locking apertures for locking with the protruding locking members, the locked position of the locking apertures is adapted to engage and lock with the locked position of the protruding locking member of the base module, and where the roof connector assembly has a female channel member attached to a roof edge of the base module and a male channel member attached to the add-on module such that the male channel member seats within the female channel member for N aligning and joining the modules in conjunction with the engagement and s locking of the apertures with the protruding locking members.

O S Document JP H11190069 A discloses a unit type building constructed by E 25 combining a plurality of building units having a rectangular frame formed AV by pillars at four corners and beams connecting the upper and lower ends LO of the pillars, and is arranged adjacent to each other among the building > units. The unit-type building is characterized in that at least a pair of building units are provided in an intermediate portion of adjacent beams and the beams are connected to each other via a pair of connecting portions that are unevenly fitted to each other. Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with locking and positioning of the modular blocks in modular buildings.

SUMMARY The present disclosure seeks to provide a set of modules for constructing a building. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method of constructing a building using a set of modules. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of inadequate support to modules in modular construction thereby increasing weight load on individual modules therein and assembly time of modular buildings. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art, and provides an easy to implement locking mechanism for modules in a modular building, which supports each module and holds the module in place for accurate positioning therein. Beneficially, this approach also minimizes the weight load on individual modules thus minimizing assembly time of the modular building. Furthermore, it helps in saving material used for construction of — 20 modules thereby reducing waste produced at a construction site.

QA & + In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a set of S modules for constructing a building, according to claim 1. E In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a A s method of constructing a building, according to claim 5. 3 5 25 Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least - partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enables efficient locking mechanism for modules in modular construction.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

5 It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: N 20 FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a set of modules for constructing a 5 building, in accordance with an embodiment of the present S disclosure; z FIG. 2A-2E are schematic illustrations of the set of modules, in S accordance with various exemplary implementations of the 3 25 present disclosure;

O N

FIGs. 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of various stages of placing a second module over a first module to construct a building, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a building, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a schematic illustration of beams and, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 6 is a flowchart listing steps of a method for constructing a building using a set of modules, the modules of the set being arranged next to one another in horizontal and vertical directions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing. N 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

N S The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present ® disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some E modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those S skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying

LO S 25 out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

S In one aspect, a set of modules for constructing a building according to claim 1.

In another aspect, a method of constructing a building according to claim

5. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a set of modules to construct a building. Notably, the present disclosure provides the set of modules having locking means that are configured to cooperate to achieve locking between the modules. Furthermore, the locking means interlocks the connected modules, thereby providing a rigid support to the building. Moreover, the present disclosure provides an easy to implement locking mechanism for modules in a modular building, which supports each module and holds the module in place for accurate positioning therein. Beneficially, this approach also minimizes the weight load on individual modules thus minimizing assembly time of the modular building. Furthermore, it helps in saving material used for construction of modules thereby reducing waste produced at a construction site. Notably, connecting the modules with the locking means increases radius of gyration and also, vertical load capacity of the building and the modules. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "module" refers to a temporary or a permanent structure, a part of a building having a floor, a roof, walls, and the like. The module has certain pre-defined dimensions such as height, length, and width, and further pre-defined thickness for _ the corresponding floor, the roof and the walls. Furthermore, the floor, O the roof and the walls include a height and a length associated with the x dimensions of the module. It may be appreciated that construction of a S module may include placing of bricks, along with concrete; for example, E 25 toconstruct the roof, the floor, and the walls, as reguired. In an example, AV the module may also include glass sheets, woods, stones, clay, and the LO like. In an instance, the module may be part of a living room, store room, > bathroom, elevator, or any other structure of the building. The modules may have specific shape, size and features, based upon its purpose. In one or more examples, the module may include supporting elements to provide functional and/or structural support thereof.

Such supporting elements may include ventilation structures, doors, windows, inlets, outlets, and the like.

In the present description, the terms "wall part", "ceiling part" and "floor part" may be replaced by the terms wall, ceiling and floor, respectively, and have the same meaning unless otherwise provided.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide the set of modules for constructing the building by arranging several modules next to one another in horizontal and vertical directions.

