Modular Service Network Installation for Faster Bespoke Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces low productivity due to the need for bespoke buildings and traditional construction methods, which are time-consuming and costly, especially for research and medical facilities that require rapid construction and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular construction system using self-contained service modules with conveying components for fluids, power, and electrical signals, allowing for direct connections between modules to form service networks, reducing on-site installation time and costs while maintaining design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional construction methods are used for bespoke buildings, then design flexibility and customization are improved, but construction time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular service modules that can be pre-assembled offsite and then quickly connected onsite. Each module contains integrated conveying components for fluids, power, and electrical signals, allowing rapid deployment while maintaining design flexibility through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Service modules and their conveying components are pre-assembled and tested offsite before being transported to the construction site. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces onsite construction time while allowing for design customization in the modular units themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service networks are installed in constructed buildings using traditional methods, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conveying components for different services (fluids, power, electrical signals) are merged into integrated service modules. This consolidation allows all service networks to be installed simultaneously as a unified system rather than separately, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining the ability to configure different service combinations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke buildings are constructed for particular applications, then functional suitability is improved, but construction costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service modules are designed with universal conveying components that can serve multiple functions and be configured for different applications. The same modular units can be adapted for various building types (research facilities, medical facilities, offices) by changing the configuration and connection of conveying components, reducing the need for entirely custom-built solutions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for installing at least one service network in a building. The system comprises a plurality of self-contained service modules 130. Each service module 130, 130a includes a plurality of conveying components 138a, 142a, 144a, 146a, 148a, 150a, 152a, 154a, 156a, 158a, 160a, 162a, each conveying component being configured for conveying at least one of a fluid, power and an electrical signal and a support frame 132a configured to be installed in a building and arranged to support the at least one conveying component. Each conveying component is configured for connection to a corresponding conveying component for conveying a fluid, power or an electrical signal of at least one adjacent service module of the plurality of service modules when installed in a building to form at least part of a service network in the building.