Robotic Modular Panels for Faster Integrated Building Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in green building practices is the need for close collaboration among contractors, architects, and engineers at every stage of the project, which can be streamlined to reduce resource consumption and enhance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular robotic building system using smart panels (LunarPanels) that can be assembled by robots, incorporating interlocking subsystems for efficient installation and integration of electrical, mechanical, and other systems, allowing for quick construction of structures with interconnected functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional green building practices are used with close collaboration among contractors, architects, and engineers at every stage, then building quality and sustainability are improved, but construction time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular panels that are pre-assembled with integrated subsystems (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) in factories. These modular units are then transported and quickly installed on-site, eliminating the need for sequential coordination among multiple professionals during construction while maintaining quality through standardized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
All building components and subsystems are prepared, pre-assembled, and tested before arrival at the construction site. The modular panels arrive ready-to-install with all necessary connections and integrations already in place, allowing for rapid deployment without requiring on-site coordination among contractors, architects, and engineers.
2Reliability
If traditional building methods with multiple professionals collaborating at every stage are used, then comprehensive design and construction quality are improved, but resource consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is segmented into standardized modular panels that can be manufactured efficiently in factories using optimized processes. This segmentation allows for precise material utilization, reduced waste, and efficient transportation, while the integrated subsystems ensure comprehensive quality without requiring additional on-site resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The construction approach transitions from traditional on-site assembly to off-site modular manufacturing, changing the key parameter of where and how building components are assembled. This parameter change enables industrialized production with better resource efficiency, reduced material waste, and lower on-site resource consumption while maintaining construction quality.
3Productivity
If modular panels with integrated subsystems are used for rapid assembly, then construction speed and efficiency are improved, but the complexity of panel design and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex building system is segmented into modular panels, each containing specific integrated subsystems. This segmentation allows the complexity to be managed at the module level during manufacturing, while the simplified modular units enable rapid on-site assembly. The standardization of modules reduces the overall system complexity despite the advanced features integrated within each panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection points that can accommodate various subsystems (electrical, mechanical, plumbing). This multi-functionality allows the same basic panel design to serve multiple purposes and integrate different systems, reducing design complexity while enabling rapid assembly and flexibility in building configurations.
4Reliability
If traditional construction methods requiring close collaboration among multiple professionals are used, then comprehensive system integration is improved, but construction time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is segmented into modular panels with pre-integrated subsystems manufactured in controlled factory environments. This ensures comprehensive system integration is achieved during manufacturing through standardized processes, while the simplified on-site assembly requires minimal coordination, greatly easing the construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels are designed to be self-contained units with all necessary subsystems and connections integrated during manufacturing. Each panel arrives at the site ready for installation without requiring on-site coordination among multiple professionals, making the construction process simpler while maintaining system integration quality through factory-controlled assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for designing and constructing a building or structure using a modular robotic building system and smart panels, referred to herein as LunarPanels, having tube frames. The system may employ a robot that can move and install interconnected modular LunarPanels, thereby installing the panels in the correct position within a design. Each LunarPanel and tube frames will accommodate many interconnected systems (subsystems) within it through its internal infrastructure to enable and transport things like water, light, electricity, air, sewage, steam, heat, audio/sound, gas, oil, refrigerant, computer networking and data. By interconnecting the LunarPanels together, preferably robotically, one can efficiently and quickly create a finished building or structure.