Robotic Container Grid for Reconfigurable Modular Buildings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular building systems lack the ability to efficiently reconfigure and transport building components with different functions, and they do not optimize storage density within buildings.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable modular building system using a framework structure with perpendicular rails and robotic load handling devices that allow for the movement and reconfiguration of containers with various functions, enabling easy transportation and rearrangement of rooms or entire properties, and a robotic storage system that increases storage density by removing corridors and access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If modular buildings use identical rooms manufactured in modules, then assembly speed is improved, but adaptability to different functions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidfunctionality adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The building is divided into separate functional modules (rooms, corridors, storage units) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. Each module maintains standardized connection interfaces enabling rapid assembly while allowing functional flexibility through different stacking arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The building system incorporates movable and reconfigurable elements such as adjustable partitions, movable walls, and repositionable modules that allow the building to dynamically change its functional layout. This enables the same physical structure to adapt to different functional requirements without requiring complete demolition and reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If corridors and access points are removed to increase storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but ease of access to storage units is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidaccessibility to storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from two-dimensional horizontal access through corridors to three-dimensional vertical access via elevators and stairwells. Storage units are arranged in vertical stacks that can be accessed from multiple levels, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to provide access without requiring extensive horizontal circulation spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces robotic automation as an intermediary between users and storage units. Robots can retrieve and deliver items from any location in the storage system, eliminating the need for direct human access to all storage areas while maintaining high accessibility. Users interact with a digital interface rather than physically navigating to storage locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If building modules are made reconfigurable on demand, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal standardized interfaces and connection protocols that work across all module types and configurations. This allows the same basic module design to serve multiple functions and be arranged in various configurations without requiring complex customizations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reconfigurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables reconfiguration by changing parameters such as module orientation, stacking height, and connection patterns rather than requiring fundamental design changes. Digital modeling and simulation tools allow virtual testing of different configurations before physical assembly, simplifying the reconfiguration process and reducing the complexity of managing multiple design variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If containers are stacked vertically to increase storage density, then space utilization is improved, but difficulty of accessing upper containers is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidaccessibility to upper storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11174103B2System and method for configuration of buildings or storage

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

A modular building system or storage system can include a number of stacks of container, each stack being positioned within a frame structure having uprights and a horizontal grid disposed above the stacks. The grid can include substantially perpendicular rails on which load handling devices can run. Containers having functions associated with a number of residential or commercial uses are moved in to and out of the stacks by the robotic handling devices running on the grid. The containers disposed in the stacks are selected by function on demand by a user, the building being reconfigurable to take into account required uses.