Stainless Steel–Plastic Building Frame for Modular Utility Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital architectural topologies in the tech industry, including those in the construction sector, have reached their limits of scale, leading to issues with bandwidth, latency, security, and control, and cannot support advanced technologies like 6G and MEC, while Buildings-as-a-Platform (BaaP) and Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) enterprises require higher functionality and security.
Innovation Solution
A building frame system comprising stainless steel and resiliently deformable plastic profiles with integrated utility pods, including ventilation and edge computing capabilities, to provide structural scaffolding and support various utility devices, enhancing scalability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing digital platforms are used for building infrastructure, then current systems can be maintained, but scalability, bandwidth, latency, security, and control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular functional units (rooms, floors, wings) that can be independently designed, constructed, and deployed. Each module contains its own digital infrastructure components, allowing incremental scaling without compromising overall system security. The attachment system with mounting points creates discrete connection nodes that segment the digital topology into manageable secure zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested digital infrastructure layers where utility pods containing edge computing devices are integrated within building modules, which are themselves part of the larger building framework. This nested structure allows advanced technologies (6G, MEC, photon computing) to be deployed at appropriate hierarchical levels, achieving scalability while maintaining security through layered access control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing tech platforms are used, then current functionality is maintained, but advanced technologies like 6G, MEC, and Photon Computing cannot be optimised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system with standardized mounting points and the modular utility pod design create universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of utility devices and advanced technology components. The same structural framework supports both traditional building utilities and cutting-edge technologies like 6G base stations and edge computing servers, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional building structures are used, then construction simplicity is maintained, but integration of utility devices and advanced digital services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system with pre-configured mounting points and the modular utility pod design allow utility devices and digital infrastructure components to be pre-assembled and tested before final installation. This preliminary preparation simplifies on-site construction while enabling sophisticated device integration, as components arrive ready-to-install rather than requiring complex field assembly.
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
The system enhances scalability and functionality by enabling efficient air management, utility device integration, and edge computing, addressing the limitations of existing platforms and supporting advanced digital services.
Implementation Method 1
the motor-drive ventilation device is adapted to generate power from air movement between the exterior of the cavity and the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a structural plastic profile having ribs formed of resiliently deformable plastic
Implementation Method 3
the structural plastic profile is attached to the stainless steel profile using a structural adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A building frame system (100) for providing structural scaffolding of a building, the system (100) including: a first and a second upright column (110), the columns (110) being spaced apart; one or more horizontal beams (120) extending between the columns (110); an outer skin (130) and an inner skin (132) extending between the columns (110) to define a cavity (140) between the columns (110), the skins (130, 132) being connected to the beams (120) so as to be supported thereby; an attachment system (150) connected to the beam (120), the attachment system (150) having a mounting point (152) for receiving a utility device (200), wherein the columns (110) include a composite structure (160) having: a stainless steel profile (162); and a structural plastic profile (164) having ribs (166) formed of resiliently deformable plastic.