Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a modular housing structure
The present invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a modular housing structure. One embodiment of the invention includes a modular housing structure. The modular housing structure includes a plurality of wall modules. Each wall module includes a plurality of wall panel struts. Each wall panel strut includes a wall mounting portion adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel, wherein the wall mounting portion includes at least one wall mounting element adapted to resist movement of the wall panel with respect to the wall mounting portion. The modular housing structure also includes at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts, wherein each wall module can mount to an adjacent wall module, whereby a plurality of walls can be formed by the plurality of wall modules.
This invention relates generally to the field of structures, and more particularly, relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a modular housing structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConventional housing structures can utilize frame-type construction and lightweight materials, such as wood, drywall, corrugated metal, and sheet metal. Frame-type construction using such materials can be erected relatively quickly, and can also provide relatively inexpensive shelter for multiple purposes. In some instances, such conventional housing structures can be prefabricated or modularized to permit the use of common building techniques to quickly erect the housing structure. However, frame-type construction using lightweight materials can oftentimes lack sufficient strength to withstand adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow and severe weather, including hail, high winds, or torrential rain. Wood materials, for example, may be prone to water damage and over time may deteriorate or rot. In other instances, frame-type construction using lightweight materials can be prone to security problems, such as vandalism or theft.
One type of conventional housing structure using lightweight materials is used to house a conventional vehicle image acquisition system. This type of structure may not withstand snow, hail, heavy rain, or high winds in a severe storm. The potential loss or damage to the structure and/or to one or more components of vehicle image acquisition system can be time consuming and expensive to repair or replace.
Relatively heavier materials can be utilized with frame-type construction for a housing structure, including brick, reinforced concrete, and steel. However, frame-type construction using heavier materials can oftentimes take much longer to erect. Such construction is not suitable for prefabricated or modularized building techniques, and therefore can be relatively expensive to erect and maintain. Moreover, such construction may involve relatively more complex building techniques, thereby increasing the time and costs to erect a housing structure.
Therefore, a need exists for systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing an improved modular housing structure.
A further need exists for systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a modular housing structure for a vehicle image acquisition system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONSome or all of the needs can be addressed by embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention can provide a modular housing structure. Other embodiments of the present invention can provide a modular housing structure with one or more wall and/or roof modules utilizing a series of struts and compressed panel components. Embodiments of the invention can provide a temporary building structure that is relatively easy to assemble, can provide for modular expansion, and can be relatively more stable and bear greater loads than conventional frame-type building structures and technologies. Embodiments of the invention can be utilized with a vehicle image acquisition system capable of capturing images of a vehicle, such as an automobile, used to identify various parts of the vehicle for purposes of analysis, comparison, and damage identification. Embodiments of the invention can also be used in conjunction with a series of cameras or other image capturing devices, and associated computing functionality with a database.
Essentially, the invention can provide a modular housing structure including a plurality of wall modules. Each wall module includes a plurality of wall panel struts. Each wall panel strut includes a wall mounting portion adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel. The wall mounting portion includes at least one wall mounting element adapted to resist movement of the wall panel with respect to the wall mounting portion. Each wall modules also includes at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts, and wherein each wall module can mount to an adjacent wall module, whereby a plurality of walls can be formed by the plurality of wall modules.
In another embodiment, the invention can provide an apparatus with a plurality of walls and a roof. The apparatus can include a plurality of roof panel struts, wherein each roof panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel. The apparatus can also include at least one roof panel, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts. The apparatus can further include a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel. In addition, the apparatus can include at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts, and wherein the roof panel struts can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall panel modules whereby the roof panel struts and at least one roof panel are elevated relative to the plurality of wall panel struts and at least one wall panel.
