Modular Architectural Panel Integrating Sensory Tiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing architectural panel systems face challenges in integrating sensory output devices like lighting, video displays, and audio speakers into buildings without compromising aesthetics, as they often require modifications to conventional construction and lack seamless integration with non-sensory-output modules.
Innovation Solution
An architectural tiled panel system comprising sensory output tile modules and non-sensory-output tile modules, connected via an electrical network with pass-through conductors, allowing for seamless integration and aesthetic uniformity, with non-sensory-output modules providing a surround that complements sensory output modules while supporting electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensory output devices (lighting, video displays, audio speakers) are integrated into buildings, then functional capability is improved, but construction complexity and aesthetic uniformity deteriorate due to required modifications to conventional construction
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the architectural panel into modular tile units, where each tile can independently contain sensory output devices or serve as a non-sensory aesthetic element. This segmentation allows functional devices to be integrated without requiring modifications to the entire construction, as individual tiles can be manufactured with embedded devices and simply assembled into the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile modules are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural cladding, aesthetic presentation, electrical connectivity through pass-through conductors, and optional sensory output capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces construction complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into single standardized components that can be universally applied throughout the building facade.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensory output devices are integrated into buildings, then functional capability is improved, but aesthetic uniformity deteriorates due to lack of seamless integration with non-sensory-output modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows different tiles to have different local qualities - some tiles contain sensory output devices while others are purely aesthetic - yet all tiles maintain consistent dimensions, mounting interfaces, and electrical connection points. This enables functional differentiation at the local tile level while preserving overall aesthetic uniformity at the building facade level, as the modular grid pattern and standardized interfaces create visual consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional construction modifications are made to accommodate sensory output devices, then functional integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Sensory output devices are pre-integrated into the tile modules during manufacturing, before the tiles are installed on the building. The tiles arrive ready-to-install with devices already mounted and electrical connections pre-configured, eliminating the need for on-site construction modifications. This preliminary action transfers complexity from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, where standardized production processes can efficiently handle device integration.
4Reliability
If electrical networks are extended through non-sensory-output modules, then system connectivity is improved, but electrical complexity of non-sensory modules worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectivity function is extracted from the sensory output devices and implemented as a separate, standardized feature in all tile modules through pass-through conductors. Non-sensory tiles contain only the basic electrical conduit infrastructure without the complexity of sensory devices, while sensory tiles build upon this extracted foundation by adding device-specific components. This separation allows non-sensory modules to maintain simplicity while still providing system-wide connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Architectural tiled panel systems composed of at least one sensory output tile module and a plurality of non-sensory-output tile modules. Each sensory output tile module includes any one or more of a variety of electronic devices, such as a video display device, an audio speaker, and an illumination device (e.g., an LED or light bulb), among others. Each non-sensory-output module includes a presentation face that is visually appealing. The non-sensory-output tile modules can be used to provide aesthetic surrounds for each of one or more sensory output tile modules and/or groups of sensory output tile modules. In some embodiments, a plurality of video display type sensory output tile modules are grouped together and controlled to provide a larger mosaicked video display. In some embodiments, abutting tile modules are secured together using connectors having a latch mechanism for each tile module connected thereby.