System for mobile use and configuration of a room module

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the mobile use and configuration of a room module, comprising a room module with a base structure; an interface arranged on the base structure for detachably coupling the room module with an autonomously mobile drive unit; a grid plug-in system integrated into the floor, ceiling and / or wall surfaces of the room module with one or more mechanically lockable coupling points; and a control device designed to enable the drive unit to trigger the transport of the room module.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for the mobile use and configuration of a room module, which can be used, for example, for living, working or similar purposes.

[0002] Mobile units are currently predominantly implemented as structurally self-contained containers, cabins, or trailers. Such units are generally designed for temporary stationary use and are transported to other locations as needed using external transport.

[0003] Adapting or converting these units to changing usage requirements usually requires considerable effort in terms of structural modification of the unit and leads to rapid wear and tear.

[0004] Furthermore, in practice, various stakeholders are involved in the planning, transport, configuration, and maintenance of such units, and coordinating their processes is often extremely difficult. Therefore, consistent control, monitoring, and coordination of such units throughout their entire service life is frequently challenging.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2018 109 162 B4 discloses a multimodal transport management method. One embodiment of the method processes a transport request for a passenger. The request identifies a starting point, a destination, and travel time information. The method continues by identifying a multimodal timetable that meets the requirements of the request. The timetable includes at least one vehicle segment and at least one additional segment. The passenger's journey is monitored to control the dispatch time of a vehicle according to the timetable and, in response to the monitored journey, to synchronize the vehicle's arrival with the passenger's arrival at a departure point of an approaching vehicle segment of the multimodal timetable.

[0006] Publication DE 10 2017 216 312 B4 discloses an autonomous driving system comprising an autonomous driving assistance device, which includes: an interface unit that communicates wirelessly with a router of several routers installed on an autonomous roadway; a signal processing unit that provides the router with vehicle identification information at the time of establishing a wireless communication link with each router and provides the vehicle's route information for each defined cycle; a path tracking unit that determines the vehicle's speed, direction of travel, and steering angle from the route information in order to drive the vehicle based on this information; and a speed control unit that controls the vehicle's speed based on the speed determined by the path tracking unit.and a steering angle control unit that controls the vehicle's steering angle based on the direction of travel and the steering angle determined by the path tracking unit.

[0007] Publication DE 10 2023 205 530 A1 discloses a method for delivering goods, wherein the goods are transported by means of a first autonomous vehicle to a parking space located at a predetermined distance from a delivery location, wherein a second autonomous vehicle, which is transported to the parking space (12) by the first autonomous vehicle, transports the goods from the parking space to the delivery location.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for the mobile use and configuration of a space module that enables location-independent operation while simultaneously allowing a high degree of adaptability to changing usage requirements as well as the integration of automated or semi-automated transport processes.

[0009] This problem is solved by a system according to independent claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The system according to the invention for the mobile use and configuration of a room module comprises a room module with a base structure, an interface arranged on the base structure for the detachable coupling of the room module with an autonomously mobile drive unit, a grid-connected plug-in system integrated into the floor, ceiling, and / or wall surface of the room module with one or more mechanically lockable coupling points, and a control device designed to enable the drive unit to trigger transport. Triggering can be achieved, for example, via a radio connection with a remote control unit. This system functionally combines mobility, modularity, and controllability. The integrated grid-connected plug-in system with mechanically lockable coupling points enables standardized, safe, and rapid assembly of functional modules.When relocating, the existing room structure can be maintained, or the interior can be easily reconfigured at any location using the modular grid system, without requiring specialized personnel. The control unit manages and automates transport and / or reconfiguration. This unit is not only responsible for initiating transport but also provides the functional foundation for overarching control of the entire room utilization (e.g., time windows, destinations, logistics planning, resource coordination). Because the system is autonomously mobile and its configuration can be planned in advance, typical downtime, such as during transport or reconfiguration, is eliminated. This allows both the room module and the drive unit to be used independently and optimally, thus maximizing efficiency.

