Roof Module for Rapid Service Network Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces low productivity due to the need for bespoke buildings and traditional construction methods, which are time-consuming and costly, especially for research and medical facilities that require rapid construction and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A roof module system that allows for quick and easy installation of conveying components between a roof space and the inside of a facility, using a lid with apertures for receiving conveying components and a riser to support them, enabling efficient routing of services like electrical cables and fluid ducting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional construction techniques are used to locate plant equipment on the roof, then space within the facility is saved and access to equipment is improved, but project cost, complexity and duration increase due to bespoke design and installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The roof penetration system is divided into separate modular components: a roof plate for sealing the roof aperture, a riser structure for supporting conveying components, and pre-fabricated service penetrations. These modules can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, eliminating the need for complex bespoke design while maintaining ease of equipment access on the roof
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying components (ducts, pipes, cables) are pre-installed within the riser structure and roof plate assembly before the module is installed on the roof. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site routing and connections, reducing project complexity and duration while preserving the benefit of roof-mounted equipment access
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional construction techniques are used to install service networks, then building structure is established, but installation time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The roof plate, riser structure, and conveying components are merged into a single pre-assembled module that is installed as one unit on the roof. This integration eliminates multiple separate installation steps (roof opening, structural reinforcement, service routing, sealing), dramatically reducing installation time and costs while maintaining building structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables the service network installation to be self-contained within the roof module, which can be manufactured and prepared independently of the main building construction. The module installs itself as a complete unit, eliminating the need for coordinated scheduling with other building trades and accelerating overall installation productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke buildings are designed for particular applications, then specific requirements are met, but construction time extends to several years
Solution Approach 1:
The roof module is designed as a universal, application-agnostic platform that can accommodate various types of conveying components (ventilation ducts, electrical cables, fluid piping) and connect to different plant equipment configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same standardized module to serve different facility types (research, medical, industrial) without requiring bespoke design, reducing construction time while maintaining adaptability to specific applications
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a roof module for distributing conveying components between a roof and an inside of a facility. The roof module comprises: a lid comprising an upper surface, a lower surface and one or more apertures extending therebetween, the one or more apertures for receiving one or more conveying components, the conveying components arranged to convey at least one of a fluid, power and an electrical signal; and a riser arranged to support one or more conveying components. The lower surface of the lid is a roof sealing surface wherein, in use, the lower surface makes contact with a facility roof to cover an aperture in the roof, and wherein the riser is located adjacent to the lower surface of the lid such that, when the lower surface covers the aperture, the riser is located inside the aperture to support the conveying components inside the facility.