It may be appreciated that the modules may be arranged to form a single storey building (namely, a single-level building or a single-floor building) or a multi-storey building (namely, a multi-level building or a multi-floor building). In an example, a floor (base) of a building may include a set of nine modules, arranged in a horizontal plane.

In another example, another floor (just above the aforesaid floor) of the aforesaid building may include another set of nine modules arranged horizontally to each other, and vertically with respect to the aforesaid floor (base). Examples of the building include, but are not limited to, a house (for example, such as a bungalow, a villa and the like), a housing complex (for example, a multi-storey structure having multiple apartments), an animal shelter, a fort, a tower, a hotel, a place _ of worship (for example, such as a temple, a church and the like), a place O of recreation (for example, such as a gymnasium, a community hall, a x clubhouse and the like), a hospital, a commercial establishment (for S example, such as a shop, a shopping mall, an office premises and the E 25 like) and an industrial establishment (for example, such as a factory, a AV warehouse and the like). Particularly, aforementioned type of LO constructions may be carried out partially on site of the construction and > may partially be assembled away from the site of the construction.

Furthermore, such constructions are modular in nature, and may be completed by utilizing various parts separately and/or in a combined way,

and assembling the same at a defined area (such as a land or a semi- finished building). Herein, multiple modules may be arranged sequentially with respect to each other.

In such an arrangement, in proximity of each of the modules, a neighbouring module is placed.

In such a case, the neighbouring modules may share similar kind of characteristics such as, at least one of dimensions, strength, material of manufacture, and the like.

The term "vertical beam" refers to a vertical structure being arranged at least part of the corners of the module, to provide a rigid support thereto.

Preferably, a vertical beam is arranged at each corner, but in case larger rooms (i.e. rooms larger than one module) are wished for, the modules may comprise only two walls (and not four) and a limited number of vertical beams.

The vertical beams can be for example constructed by framing metal rods and/or wooden planks with the concrete.

Furthermore, the vertical beams include dimensions such as a thickness, a width, and a height.

In an instance, the height of the vertical beam may be similar to the height of the module.

In further instance, the vertical beam may include equal thickness and width.

In yet another instance, the width of the vertical beam may be similar to the width of the walls.

Furthermore, the vertical beams are attached to the walls, floor, and ceiling of the module.

Moreover, the vertical beams provide a rigid frame 3 to the modules. 3 Throughout the present disclosure, the module from the set of modules S comprises a floor part, a ceiling part, at least a first wall part and a second E 25 wall part, wherein each wall part of the module comprises a first vertical AV beam at its first vertical end and a second vertical beam at its second LO vertical end.

Some of the vertical beams may be in common, i.e. the > second vertical beam at the second vertical end of the first wall part may be also the first vertical beam at the first vertical end of the second wall part.

Thus, the total number of vertical beams in one module may be two,

three or four. A given module may also comprise more than four vertical beams, such as five, six, seven or eight vertical beams. In such a case, at least one (or two, three or four) corners of the module comprise two parallel vertical beams. Most typically a module comprises four vertical beams, one in each corner. Furthermore, the module has the floor part and the ceiling part placed at a distance from one another that defines the height of the module. Additionally, the floor part and the ceiling part include a length, a width and a thickness. In an example, the dimensions of the floor part and the ceiling part are similar. The module comprises the first wall part and the second wall part, extending vertically between the floor part and the ceiling part, to define two vertical surfaces that connect the floor part and the ceiling part. Furthermore, the first wall part and the second wall part are the vertical projections extending vertically from the floor part to the ceiling part. Moreover, the first wall part and the second wall part include thickness and length similar or different to the floor part and the ceiling part. Additionally, distance between the floor part and the ceiling part defines the height of the first wall part and the second wall part, and vice- versa. In simple words, the combination of the first wall part and the second wall part, and the floor part and the ceiling part, establishes four faces (or an outer periphery) of a cuboid (i.e. the module). It may be N appreciated that the aforesaid cuboidal structure (i.e. the module) is N hollow and open at two faces (that are apart from the first wall part and 3 the second wall part, and the floor part and the ceiling part).

