Service Network System for an Operating Theatre
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces low productivity and high costs due to the need for bespoke buildings and time-consuming installation of service networks in facilities like operating theaters, particularly those requiring rapid construction and flexibility, such as vaccine development and medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular service network system comprising pre-assembled modules for ventilation, electrical, and other services that can be easily transported and installed, reducing on-site construction time and cost, and allowing for flexible reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bespoke construction methods are used for operating theatres, then the building can be customized to meet specific requirements, but the construction time extends to several years and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The operating theatre building is divided into modular pre-assembled units that can be manufactured off-site and rapidly assembled on-site. Each module contains integrated service networks (ventilation, electrical, piping) pre-installed within standardized voids, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site installation while maintaining customization through selective module configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Service networks and building components are pre-assembled and pre-tested in factory conditions before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary fabrication allows for quality control and rapid on-site assembly, reducing construction time from years to months while preserving design flexibility through modular configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If service networks are installed after building construction, then the building structure can be completed first, but the installation process becomes time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The service networks (ventilation ducts, electrical conduits, piping) are merged with the building structure by integrating them into pre-formed voids within the modular units. This combination allows service networks to be installed simultaneously with the building structure during factory fabrication, eliminating the separate post-construction installation phase and reducing overall project time.
3Ease of operation
If plant equipment is located on the roof of the facility, then space is saved inside the building and access for maintenance is improved, but the project cost and complexity increase due to bespoke design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized interface module serves as an intermediary between the roof-mounted plant equipment and the building's service networks. This intermediary component provides pre-configured connection points and routing pathways, simplifying the integration process and reducing design complexity while maintaining the benefits of roof equipment placement for space efficiency and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A service network system 1, for providing services to an operating theatre facility 3, comprising, an air handling unit 19, an interface pre-assembled module 13, a receiver pre-assembled module 11, an operating theatre pre-assembled module 9, ventilation supply ductwork 50,55,77 and ventilation return ductwork 52,57,79. The ventilation supply ductwork 50, 55,77 and ventilation return ductwork 52, 57,79 pass from the air handling unit 9 then through the interface pre-assembled module 13, then through the receiver pre-assembled module 11 and then into the operating theatre pre-assembled module 9.