Modular element and process to install such a modular element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building renovation processes require separate interventions for façade replacement and HVAC system upgrades, leading to increased costs, prolonged renovation durations, and inconvenience due to the need to evacuate occupants and furnishings.
Innovation Solution
A modular element with an integrated air conditioning unit that can replace a façade portion of a building, allowing for simultaneous aesthetic and energetic renovation while maintaining habitability, using a coordinated single intervention and minimizing construction site disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate interventions are carried out for façade replacement and HVAC system renovation, then each system can be renovated independently, but the total renovation cost increases and the renovation duration is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the façade replacement and HVAC system renovation into a single integrated modular element. The modular element combines the façade panel with an integrated air conditioning unit, allowing both aesthetic and functional renovations to occur simultaneously during one construction intervention, thereby reducing total renovation duration while maintaining independent renovation capabilities through modular design
2Ease of manufacture
If separate interventions are carried out for façade replacement and HVAC system renovation, then each system can be renovated independently, but the total renovation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the façade replacement and HVAC system renovation into a single integrated modular element. The modular element combines the façade panel with an integrated air conditioning unit, allowing both aesthetic and functional renovations to occur simultaneously during one construction intervention, thereby reducing total renovation cost while maintaining independent renovation capabilities through modular design
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional façade replacement is performed, then the façade can be renovated, but the building must be evacuated and occupants displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building façade into separate modular elements that can be replaced independently. Each modular element is self-contained with its own air conditioning unit, allowing replacement of individual modules without evacuating the entire building. This segmentation enables renovation work to proceed while occupants remain in other parts of the building
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional façade replacement is performed, then the façade can be renovated, but the renovation process becomes complex and requires multiple separate construction works
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the façade replacement and HVAC system renovation into a single integrated modular element. The modular element combines the façade panel with an integrated air conditioning unit, allowing both aesthetic and functional renovations to occur simultaneously during one construction intervention, thereby reducing construction site intervention complexity and contingencies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables aesthetic and energetic building upgrades with reduced costs and site intervention, eliminating the need for occupant evacuation and minimizing business disruption during renovations.
Implementation Method 1
an air conditioning unit (14) housed inside a recess (111) of the modular element (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Modular element (11) adapted to replace a portion (8a) of the façade (8) of a building in correspondence with at least one floor (A, B, C, D) of the building, comprising an air conditioning unit (14) and a channeling system, wherein the channeling system is configured to receive a fluid from an external fluid source, and comprises at least one first channel entering the air conditioning unit (14), and wherein the air conditioning unit (14) comprises: a mechanical ventilation element (142) configured to generate an air inflow into the building and an air outflow from the building, and to exchange heat therebetween; a hot and/or cold air diffusion element (141) configured to heat and/or cool the air inflow using the circulating fluid in the first channel and to introduce the air inflow inside the building; an electronic control element configured to control the hot and/or cold air diffusion element (141) and the mechanical ventilation element (142).