O E 25 The module (the first and/or the second module) may also comprise a AV third wall part and further optionally a fourth wall part. In this case, the LO module forms a closed cuboid, provided with reguired openings such as > windows and/or doors. The first wall part includes the first vertical beam at the first vertical end and the second vertical beam at the second vertical end, to define a first vertical outer surface, of the module.

Similarly, the second wall part includes the first vertical beam at the first vertical end, and the second vertical beam at the second vertical end, to define a second vertical outer surface, of the module.

In an instance, an outer periphery of the module is uniform throughout, such that it mimics the shape of a regular cuboid.

It will be appreciated that the terms "first", "second" and the like herein do not denote any specific role or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one entity from another.

Optionally, the set of first modules is differentiated from the set of second modules based on any one or more of a lay-out, a method of construction thereof, a material required for construction thereof, a position thereof.

The set of modules comprises a first module comprising the floor part, the ceiling part, at least the first wall part and the second wall part, wherein each wall part of the first module comprises the first vertical beam at its first vertical end and the second vertical beam at its second vertical end.

The term “first module” used herein relates to a given module from the set of modules that is placed to initiate the construction process of the building.

Furthermore, predetermined dimensions are provided to the first module to construct a building of desired shape and dimensions.

Moreover, the predetermined dimensions relate to a length, _ a width, and a height of the first module.

In an instance, the first module O defines an orientation, a shape, and dimensions of upcoming modules or x next placing of modules, to achieve a floor of a building or the desired S building.

Notably, a height of the floor is defined by the height of the first E 25 module.

Typically, two modules to be placed next to one another have at AV least two dimensions that are identical.

Most usually, the heights are LO identical, so that the floor constructed of this type of modules has a > uniform height.

For example, it is possible to place one next to another two modules that have the same depth but different widths, thus one module provides a smaller room than the other module.

The set of modules comprises the second module comprising the floor part, the ceiling part, at least the first wall part and the second wall part, wherein each wall part of the second module comprises the first vertical beam at its first vertical end and the second vertical beam at its second vertical end.

The term “second module” used herein relates to a given module from the set of modules that is placed along with the first module to convey the construction process.

As mentioned earlier, the first and second module have similar dimensions, and thus the combination makes a way for further construction process to follow.

Furthermore, other modules may be placed along with the first and second module to obtain a floor of the building.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "locking means" refers to a mechanism or an arrangement, when in operation, attached to two given modules to secure an attachment therebetween.

Furthermore, the locking means provide a secure connection between the two given modules.

Moreover, the given modules include locking means that interlock to provide a rigid attachment, thereby securely holding both the modules.

Notably, each of the given modules are provided with a separate locking means.

Specifically, the locking means of a given module engage with locking means of another given module to provide a secure connection therebetween.

In a finished building, the locking means S located on the outer surface of the building are preferably removed. a 3 The present disclosure provides two different arrangements of the locking S means such as a first locking means and a second locking means, which E 25 are configured to cooperate.

Specifically, the first locking means and the AV second locking means are counterparts of each other and function in LO tandem to provide locking between the two modules.

In an example > implementation of the locking means, the first locking means is implemented as a protrusion on the first module, whereas the second locking means is implemented as a recess on the second module.

Therefore, during locking, the protrusion of the first module is accommodated in the recess of the second module, to provide secure connection between the two modules.

In another exemplary implementation of the locking means, the first locking means and the second locking means may be implemented as metal arms, that interlock with each other upon locking.

The locking means are manufactured using hardened materials such as metals, metal alloys, and the like.

The first vertical beam of the first module comprises the first locking means at a height hl, wherein h1 lies in a range of 30 to 70 percent of a total height of the first vertical beam.

Furthermore, the first locking means is attached to the first vertical beam of the first module, extending outwardly from the first wall part.

In an instance, a protrusion of the first locking means is perpendicular to the first wall part.

In an example, the first locking means may be arranged at a height hl lying in a range starting from 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 up to 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 percent of the total height of the first vertical beam.

It will be appreciated that the first locking means may be arranged at the centre of the first vertical beam (in its height direction). The second vertical beam of the second module comprises a second locking means at a height h2 corresponding to the height h1, wherein the _ second locking means is configured to cooperate with the first locking O means in order to lock the first module to the second module.

Notably, x configuration of the second module corresponds to the first module.

