System and method for configuration of buildings or storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular buildings are costly and time-consuming to reconfigure, and existing storage solutions do not efficiently utilize space.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable modular building system using standardized containers stacked within a framework structure, with a robotic load handling device that allows for easy movement and reconfiguration of containers with different functions, enabling efficient storage and transportation of rooms or properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modular buildings are constructed with fixed room arrangements, then construction speed is improved, but reconfigurability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into standardized container modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. Each container serves as a discrete functional unit that can be stacked and arranged to create various building layouts, enabling both fast construction and easy reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of building spaces by allowing containers to be moved, added, or removed from stacks. The robotic load handling device facilitates this dynamic adjustment, transforming static modular buildings into adaptable structures that can respond to changing requirements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional storage solutions are used, then accessibility is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from traditional horizontal warehouse layouts to vertical stacking configurations. Containers are stacked multiple levels high within a framework structure, utilizing vertical space to dramatically increase storage density while robotic retrieval systems maintain easy accessibility to any stored item.
Solution Approach 2:
A robotic load handling device acts as an intermediary between the stored containers and users. The robot retrieves containers from deep within stacks and delivers them to access points, eliminating the need for physical corridors and enabling high-density storage without sacrificing accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A modular building system or storage system is described. The system comprises a number of stacks (110) of containers (1) as shown in Figure 2, the stacks (110) being positioned within a frame structure comprising uprights and a horizontal grid disposed above the stacks (110), the grid comprising substantially perpendicular rails (74a, 74b) on which load handling devices (310) can run. Containers (1) having functions associated with a number of residential or commercial uses are moved in to and out of the stacks (110) by the robotic handling devices running on the grid. The containers (1) disposed in the stacks (110) are selected by function on demand by a user. In this way the building is reconfigurable to take in to account required uses.