Modular Construction Panels with Integrated MEP Routing Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction materials such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) face issues with durability, corrosion resistance, difficulty in incorporating mechanical and electrical lines, and inadequate fire safety, while intermodal shipping containers offer limited building configurations due to standard sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular construction system using extruded aluminum panels with interior channels and male/female interlocking components, allowing for customizable dimensions and integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing lines, along with electromagnetic insulation and temperature sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are used for construction, then insulation performance is improved, but durability and corrosion resistance deteriorate due to delamination in poor conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into a solid outer shell and internal cellular cores, separating the structural function from the insulation function. This segmentation allows the outer shell to provide durability and corrosion resistance while the internal cores provide insulation, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel uses composite construction with a solid aluminum or steel outer shell combined with foam or air-filled internal cores. This composite structure provides both the insulation performance of the foam/air cores and the durability/corrosion resistance of the metal shell, simultaneously addressing both requirements.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If SIPs are used for construction, then insulation performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulties in running mechanical, electrical, or plumbing lines
Solution Approach 1:
The panel design separates structural elements from service routing elements. The solid outer shell maintains insulation integrity while the internal cellular structure provides dedicated pathways for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing lines, making service installation easier without compromising insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel incorporates three-dimensional internal channels and cavities within the cellular cores, allowing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing lines to be routed through the thickness of the panel rather than cutting through the insulation layer, thus maintaining insulation performance while facilitating easy service installation.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If SIPs are used for construction, then insulation performance is improved, but fire safety deteriorates due to inadequate fire safety ratings
Solution Approach 1:
The panel uses a non-combustible solid aluminum or steel outer shell that acts as a fire barrier, protecting the foam or air-filled internal cores from direct exposure to fire. This composite structure maintains insulation performance while the metal shell provides adequate fire safety ratings, resolving the contradiction between insulation and fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid outer shell is designed to resist fire attack before the internal foam cores can be affected. This preliminary protective action prevents fire from penetrating into the insulation material, maintaining both insulation performance and fire safety by blocking the harmful effect before it reaches the vulnerable component.
4Strength
If intermodal shipping containers are used for construction, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited building configurations from standard sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the structure into standardized strong structural panels and separate customizable interior components. The panels provide the structural strength of container construction while the modular interior systems can be configured in various ways, enabling diverse building configurations without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable partitions, adjustable framing, and flexible connection systems that allow the same structurally strong panels to be arranged in multiple configurations, providing adaptability while maintaining the structural advantages of standardized construction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system for construction using multi-purpose panel member, which may be utilized as any surface or support beam in a structure, along with auxiliary components including track members and corner members. In a preferred embodiment, the track member includes one or more channels for receiving panel members, and may also accommodate fasteners for securing the panel member to the track member. The corner member may be used to adjoin two or more panels at a desired angle, and may also serve as a decorative cap for the interconnection of two or more panel members.