As S aforementioned, the first locking means is attached to the first vertical E 25 beam of the first module, extending outwardly from the first wall part.

AV Therefore, the second locking means is attached to the first vertical beam LO of the first wall part of the second module to enable locking between the > first and second locking means.

Thus, the height h2 of the second locking means is allocated in accordance with the height hl of the first module, to successfully lock both the modules.

Furthermore, locking of the first module to the second module is achieved by engagement of the first locking means with the second locking means or vice versa.

Optionally, the height h2 is greater than the height hl. In order to successfully engage both the locking means, the second locking means is arranged at the height h2 relatively greater than the height hi.

Furthermore, the height h2 and height hi are based on the accommodation of the second locking means with the first locking means.

Thus, in case h2 is different from hl, the difference is typically rather small.

The second vertical beam of the first module comprises a further second locking means at the height h2, and the first vertical beam of the second module comprises a further first locking means at the height h1. Notably, the first locking means on the first vertical beam of the second module and the second locking means on the second vertical beam of the first module are implemented to enable locking of additional modules to the first module and the second module. In detail, the first locking means on the first vertical beam of the second module is operable to lock with a second locking means on the second vertical beam of an additional module. Similarly, the second locking means on the second vertical beam of the first module is operable to lock with a first locking means on the _ first vertical beam of yet another additional module. The implementation O of locking means in such manner allows further addition of modules x around the first and second module. One such example implementation S has been illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 2B as described herein later.

I E 25 Optionally, each of the first vertical beams of first modules comprises a s first locking means and each of the second vertical beams of second > modules comprises a second locking means. In detail, for the first N module, the first vertical beams of the first wall part and the second wall part comprise the first locking means. Similarly, for the second module, the second vertical beams of the first wall part and the second wall part comprise the second locking means and are configured to cooperate with the first locking means on the first vertical beams of the first wall part and the second wall part of the first module.

Beneficially, the implementation of locking means on each of the first vertical beam of first module and each of the second vertical beam on second module enables sturdier locking between the first module and second module.

One such example implementation has been illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 2C as described herein later.

Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, each vertical beam of each module is equipped with a locking means.

Such a solution allows the construction of a finished building wherein each corner of a module that is adjacent to another module is attached thereto.

Optionally, each of the second vertical beams of the first module comprises the second locking means, and each of the first vertical beams of the second module comprises the first locking means.

In addition to the implementation of locking means on each of the first vertical beam of first module and each of the second vertical beam on second module, locking means are implemented on each of the second vertical beams of the first module and each of the first vertical beams of the second module.

Notably, the first locking means on each of the first vertical beam _ of the second module and the second locking means on the second O vertical beam of the first module are implemented to enable sturdier and x more robust locking of additional modules to the first module and the S second module.

One such example implementation has been illustrated E 25 in conjunction with FIG. 2D as described herein later. s Optionally, a given vertical beam comprises two locking means on its two > outer sides, the two locking means being identical.

It will be appreciated N that a given vertical beam has four sides, wherein two of the four sides face inwards to the module (namely, inner sides of the vertical beam) and remaining two of the four sides face outwards from the module

(namely, outer sides). Therefore, two locking means are implemented on the two outer sides of the vertical beam to enable locking of the module with other modules.

Herein, the two locking means implemented on a vertical beam are identical.

For example, the two locking means implemented on a given vertical beam may be the first locking means.

In another example, the two locking means implemented on a given vertical beam may be the second locking means.

Optionally, a given vertical beam comprises two locking means on its two outer sides, the two locking means being different.

Notably, for a given vertical beam, one of the two outer sides may comprise the first locking means and the other outer side may comprise the second locking means.

It will be appreciated that a given module may comprise a given vertical beam comprising two identical locking means on its two outer sides.

Herein, the given module may also comprise another vertical beam comprising two different locking means on its outer sides.

In particular, the locking means are implemented in a manner that locking means of a given module may cooperate with locking means of other modules, wherein configuration of locking means on each of the module is identical.

It is to be understood that first locking means implemented on a vertical beam of a given module may only lock with a second locking means _ implemented on a vertical beam of another module.

