Modular Building Service Network Module Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular building systems face challenges such as reduced effective ceiling height due to suspended service networks, limiting space and service routing options, particularly in applications requiring high volumes of fluid movement like medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular building construction system where the service network module is located outside the room module, either on top or beside it, allowing the conveying components to be housed within the service network module frame, thereby maximizing the available space within the room module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the service network is suspended from the ceiling of rooms, then the service network can be installed in a modular fashion, but the effective ceiling height of the rooms is reduced thereby reducing the space available for the rooms' primary function
Solution Approach 1:
The service network is extracted from the room interior and relocated to an external service network module. This module is positioned outside the room module (either above, below, or to the side) and contains all conveying components for fluids, power, and electrical signals. This extraction eliminates the space occupation within the room while maintaining modular installation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The service network is moved from a two-dimensional ceiling suspension system to a three-dimensional external module structure. The service network module is positioned in a separate spatial dimension relative to the room module, allowing services to be routed externally without compromising the room's internal volume and ceiling height.
2Ease of manufacture
If the service network is suspended from the ceiling, then modular assembly is simplified, but constraints are imposed on the services that can be routed, particularly limiting the number and diameter of ventilation ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The service network is extracted from the constrained ceiling space and relocated to an external service network module. This extraction removes the spatial constraints that limited service routing options and duct sizes, allowing for larger diameter ventilation ducts and greater number of services to be accommodated in the external module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the service network to an external module positioned in a different spatial dimension, the system gains versatility in service routing. The external module can accommodate various service configurations including large diameter ducts, multiple piping networks, and electrical conduits without the geometric constraints of ceiling suspension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional building construction methods are used, then bespoke buildings can be constructed for particular applications, but the construction process takes several years which is slow and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The building is segmented into discrete, pre-fabricated modules including room modules and service network modules. Each module can be manufactured independently in a controlled factory environment according to specific application requirements, then rapidly assembled on-site. This segmentation enables both customization for bespoke applications and accelerated construction timelines.
Solution Approach 2:
Room modules and service network modules are pre-assembled and pre-configured in a factory setting before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary action includes installing conveying components, ventilation ducts, piping, and electrical systems within modules during manufacturing, which significantly reduces on-site construction time and enables rapid deployment of customized facilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If service networks are installed after building construction, then the building structure can be completed first, but the process is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is segmented into room modules and service network modules that can be manufactured and prepared in parallel. This segmentation allows the service network module to be pre-configured with all conveying components before the room module is finalized, enabling simultaneous preparation of multiple building components without sequential dependency, thereby reducing overall project timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The service network module is assembled with all conveying components in advance during the manufacturing phase, before the room module is completed or before on-site assembly begins. This preliminary assembly of service networks eliminates the time-consuming post-construction installation phase, as services are already integrated within the module and only require connection upon module assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a modular building construction system for fabricating a facility. The system comprises a room module and a service network module. The service network module is arranged to support a plurality of conveying components that provide at least part of a service network in the facility, each conveying component arranged to convey at least one of a fluid, power and an electrical signal. An outer surface of the room module is connectable to an outer surface of the service network module such that, when connected, the service network module is located outside the room module, thereby locating the conveying components of the service network outside the room module.