[0011] Preferably, one or more coupling points can be provided to supply power and / or data. This design not only establishes a mechanical connection between the functional module and the room module, but also creates an integrated interface for power supply and communication. This eliminates the need for separate wiring or connections, simplifying installation and reducing the risk of incorrect connections.

[0012] It can also be advantageous for the grid-like plug-in system to be arranged in a grid pattern on the floor, ceiling, and / or wall surfaces. Such a design creates a flexible and uniform distribution of connection options throughout the entire room module. This allows for virtually unlimited positioning of functional modules.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is used to select, order, and / or bill interchangeable functional modules that can be inserted into the modular plug-in system. This integration creates a seamless digital process chain from the user's decision to the physical configuration of the room unit. This allows for largely autonomous and location-independent customization of the equipment and simultaneously simplifies traceability and billing within a usage-based operating model.

[0014] Advantageously, the system can be equipped with at least one camera in the room module and / or the drive unit, the image data from which can be remotely transmitted via the control unit. Such a camera system allows for remote visual monitoring of the system's interior or exterior. This improves operational safety during transport and configuration and enables remote support by third parties, for example, during module maintenance or installation.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous to have a configuration hub where functional modules can be inserted into or removed from the modular grid system. In one embodiment, this hub can be equipped with robotically operated tools to automate the installation process. This allows for centralized, scalable, and personnel-independent reconfiguration of room modules, which is especially beneficial for fleet applications, logistics processes, or recurring equipment changes.

[0016] Preferably, a second autonomously capable drive unit is provided, enabling the transport of used functional modules from a primary user's location to a secondary user's room module. This design allows for the direct reuse of equipment components between users without intermediate storage. This improves resource efficiency and supports a sustainable circular economy for functional modules.

[0017] Advantageously, the drive unit can be designed for multimodal transport on road, rail, and / or water. Such mobility adaptation opens up new areas of application for modular units, for example in urban areas with rail infrastructure or in logistically developed waterways. At the same time, it allows for flexible connection to supra-regional transport networks, which is particularly advantageous for distributed usage concepts.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the control unit to coordinate multiple uses of the drive unit per day. Optionally, this can be stipulated for at least twenty operating hours per day. Such coordination significantly increases the utilization of the drive unit, reduces idle times, and improves the overall system efficiency, particularly in shared fleets of space units.

[0019] It is also preferable to provide for a service vehicle trained to transport ordered functional modules to the current location of the room module and insert them into the modular grid system. This enables decentralized and on-demand supply of new or replaced equipment to the room modules without requiring a return to the central configuration hub.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the control system is cloud-based and utilizes distributed data and computing. Such an architecture allows multiple room modules and system components to be managed in parallel without burdening local computing resources. Furthermore, a cloud-based design enables easy integration into existing platforms, cross-site monitoring, and scalability of the overall system.

[0021] Finally, the control unit may be designed to have a teleoperation interface through which at least one camera and / or the drive unit can be remotely controlled. This functionality allows transport operations, outfitting processes, or monitoring measures to be monitored remotely or, if necessary, taken over manually.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 in a schematic representation a system for the mobile use and configuration of a room module; Fig. 2 in a schematic cross-sectional representation the spatial module of the Fig. 1; and Fig. 3. A schematic map view shows a representation of the system in operation.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 100 for mobile use and configuration of a room module 102, Fig. Figure 2 presents the space module 102 in a schematic cross-sectional view. The space module 102 has a basic structure 104, which possesses structural and mechanical strength. Several interfaces 106 are provided on the underside, via which the space module 102 can be connected to an autonomously driving drive unit 108. The drive unit 108 can be designed as a single unit or in multiple parts and can be used on public roads in autonomous driving mode. In addition, both the space module 102 and the drive unit 108 can be designed in such a way that the space module 102 can be transferred to other modes of transport, such as rail, water, or pipeline.

[0024] The drive unit 108 is preferably designed with a level 4 or level 5 automation level. This allows the space module 102 to be moved to a destination or configuration center without human intervention.