In other words, a O first locking means of a module may not lock with first locking means of x another module.

Therefore, the locking means are implemented in a S manner that locking means of vertical beams on a given module are E 25 converse to locking means of corresponding vertical beams on other AV modules.

One such exemplary implementation has been discussed herein LO in detail. & In an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, each of the vertical beams of the first and second module comprises a locking means on each of its two outer sides.

Therefore, for a given module, there are implemented a set of eight locking means thereon to enable locking of the given module with other modules.

In detail, in a given module, the first wall part comprises first vertical beam and second vertical beam, wherein first vertical beam of the first wall part comprises identical locking means (namely, first locking means or second locking means) and second vertical beam of the first wall part comprises different locking means (namely, first locking means and second locking means). The second wall comprises first vertical beam and second vertical beam, wherein first vertical beam of the second wall part comprises different locking means and second vertical beam of the second wall part comprises identical locking means.

It will be appreciated that in the exemplary implementation, the locking means on the given module have been implemented in a manner that additional modules having analogous locking means implementations can lock (namely, engage or couple) with the given module.

One such example implementation has been illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 2E as described herein later.

The first locking means and the second locking means are implemented as a universal locking means.

Herein, design of the universal locking means is implemented in a manner that the universal locking means acts as the first locking means when in a first position and as the second locking means when in a second position.

Such configuration of first and N second positions may be obtained, for example, by varying heights of the N universal locking means.

Specifically, the universal locking means may 3 act as the first locking means when arranged at height hl and act as a 2 25 second locking means when arranged at height h2. Beneficially, such E versatility in implementation of the locking means enables ease in s arrangement of modules, as the configuration of the universal locking 3 means can be varied based on configuration of locking means in adjacent N modules.

The universal locking means is rotatable to attain a first position and a second position, wherein - when in the first position, the universal locking means acts as the first locking means; and - when in the second position, the universal locking means acts as the second locking means. Optionally in this regard, the first position and the second position are attained using a rotating mechanism of the universal locking. Specifically, the universal locking means may be arranged on the vertical beams using the rotating mechanism, such as pivoted discs or rotatable hinge joints. In an instance, the universal locking means is rotated through an angle of 180 degrees to switch between the first position and the second position. The method of constructing a building using a set of modules comprises assembling a first module at a predefined location, the first module comprising a floor part, a ceiling part, at least a first wall part and a second wall part, wherein each wall part of the first module comprises a first vertical beam at its first vertical end and a second vertical beam at its second vertical end, each of the first vertical beams of the first module comprising a first locking means at a height hl, wherein h1 lies in a range of 30 to 70 percent of a total height of the first vertical beams.

N 5 The term "predefined location" refers to a pre-owned property (such as = land or an unfinished floor of a building), a rental property (such as land 2 or an unfinished floor of a building), and the like. It may be apparent that , 25 a pre-obtained module i.e. the first module is placed on the ground of the s predefined location with the help of a specialized eguipment or the like. > For instance, the placement of the first module on the predefined land N may be achieved by means of cranes, hydraulic lifts, and the like.

The method of constructing a building using a set of modules comprises assembling a second module at the predefined location, the second module comprising a floor part, a ceiling part, at least a first wall part and a second wall part, wherein each wall part of the second module comprises a first vertical beam at its first vertical end and a second vertical beam at its second vertical end, each of the second vertical beams of the second module comprising a second locking means at a height h2 corresponding to the height hl.

The second module is placed with respect to the first module, either above or by the side of the first module.

For instance, the placement of the second module by the side of the first module may be obtained by the use of cranes, hydraulic lifts, and the like.

It may be appreciated that the first module and the second module may be identical or dissimilar in dimensions, as required.

The method of constructing a building using a set of modules comprises arranging the first module and the second module in a manner that the second locking means cooperates with the first locking means to lock the first module with the second module.

It may be appreciated that both modules are placed such that the locking means of the both modules engage with one another.

For example, the second module has the second locking means at the height h2 that successfully engage with the first module having the first locking means at the height hl.

S The present disclosure also relates to the method as described above. x Various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis S mutandis to the method.