In yet another embodiment, the invention can provide a structure capable of housing a vehicle image acquisition system. The structure can include a plurality of roof panel struts, wherein each roof panel strut comprises a roof mounting portion comprising a H-shaped clip adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel. Moreover, the structure can include at least one roof panel, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts, wherein the roof panel is adjacent to a respective roof mounting portion comprising a respective H-shaped clip associated with the at least two roof panel struts. Furthermore, the structure can include a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut comprises a wall mounting portion comprising a H-shaped clip adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel. In addition, the structure can include at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts, wherein the wall panel is adjacent to a respective wall mounting portion comprising a H-shaped clip associated with the two wall panel struts. Further, the roof panel struts can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall panel modules whereby the roof panel struts and at least one roof panel are elevated relative to the plurality of wall panel struts and at least one wall panel.
In additional embodiments, associated methods for erecting a modular housing structure can be provided. In one method, the method includes providing a plurality of wall modules. Each wall module includes a plurality of wall panel struts. Each wall panel strut includes a wall mounting portion adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel, wherein the wall mounting portion comprises at least one wall mounting element adapted to resist movement of the wall panel with respect to the wall mounting portion. The wall module also includes at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts. The method also includes mounting each wall module to an adjacent wall module, whereby a plurality of walls can be formed by the plurality of wall modules.
In another embodiment, a method for erecting an apparatus with a plurality of walls and a roof can be provided. The method can include providing a plurality of roof panel struts, wherein each roof panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel. In addition, the method can include providing at least one roof panel, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts. Furthermore, the method can include mounting the at least one roof panel to the plurality of roof panel struts. Further, the method can include providing a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel. Moreover, the method can include providing at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts. The method can also include mounting the at least one wall panel to the plurality of wall panel struts; wherein the roof panel struts can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall panel modules whereby the roof panel struts and at least one roof panel are elevated relative to the plurality of wall panel struts and at least one wall panel.
Other embodiments of systems, methods, and apparatuses according to the invention are apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various embodiments of the invention address some or all of the above issues and combinations thereof. They do so by providing systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a modular housing structure. Furthermore, they provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a modular housing structure for a vehicle image acquisition system. Embodiments of the present invention can utilize a series of struts and compressed panels to form one or more wall modules and roof modules for a modular housing structure. The resulting structure is a modular housing structure that is suitable for housing a vehicle image acquisition system.
The term “strut” may include, but is not limited to, a beam, rod, member, structural member, support, or any other structural-type device. Examples of a strut can include, but are not limited to, an extruded aluminum beam with a generally consistent cross-section and a predefined length, such as a 6000 series aluminum alloy metal strut with a friction type locking groove. Example cross-sections of exemplary struts are shown in
The term “module” may include, but is not limited to, a portion of a wall, a portion of a roof, or a series of struts and panels. Examples of a module can include, but are not limited to, a wall module with a series of struts configured in a rectangular-shaped frame and a panel component oriented between at least two of the struts. Examples of exemplary modules are shown in
The term “mounting element” may include, but is not limited to, an apparatus, a device, a component, a connector, or any device capable of mounting one object to another object. Examples of a mounting element can include, but are not limited to, a H-shaped connector. An examples of exemplary mounting element is shown in
The terms “compressed” and “compression” refer to act or state of a material when the material is forced or otherwise pressed together. For example, a material can be compressed or can be placed into a state of compression when a predefined size or shape of material is forced or pressed into a space slightly smaller than the predefined size or shape of the material.
By way of example, a modular housing structure in accordance with embodiments of the invention can operate in a variety of environments, such as a parking lot, a field, a predefined space, an open space, or any combination therein. One example of an environment in which a modular housing structure in accordance with embodiments of the invention can operate is a surface 102, such as a parking lot, shown in
By of further example, a modular housing structure in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be embodied in a variety of different shapes and sizes sufficient for a vehicle to drive into, stop, and drive through the structure 100. One example of a vehicle in which a modular housing structure can operate in conjunction with in accordance with embodiments of the invention is a car 104 shown in
By way of additional example, a modular housing structure 100 is capable of housing some or all of the components of a vehicle image acquisition system capable of imaging, managing, and tracking vehicle-related information, such as vehicle damage and/or repair information. In one embodiment, a modular housing structure 100 includes a vehicle image acquisition system with a field unit inspection system and a local computer, such as the vehicle image acquisition system shown as 106 in
The example modular housing structure shown in
The embodiment shown in
Furthermore, a predefined number of roof struts and roof panels can be modularized or assembled together to form a roof module. The embodiment shown in
One or more wall modules can be assembled together with one or more roof modules to form a modular housing structure, such as 100 as shown in
In one embodiment, a modular housing structure 100 can be constructed from two rectangular-shaped wall modules, a rectangular-shaped roof module, and two end wall modules. In this example, the modular housing structure 100 can have an approximate dimension of 18′-0″ feet in width, 28′-9″ in length, and 10′-11″ in height. The particular dimensions of a modular housing structure 100 can depend on the loading requirements of the modular housing structure 100, or the size of the vehicles, associated vehicle image acquisition system, or other objects to be accommodated within the modular housing structure 100.
