Reconfigurable Building Structure for Variable-Size Parcel Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building structures are statically configured, making them inefficient for accommodating items of varying sizes due to fixed dimensions, which leads to inefficiencies in storage and movement, particularly with the rise in online commerce and parcel deliveries.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable building structure with movable elements installed on tracks or hinges that can adjust their positions automatically based on the dimensions of incoming items, using a controller to determine suitable configurations for 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 deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static building elements into movable, adjustable components. Walls, shelves, and storage units are equipped with motors and control systems that enable them to change positions and configurations dynamically based on the size and dimensions of items needing accommodation, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing physical dimensions of building elements (such as wall positions, shelf heights, and storage compartment sizes) to be modified on-demand. The system receives item dimension data and automatically adjusts structural parameters like spacing, height, and volume to fit items of varying sizes, thereby achieving versatility without permanent structural modification.
2Productivity
If building structures are statically configured, then construction and installation are simplified, but storage efficiency for varying item sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the building structure to automatically reconfigure itself without human intervention. The system receives item dimension information, processes it through algorithms, and autonomously actuates motors to adjust walls, shelves, and storage units to optimal configurations, thereby maximizing storage efficiency while eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors item dimensions and current structural configuration, compares them against optimal storage arrangements, and automatically makes adjustments. This closed-loop control ensures high storage efficiency by dynamically adapting the structure to match the specific requirements of stored items.
3Adaptability or versatility
If building structures have fixed dimensions, then manufacturing and construction are easier, but ability to accommodate large delivery items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the building structure into modular, independently controllable segments such as movable walls, adjustable shelves, and separable storage units. Each segment can be individually positioned and configured based on delivery item dimensions, allowing the structure to adapt to various item sizes while maintaining relatively simple standardized manufacturing for each module.
Data Source
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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.