Optionally, each of the second vertical beams E 25 of the first module comprises the second locking means at the height h2, AV and each of the first vertical beams of the second module comprises the LO first locking means at the height h1. Optionally, a given vertical beam > comprises two locking means on its two outer sides, the two locking means being identical.

Optionally, a given vertical beam comprises two locking means on its two outer sides, the two locking means being different. Optionally, the height h1 is greater than the height h2. The first locking means and the second locking means are implemented as a universal locking means. Optionally, the universal locking means is rotatable to attain a first position and a second position, wherein - when in the first position, the universal locking means acts as the first locking means; and - when in the second position, the universal locking means acts as the second locking means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a set of modules 100 for constructing a building (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The set of modules 100 includes a first module 102 and a second module 104. The first module 102 includes a floor part 106, a ceiling part 108, a first wall part 110 and a second wall part 112. The second module 104, floor part 114, a ceiling part 116, a first wall part 118 and a second wall part 120.The first wall part 110 of the first module 102 includes a first vertical beam 122 at its first vertical end 124 and a second vertical beam 126 at its second vertical end 128. The second wall part 112 of the first module 102 includes a first vertical beam 130 at its N first vertical end 132 and a second vertical beam 134 at its second 5 vertical end 136. The first wall part 118 of the second module 104 = includes a first vertical beam 138 at its first vertical end 140 and a 2 second vertical beam 142 at its second vertical end 144. The second wall E 25 part 120 of the second module 104 includes a first vertical beam 146 at s its first vertical end 148 and a second vertical beam 150 at its second > vertical end 152. The first vertical beam 122, of the first wall part 110 N of the first module 102 includes a first locking means 154 at a height h1. The second vertical beam 142 of the second module 104 includes a second locking means 156 at a height h2.

Referring to FIG. 2A-2E, illustrated are schematic illustrations of set of modules 200, in accordance with various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The set of modules 200 includes a first module 202 and a second module 204. The first module 202 includes a first wall part 206 and a second wall part 208. The second module 204, includes a first wall part 210 and a second wall part 212. The first wall part 206 of the first module 202 includes a first vertical beam 214 at its first vertical end and a second vertical beam 216 at its second vertical end. The second wall part 208 of the first module 202 includes a first vertical beam 218 at its first vertical end and a second vertical beam 220 at its second vertical end. The first wall part 210 of the second module 204 includes a first vertical beam 222 at its first vertical end and a second vertical beam 224 at its second vertical end. The second wall part 212 of the second module 204 includes a first vertical beam 226 at its first vertical end and a second vertical beam 228 at its second vertical end. In FIG. 2A, as shown the first vertical beam 214 of the first wall part 206, of the first module 202 includes a first locking means 230. The second vertical beam 224 of the first wall part 210, of the second module 204 includes a second locking means 232. In FIG. 2B, as shown the first vertical beam 214 of the first wall part _ 206, of the first module 202 includes a first locking means 230. The O second vertical beam 224 of the first wall part 210, of the second module x 204 includes a second locking means 232. The second vertical beam 216 S of the first wall part 206, of the first module 202 includes a second E 25 locking means 234. The first vertical beam 222 of the first wall part 210, AV of the second module 204 includes a first locking means 236.

LO 3 In FIG. 2C, as shown the first vertical beam 214 of the first wall part N 206, of the first module 202 includes a first locking means 230. The second vertical beam 224 of the first wall part 210, of the second module 204 includes a second locking means 232. The first vertical beam 218 of the second wall part 208, of the first module 202 includes a first locking means 238. The second vertical beam 228 of the second wall part 212, of the second module 204 includes a second locking means

240. In FIG. 2D, as shown the first vertical beam 214 of the first wall part 206, of the first module 202 includes a first locking means 230. The second vertical beam 224 of the first wall part 210, of the second module 204 includes a second locking means 232. The first vertical beam 218 of the second wall part 208, of the first module 202 includes the first locking means 238. The second vertical beam 228 of the second wall part 212, of the second module 204 includes the second locking means