[0025] A control unit 110, which is connected to a remote control unit 114 via a wireless radio link 112, is used to trigger and control a transport. This remote control unit 114 can be a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, AR / VR glasses, or other mobile device. The control unit 110 is preferably cloud-based; this is described in the Fig. 1 symbolically represented.

[0026] The control unit 110 not only enables transport planning, but also the booking of function modules 120 (see also Fig. 2) the individual interior configuration and the selection of services. In addition, the control unit 110 can have a teleoperation interface through which transport or configuration can be remotely monitored or supported.

[0027] Inside the room module 102, a grid connector system 116 is installed, embedded in the floor, ceiling, and / or wall surfaces. The grid connector system 116 comprises a plurality of mechanically lockable coupling points 118. These coupling points 118 enable the mechanical fastening of functional modules 120. Additionally, the coupling points 118 can simultaneously provide supply lines for electrical power as well as data lines 119 for communication with the control unit 110.

[0028] The 120 functional modules used can include, for example, furniture (e.g., seating, tables, beds), devices (e.g., displays, speakers, fragrance dispensers, charging devices), or other equipment elements. They are modular in design and allow for tool-free, standardized replacement via plug-and-play connection.

[0029] For monitoring transport processes or for remote assistance during configuration, at least one camera 122 is provided, the image data of which can be remotely transmitted via the control unit 110. The camera 122 can be located in the room module 102 – for example, also as a function module 120 – or on the drive unit 108. Third parties – such as a service technician, the user, or an AI system – can monitor or intervene in the processes via the teleoperation interface, using the information provided by the camera 122.

[0030] A configuration hub 124 is provided for configuration operations. This is shown in the schematic diagram of the Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. A road network 200 is shown schematically there, in which a space module 102 is placed at a point in the road network 200.

[0031] The configuration hub 124 accommodates manual or robotic tools 126, which can be used to insert or remove functional modules 120 – optionally automatically – into or from the grid-based plug-in system 116. The space module 102 is transported autonomously to the configuration hub 124 by means of the drive unit 108. Alternatively, a service vehicle can be used to transport new or used functional modules 120 from the hub to the current location of the space module 102 and install them there. Here, too, installation can be performed robotically or manually.

[0032] To implement a second-hand business model, a second autonomously capable drive unit can be provided. This unit transports used functional modules 120 from a primary user's location directly to a secondary user's room module 102. Installation can be carried out by the secondary user, a service vehicle, or the hub 124. All steps are controllable via the remote control unit 114. This principle supports the resource-efficient reuse of equipment.

Claims

[1] System (100) for mobile use and configuration of a room module (102), comprising - a room module (102) with a basic structure (104); - an interface (106) arranged on the base structure (104) for detachably coupling the space module (102) with an autonomously driving drive unit (108); - a grid plug-in system (116) integrated into the floor, ceiling and / or wall surfaces of the room module (102) with one or more mechanically lockable coupling points (118); and - a control device (110) designed to enable the drive unit (108) to trigger the transport of the space module (102). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that one or more coupling points (118) provide a supply line (119) for electrical energy and / or data. [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the grid plug-in system (116) is arranged in a grid pattern in the floor, ceiling and / or wall surfaces. [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the selection, ordering and / or billing of interchangeable function modules (120) which can be inserted into the grid plug-in system (116) is carried out via the control unit (110). [5] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one camera (122) is arranged in the space module (102) and / or in the drive unit (108), the image data of which can be remotely transmitted via the control unit (110). [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a configuration hub (124) is provided in which functional modules (120) can be inserted into or removed from the grid plug-in system (116). [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a second autonomously capable drive unit is provided, by means of which used functional modules can be transported from a primary user location to a secondary user's space module. [8] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive unit (108) is designed for multimodal transport on road, rail and / or water. [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit (110) coordinates multiple uses of the drive unit (108) per day. [10] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a service vehicle is provided which is trained to transport ordered functional modules (120) to the current location of the space module (102) and to insert them into the grid plug-in system (116) there. [11] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control unit (110) is cloud-based and uses distributed data and computing processing. [12] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (110) has a teleoperation interface via which at least one camera and / or the drive unit can be remotely controlled.

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