Panelized Structural Building System With Hardpoint Datums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prefabricated structural building systems face challenges in achieving high dimensional and geometric accuracy during assembly, leading to potential onsite customization and modification requirements, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A panelized structural building system utilizing hardpoints and load-bearing structures that define precise datums for accurate repeatable location of panels, allowing for offsite fabrication with tight tolerances, enabling rapid onsite assembly with minimal customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prefabricated structural building systems are used, then construction speed is improved, but dimensional and geometric accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building structure is divided into discrete modular panels (wall panels, floor panels, roof panels) that can be manufactured separately with high precision and then assembled. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated structural elements, allowing factory-controlled manufacturing of individual components before on-site assembly, thus maintaining both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Hardpoints are introduced as intermediary connecting elements between panels. These hardpoints include datum surfaces and connection features that mediate the interface between adjacent panels, ensuring accurate alignment and geometric precision during assembly without requiring high precision in the panel manufacturing itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are enforced during fabrication, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
High precision and tight tolerances are applied locally only to specific critical features such as datum surfaces, hardpoint locations, and connection interfaces, rather than requiring uniform high precision across the entire panel. This allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for the bulk of the panel while maintaining precision where it matters most for assembly accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Hardpoints with datum surfaces are pre-established and pre-located with high precision during panel fabrication. These pre-positioned reference features are then used during assembly to quickly and accurately align panels without requiring complex measurement and adjustment procedures, simplifying the overall assembly process despite tight tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If onsite customization is required, then adaptability is improved, but construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panelized system provides a flexible framework where panels can be configured in different arrangements and configurations to adapt to various building requirements. The standardized hardpoints and connection interfaces allow for dynamic reconfiguration and customization during or after assembly without requiring time-consuming field modifications, as panels can be easily repositioned or reconfigured using the modular hardpoint system.
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a panelized structural building system includes, a set of wall panels, each including: an outer face; a set of hardpoints, each arranged proximal a corner of the outer face, defining a lateral wall panel datum facing outwardly from a side of the wall panel, and defining an exterior façade mount facing outwardly from the outer face; and a load-bearing structure extending between the set of hardpoints and inset from a maximal wall panel perimeter defined by the set of hardpoints; wherein the set of wall panels are assemblable into a wall with lateral wall panel datums—defined by hardpoints in adjacent wall panels—abutting to laterally space the set of wall panels along the wall. The system also includes a set of exterior façade panels configured to install onto exterior façade mounts—defined hardpoints in adjacent wall panels—to conceal outer faces of these wall panels.