Rotating Modular Building Frames for Safe MEP Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for constructing building frameworks, particularly with floor decks, are inefficient and pose safety hazards due to piece-by-piece assembly at building sites, leading to delays and increased costs in installing MEP/FP components.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame assembly system where deck assemblies are rotatably coupled to vertical support members, allowing the frame to be configured in folded, partially unfolded, or fully unfolded states for efficient transport and assembly, with MEP/FP components pre-installed in the deck assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If floor decks are assembled piece-by-piece at the building site, then the framework can be constructed with immediate installation, but construction efficiency is low and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floor deck system is divided into modular units that can be pre-assembled at ground level and then lifted into position. Each module contains decking material and structural supports as integrated components, allowing safe ground-level assembly while maintaining the ability to quickly install complete floor sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Floor deck modules are pre-assembled and prepared at ground level before being lifted into the building framework. This preliminary assembly includes attaching decking material to structural supports and positioning MEP/FP components, eliminating the need for workers to assemble pieces at elevated locations and reducing both time and safety risks.
2Ease of manufacture
If floor decks are assembled piece-by-piece at elevated locations, then the framework structure can be built, but labor time and costs for MEP/FP installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
MEP/FP components such as conduits, pipes, and wiring are pre-installed within the floor deck modules at ground level before the modules are lifted into position. This eliminates the need for workers to install these components after concrete pouring and curing, significantly reducing installation time and allowing parallel construction activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor deck structure and MEP/FP installation are merged into a single integrated module. By combining the decking, structural supports, and MEP/FP components into one pre-assembled unit, the patent eliminates sequential construction steps and allows simultaneous progression of multiple building activities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If panelized floor decks are used, then ground-level assembly improves safety, but workers still face hazards during attachment to framework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lifting equipment and temporary support structures as intermediaries to transfer the pre-assembled floor deck modules from ground level to their final position in the framework. This intermediary system allows workers to remain at ground level during the critical lifting and attachment operations, eliminating fall risks while completing the installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional piece-by-piece assembly is used, then materials can be installed as needed, but construction delays subsequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The building construction process is segmented into independent modular units that can be manufactured off-site and assembled quickly on-site. This segmentation allows multiple modules to be prepared in parallel and installed sequentially without delaying subsequent operations, maintaining flexibility while dramatically increasing construction speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces labor costs and safety risks by allowing for mass production of frame assemblies, enabling faster construction with fewer on-site hazards, and facilitating the efficient installation of MEP/FP components.
Implementation Method 1
a first vertical support member rotatably coupled to the first longitudinal frame member; a second vertical support member rotatably coupled to the second longitudinal frame member
Data Source
AI summary
A modular frame assembly for constructing a building frame includes a deck assembly having longitudinal frame members covered by a metal deck and at least two vertical support members rotatably coupled to the deck assembly. Vertical support members have flanges and an intervening web or may alternatively be formed from hollow square or round cylindrical tubes. Vertical support members may be rotatably coupled to flat sides of the longitudinal frame members or may alternately be coupled to the ends of the longitudinal frame members by intervening vertical support member connectors. Vertical support members may be rotated to fold the frame assembly for transport and unfolded and affixed to longitudinal frame members to form part of a building frame. Some embodiments include more than one frame assembly affixed along their sides to one another and/or stacked one atop the other.