Systems and methods for automatically reconfiguring a building structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building structures are statically configured, making them inefficient for accommodating items of varying sizes, as they cannot adjust to fit larger deliveries, leading to inefficiencies in storage and movement.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable building structure with movable elements on tracks that can adjust their positions to accommodate items of different dimensions, controlled by a system that determines the necessary configuration based on item dimensions and order data to ensure efficient storage and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional building structures use fixed physical elements, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to accommodate items of varying sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming fixed building structures into dynamic, reconfigurable ones. Movable walls, shelves, and storage units with adjustable positions allow the building structure to adapt its configuration based on the size and dimensions of items being stored or moved, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the building structure into multiple independent, movable segments such as adjustable walls, relocatable shelves, and modular storage units. These segmented components can be independently repositioned to create optimal configurations for different item sizes, enabling adaptability without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Productivity
If building structures are statically configured, then construction and installation are simplified, but efficiency in accommodating varying delivery sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing building components that serve multiple functions. Movable walls and adjustable shelves can be repositioned to accommodate different item sizes, while the same components also provide structural support and storage functions. This multi-functionality increases productivity in handling varied deliveries without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable elements are added to enable reconfiguration, then adaptability to item dimensions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Self-service principle by implementing automated control systems that manage the movable elements. The system automatically determines the optimal configuration based on item dimensions and autonomously actuates the movable walls, shelves, and storage units, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the complexity of control mechanisms while maximizing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for automatically modulating a physical configuration of a reconfigurable building structure. A reconfigurable building structure may be constructed of physical elements that are movable with respect to one another to facilitate actuating the reconfigurable building structure between a plurality of different physical configurations. The physical configuration of a reconfigurable building structure may be adjusted to accommodate for physical dimensions of an item that is going to be moved into the reconfigurable building structure. For example, a spacing between two shelves may be expanded in response to an order being placed for a large item. In this way, when the item is delivered to a physical address associated with the reconfigurable building structure, various physical characteristics of the reconfigurable building structure may have already been modulated to accept the item.