Modular Wall Module Ground-Level Assembly and Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard construction methodology for insulated metal panel cladding over a steel stud wall is labor-intensive and poses serious fall risks for workers, with inefficiencies due to the need for aerial work and heavy gear, leading to prolonged job schedules.
Innovation Solution
A modularized wall system allowing entire wall modules to be constructed at ground level, reducing fall risks and eliminating the need for heavy gear, with pre-fabricated framing sections assembled on-site and sheeting sections installed at ground level before lifting into place using a specialized lifting apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard construction methodology is used with aerial work and heavy gear, then structural installation can be completed, but worker safety deteriorates due to serious fall risks
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure is divided into modular sections that can be pre-assembled on the ground and then lifted into place. This segmentation allows workers to assemble walls at ground level without fall risks, while the modular design enables efficient crane-based installation of complete wall sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Wall sections are pre-assembled on the ground before being lifted into final position. This preliminary assembly at ground level eliminates fall risks during the assembly process, and only the lifting operation requires aerial capability, significantly reducing the duration and risk of aerial work.
2Productivity
If aerial work with fall protection gear is required, then wall installation can proceed, but labor efficiency deteriorates due to encumbrance and positioning time
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the wall into modular sections that can be assembled on the ground eliminates the need for workers to carry heavy gear while positioned at height. The modular approach allows ground-level assembly with full mobility, then crane-based installation of complete sections.
Solution Approach 2:
A crane serves as an intermediary device to lift pre-assembled wall sections into position. This eliminates the need for workers to manually position heavy materials at height, removing the encumbrance of safety gear and positioning time while maintaining installation capability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional aerial construction methodology is used, then wall assembly can be completed, but construction schedule deteriorates due to prolonged job duration
Solution Approach 1:
Assembling wall sections on the ground before lifting them into place significantly reduces the overall construction schedule. Workers can assemble multiple sections simultaneously at ground level without fall risks, then crane operations efficiently install the pre-assembled sections, eliminating time spent on aerial positioning and fall protection setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segmentation of walls allows parallel assembly of multiple sections on the ground, accelerating the construction process. Once assembled, complete wall sections are lifted in single operations, reducing the number of incremental installations required and shortening the overall schedule.
4Reliability
If ground level assembly with lifting apparatus is used, then safety improves by minimizing aerial work, but device complexity increases due to specialized lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lift wall sections, position them accurately, and integrate with standard crane operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment while maintaining safety benefits of ground-level assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus incorporates self-aligning and self-positioning features that reduce the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms. The system automatically positions wall sections into correct alignment during lifting, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining precision and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods for attaching an assembled wall module to a building structure, according to which a framing section, including a plurality of structural members and a first coupler connected to a first structural member of the plurality of structural members, is connected to the building structure. After connecting the framing section to the building structure, relative movement is permitted, via the first coupler, between the framing section and the building structure in a first direction. Before connecting the framing section to the building structure, a plurality of sheeting sections may be connected to the framing section. The framing section may further include a second coupler; in such instances, after connecting the framing section to the building structure, relative movement is permitted, via the second coupler, between the framing section and the building structure in a second direction, which second direction is the same as the first direction.