240. The second vertical beam 216 of the first wall part 206, of the first module 202 includes a second locking means 242, and the second vertical beam 220 of the second wall part 208, of the first module 202 includes a second locking means 244. The first vertical beam 222 of the first wall part 210, of the second module 204 includes a first locking means 246. The first vertical beam 226 of the second wall part 212, of the second module 204 includes a first locking means 248. In FIG. 2E, as shown the first vertical beam 214 of the first wall part 206, of the first module 202 includes a first locking means 230. The _ second vertical beam 224 of the first wall part 210, of the second module O 204 includes a second locking means 232. The first vertical beam 218 x of the second wall part 208, of the first module 202 includes the first S locking means 238. The second vertical beam 228 of the second wall E 25 part 212, of the second module 204 includes the second locking means AV 240. The second vertical beam 216 of the first wall part 206, of the first LO module 202 includes a second locking means 242, and the second 2 vertical beam 220 of the second wall part 208, of the first module 202 includes a second locking means 244. The first vertical beam 222 of the first wall part 210, of the second module 204 includes the first locking means 246. The first vertical beam 226 of the second wall part 212, of the second module 204 includes the first locking means 248. The first vertical beam 214 of the first wall part 206, of the first module 202 includes a second locking means 250, perpendicular to the first wall part

206. The second vertical beam 216 of the first wall part 206, of the first module 202 includes a second locking means 252, perpendicular to the first wall part 206. The first vertical beam 218 of the second wall part 208, of the first module 202 includes the first locking means 254, perpendicular to the second wall part 208. The second vertical beam 220 of the second wall part 208, of the first module 202 includes a first locking means 256, perpendicular to the second wall part 208. The first vertical beam 222 of the first wall part 210, of the second module 204 includes the second locking means 258, perpendicular to the first wall part 210. The second vertical beam 224 of the first wall part 210, of the second module 204 includes a second locking means 260, perpendicular to the first wall part 210. The first vertical beam 226 of the second wall part 212, of the second module 204 includes the second locking means 262, perpendicular to the second wall part 212. The second vertical beam 228 of the second wall part 212, of the second module 204 includes the second locking means 264, perpendicular to the second wall part 212. N Referring to FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3C, illustrated are schematic illustrations N of various stages of placing a second module 302 over a first module 3 304 to construct a building 300, in accordance with an embodiment of 2 25 the present disclosure. In FIG. 3A, the first module 304 is placed on a E predefined location. Subseguently, the second module 302 is arranged s above at a side of the first module 304. In FIG. 3B, the second module 3 302 is lifted downwards and placed adjacent to the first module 304 in N a manner that the second module 302 cooperates with the first module

304. In FIG. 3C, the building 300 is constructed using the first module

304 and the second module 302. In the final building the locking means are removed on the outer side of the building as illustrated in FIG. 3C.

Referring to FIG. 4 illustrated is a perspective view of a building 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It may be understood by a person skilled in the art that FIG. 4 depicts simplified view of the building 400 for sake of clarity only, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein.

The person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 4, the building 400 is a six-floor building including the set of modules 402 arranged next to one another in horizontal and vertical directions.

Referring to FIG. 5 illustrated is a schematic illustration of beams 502 and 504, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The beam 502 includes a first locking means 506 and the beam 504 includes a second locking means 508. As shown, the first locking means 506 has a recess 510 and the second locking means 508 has a protrusion 512. Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated are steps of a method 600 of constructing a building using a set of modules, the modules of the set being arranged next to one another in horizontal and vertical directions, in accordance N with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

At a step 602, the first 5 module is assembled at the predefined location.

At a step 604, the = module is assembled at the predefined location.

At a step 606, the first 2 module and the second module are arranged in a manner that the second E 25 locking means cooperates with the first locking means to lock the first module with the second module. o 2 The steps 602, 604, and 606 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

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Claims (8)

