Modular Logistics Building with Dry-Anchored Infrastructure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing logistics buildings are limited in scalability, reconfigurability, and environmental impact, with inadequate fire safety and infrastructure support, and are not suitable for large-scale warehouse applications.

Innovation Solution

A logistics building composed of prefabricated structural elements with dry-anchoring systems that support electrical, water, and refrigerant networks, allowing for efficient assembly, disassembly, and reuse, with integrated renewable energy and heat management systems for off-grid operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional steel framed buildings are used, then structural strength is ensured, but assembly and disassembly time is excessive and reusability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly speedVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building is divided into modular structural elements (walls, roof sections, floor panels) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module contains integrated infrastructure networks, allowing rapid deployment without complex on-site construction while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural elements are designed as universal modules that can be reused across multiple building configurations. The dry-anchoring systems and standardized connection points enable the same structural components to serve different functional purposes in various logistics facilities, enhancing reusability without requiring complex custom fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If small prefabricated house modules are used, then assembly speed is improved, but the building capacity is insufficient for warehouse applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidbuilding area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple structural modules are merged into larger building configurations to achieve warehouse-scale capacities. The modular design allows modules to be combined horizontally and vertically, creating large-span structures suitable for warehouse applications while preserving the rapid assembly advantages of prefabricated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The building system transitions from two-dimensional module placement to three-dimensional spatial configurations. Modules can be stacked vertically and arranged in multi-level structures, exponentially increasing building capacity and storage volume while maintaining rapid assembly through standardized vertical and horizontal connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional building infrastructure is installed, then functional requirements are met, but environmental impact is increased and reusability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The building infrastructure is designed for complete recovery and reuse. Dry-anchoring systems allow structural elements and integrated infrastructure networks (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) to be disconnected and reused in other buildings without significant degradation, eliminating waste from traditional construction demolition and reducing environmental impact through circular economy principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The modular structural elements are designed to be self-contained with integrated infrastructure networks that can be independently installed, tested, and commissioned. This self-service capability reduces on-site construction activities, minimizes material waste, and enables rapid deployment while maintaining high reusability of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If fire safety systems are installed according to conventional methods, then fire protection is provided, but the placement efficiency of pipes and sprinklers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire safetyVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Fire safety infrastructure (pipes, sprinklers, detectors) is pre-installed and pre-configured within structural modules during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures fire safety requirements are met while dramatically reducing on-site installation time, as the fire protection systems are already integrated and tested before module assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Fire safety infrastructure is nested within the structural modules themselves. Pipes and sprinklers are integrated into the wall and ceiling cavities of modular elements, allowing fire protection systems to be housed within the building structure rather than requiring separate installation spaces, thereby improving both fire safety and installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The solution enables faster and more efficient assembly and disassembly, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced scalability and fire safety, while supporting multiple infrastructure networks and renewable energy integration, making it suitable for various industrial and non-industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

provide heating/colling by means of a heat pump system connectable to at least one refrigerant network inside the building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pump: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

configured to store and dispense electricity collected from renewable energy modules integrated into the building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Implementation Method 3

renewable energy modules integrated into the building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4332315A1Logistic building
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 KOUTERMOLEN NV
  • EP4332315A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4332315A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4332315A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The current invention relates to a logistics building comprising dry-anchoring structural elements, which structural elements also support at least one electrical network, at least two water networks and at least one refrigerant piping network, the building is further provided with at least one thermo-electric module configured to store and dispense electricity collected from renewable energy modules integrated into the building, said at least one module being further configured to provide water from a buffer tank to at least one water network and to provide heating/colling by means of a heat pump system connectable to at least one refrigerant network inside the building.