Modular Parking Lot Retail Building with Integrated Signage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently installing small modular retail buildings in existing parking lots, particularly in terms of delivery, assembly, and signage, as existing solutions often fail to accommodate adequate signage and are costly, with pylon-type signage being restrictive and impractical for complementary businesses.
Innovation Solution
A modular building system comprising pre-built sections that can be delivered on standard trailers, assembled in a parking lot, and anchored using a tie-down system, with elevated signage walls that comply with sign ordinances, and directional bore utilities for minimal disruption, allowing for efficient installation and signage without additional pylon signage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pylon-type signage is used in existing parking lots, then visibility and advertising effectiveness are improved, but installation cost and regulatory compliance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signage functionality directly into the building structure itself. The elevated signage walls are integrated as integral parts of the modular building sections, eliminating the need for separate pylon-type signage structures. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining visibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions signage from ground-level pylons to elevated vertical surfaces on the building. By utilizing the vertical dimension and elevated side walls of the modular sections, signage is positioned above roof level, achieving better visibility without the regulatory and installation issues of traditional pylon signage.
2Ease of manufacture
If modular building sections are delivered on standard trailers, then delivery cost and infrastructure requirements are reduced, but the size and configuration of building sections are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complete building into multiple modular sections that can independently fit on standard trailers. Each section is designed to be transportable on conventional trailers, and multiple sections are assembled on-site to create the full building structure, thus overcoming trailer size limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical modular structure where smaller cube sections can be stacked and nested together to form larger multi-story towers. These nested modules are delivered separately on standard trailers and assembled vertically on-site, achieving large building volumes without requiring oversized transport.
3Productivity
If modular building sections are pre-built with utilities, then installation time and on-site construction are reduced, but delivery complexity and pre-assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-installation of utilities, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC systems, and interior finishes within each modular section during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows sections to be delivered ready-for-use, significantly reducing on-site installation time while the modular design keeps pre-assembly manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A small modular building system and method for establishing a small scale retail business in an existing parking lot. The building system includes three building modules sized to fit on two trailers, which when assembled form a building with a one-story main service area and an attached tower with a lower story bathroom and an upper story mechanicals/utility room above the bathroom. A further component of the system is a rigid carport arch dimensioned to fit in complementary fashion with one or more of the building modules onto the delivery trailer. A method is also disclosed for delivering, assembling, and installing the modules in an existing parking lot to form a functional, well-anchored building with minimal disruption to the parking lot.