1. A set of modules (100, 200, 402) for constructing a building (300, 400) by arranging several modules next to one another in horizontal and vertical directions, the set of modules comprising - a first module (102, 202, 304) comprising a floor part (106), a ceiling part (108), at least a first wall part (110, 206) and a second wall part (112, 208), wherein each wall part of the first module comprises a first vertical beam (122, 130, 214, 218) at its first vertical end (124, 132) and a second vertical beam (126, 134, 216, 220) at its second vertical end (128,136), and - a second module (104, 204, 302) comprising a floor part (114), a ceiling part (116), at least a first wall part (118, 210) and a second wall part (120, 212), wherein each wall part of the second module comprises a first vertical beam (138, 146, 222, 226) at its first vertical end (140, 148) and a second vertical beam (142, 150, 224, 228) at its second vertical end (144, 152), wherein - the first vertical beam of the first module comprises a first locking means (154, 230, 236, 238, 246, 248, 254, 256, 262, 264, 506) at a height hl, wherein h1 lies in a range of 30 to 70 percent of a total height of the first vertical beam, and S - the second vertical beam of the second module comprises a second N locking means (156, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 250, 252, 258, 260, 508) 3 at a height h2 corresponding to the height h1, wherein the second locking 7 25 means is configured to cooperate with the first locking means in order to & lock the first module to the second module, s characterised in that the first locking means (154, 230, 236, 238, 246, 3 248, 254, 256, 262, 264, 506) and the second locking means (156, 232, N 234, 240, 242, 244, 250, 252, 258, 260, 508) are implemented as a universal locking means, wherein the universal locking means is rotatable to attain a first position and a second position,

wherein - when in the first position, the universal locking means acts as the first locking means (154, 230, 236, 238, 246, 248, 254, 256, 262, 264, 506), and - when in the second position, the universal locking means acts as the second locking means (156, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 252, 258, 260, 508).

2. A set of modules according to claim 1, wherein the second vertical beam (126) of the first module (102, 202, 304) comprises a further second locking means (234) at the height h2, and the first vertical beam of the second module (104, 204, 302) comprises a further first locking means (230) at the height h1.

3. A set of modules according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a given vertical beam comprises two locking means on its two outer sides, the two locking means being identical.

4. A set of modules according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a given vertical beam comprises two locking means on its two outer sides, the two locking means being different.

5. A method of constructing a building using a set of modules, the o 20 modules of the set being arranged next to one another in horizontal and O vertical directions, the method comprising g - assembling a first module (102, 202, 304) at a predefined location, 3 the first module comprising a floor part (106), a ceiling part (108), at E least a first wall part (110, 206) and a second wall part (112, 208), V 25 wherein each wall part of the first module comprises a first vertical beam LO (122, 130, 214, 218) at its first vertical end (124, 132) and a second S vertical beam (126, 134, 216, 220) at its second vertical end (128,136), each of the first vertical beams of the first module comprising a first locking means (154, 230, 236, 238, 246, 248, 254, 256, 262, 264, 506)

at a height h1, wherein h1 lies in a range of 30 to 70 percent of a total height of the first vertical beams, - assembling a second module (104, 204, 302) at the predefined location, the second module comprising a floor part (114), a ceiling part (116), at least a first wall part (118, 210) and a second wall part (120, 212), wherein each wall part of the second module comprises a first vertical beam (138, 146, 222, 226) at its first vertical end (140, 148) and a second vertical beam (142, 150, 224, 228) at its second vertical end, each of the second vertical beams of the second module comprising a second locking means (156, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 252, 258, 260, 508) at a height h2 corresponding to the height hi, - arranging the first module and the second module in a manner that the second locking means (156, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 252, 258, 260, 508) cooperate with the first locking means to lock the first module with the second module, characterised in that - the first locking means (154, 230, 236, 238, 246, 248, 254, 256, 262, 264, 506) and the second locking means (156, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 252, 258, 260, 508) are implemented as a universal locking means, and - the universal locking means is implemented in a manner that the universal locking means is rotatable to attain a first position and a second S position, wherein when in the first position, the universal locking means se acts as the first locking means (154, 230, 236, 238, 246, 248, 254, 256, o 25 262, 264, 506), and when in the second position, the universal locking x means acts as the second locking means (156, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, o 252, 258, 260, 508).

LO >

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein each of the second vertical N beam (126) of the first module (102, 202, 304) comprises the second locking means at the height h2, and each of the first vertical beams (222,

226) of the second module (104, 204, 302) comprises the first locking means at the height (230) h1.

7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a given vertical beam comprises two locking means on its two outer sides, the two locking means being identical.

8. A method according to any of the claims 5 - 7, wherein a given vertical beam comprises two locking means on its two outer sides, the two locking means being different.

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