Optimizing Cold Formed Steel Stud Bundling for Shipping Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipping methods for cold formed steel studs are inefficient, leading to wasted space in containers and increased transportation costs due to disorganized bundling and the potential for misplaced or lost materials during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that optimizes the bundling of cold formed steel studs by analyzing building models, calculating member properties, and arranging them within shipping containers to minimize volume and maximize the number of members per container, using techniques such as sliding members into each other to reduce empty space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cold formed steel studs are bundled together for shipping, then the members can be transported to construction sites, but the bundles occupy large volume and do not utilize shipping container space in an optimized way
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing smaller steel members inside larger members or adjacent bundles. The system identifies members with compatible dimensions and nesting characteristics, then arranges them in nested configurations where smaller C-channels, tracks, or bracing members are positioned within the hollow sections of larger members, significantly reducing the overall volume occupied by the bundled materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by considering length, width, and height dimensions simultaneously. The system calculates optimal bundle configurations that extend into multiple dimensions, arranging members in stacked, layered, or interlocked patterns that maximize container space utilization beyond simple linear bundling.
2Ease of operation
If bundles are prepared without organized methodology, then shipping can be simplified, but workers may misplace or lose members during assembly and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging members into organized bundles with specific sequencing information before shipping. The system generates detailed assembly instructions and visual guides that show workers the exact order and orientation in which members should be installed, eliminating the need for workers to remember complex assembly sequences and reducing the risk of misplaced members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an informational intermediary system that bridges the gap between the bundled members and the assembly process. This includes generating and providing assembly instructions, visual guides, and sequencing information that act as intermediaries to guide workers through the assembly process, ensuring correct member placement without requiring complex worker knowledge.
3Quantity of substance
If more shipping containers are used to transport members, then all materials can be transported, but transportation costs and carbon footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple types of steel members into single integrated bundles. The system identifies members that can be bundled together in compatible configurations, combining C-channels, tracks, bracing members, and other components into unified bundle units that maximize container load capacity and reduce the total number of shipping containers required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting bundle dimensions, member orientations, and arrangement configurations based on container specifications and member properties. The system calculates optimal packing parameters such as bundle length, width, height, and stacking patterns to maximize space utilization and minimize the number of containers needed for transportation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a computer method for manufacturing and shipping building construction materials, comprising; reviewing, a building model, wherein the building model is comprised of sections and each section is comprised of a set of members; calculating, the properties of each member of the set of members for each section; arranging, the set of members of each section to form a bundle, wherein the bundle is an arrangement of the set of members based on a volume limitation of a shipping container; and adjusting, the bundle based on other bundles which are placed within the shipping container.