The strut 200 shown in
The strut 300 shown in
The mounting device 400 shown in
Each cavity 402a-b of the mounting device 400 shown in
Other quantities and dimensions of teeth can be utilized for the notches or other mounting elements in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. Similarly, other embodiments of a mounting device 400 can have fewer or greater numbers of mounting portions, cavities, mounting elements, or notches, and may have different dimensions, configurations and/or shapes of mounting portions, cavities, mounting elements, or notches.
In the embodiment shown in
The wall panel 500 shown in
The wall panel 600 shown in
A series of vertically arranged wall panels 722, 724, 726, 728, 730, 732, 734 are positioned between at least two adjacent vertically arranged wall struts, and placed into compression. The spacing between two adjacent vertically arranged wall struts can be configured to be slightly smaller or narrower than the width of an associated wall panel to be mounted between the two adjacent vertically arranged wall struts. In this manner, the wall panels 722, 724, 726, 728, 730, 732, 734 can be mounted between two respective adjacent vertically arranged wall struts and the wall panel will be placed into compression. The wall panels 722, 724, 726, 728, 730, 732, 734 can be, for example, similar to wall panel 500 in
Each of the wall struts 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716 can include a mounting device, similar to the mounting device 400 shown and described above in
In the embodiment shown, a rectangular-shaped door 736 and an associated door frame 738 can provide access through the wall module 700. In this example, the door 736 and door frame 738 can be mounted between two adjacent wall struts, such as 702 and 704. A relatively small wall panel 722 can be adapted to fit between wall struts 702 and 704, and above the door 736 and frame 738. A door frame roof 740, also shown in
To increase the compression on each of the mounted wall panels, a series of tensioning rods can mount between each adjacent pair of vertically oriented wall struts 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716. For example, as shown in
The wall module 116 shown in
A series of vertically arranged wall panels 816, 818, 820 are positioned between at least two adjacent vertically arranged wall struts, and placed into compression. The wall panels 816, 818, 820 can be, for example, similar to wall panel 500 in
Each of the wall struts 802, 804, 806, 808 can include a mounting device, similar to the mounting device 400 shown and described above in
In the embodiment shown, a rectangular-shaped door 822 and an associated door frame 824 can provide access through the wall module 800. In this example, the door 822 and door frame 824 can be centered and mounted between two adjacent wall struts, such as 802 and 804. A relatively small wall panel 818 can be adapted to fit between wall struts 802 and 804, and above the door 822 and frame 824. A suitable door can be a commercial 26 gauge corrugated door curtain, coated with a siliconized polyester paint or similar coating, sold and distributed as Model 1950 by Janus International Corporation of Temple, Ga.
To increase the compression on each of the mounted wall panels, a series of tensioning rods, similar to those described in
The wall module 800 shown in
A series of roof panels 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 are positioned between at least two adjacent horizontally arranged roof struts, and placed into compression. The roof panels 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 can be, for example, similar to roof panel 600 in
Each of the roof struts 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916 can include a mounting device, similar to the mounting device 400 shown and described above in
To increase the compression on each of the mounted roof panels, a series of tensioning rods can mount between each adjacent pair of horizontally aligned roof struts 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916. For example, as shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The roof module 900 shown in
As explained above in
In the embodiment shown in
A similar configuration to
In addition, an additional roof strut 1508 is shown aligned parallel with the tensioning rods 1500 and generally near the center of the roof module 1504. The additional roof strut 1508 can provide additional support for the roof panels 1506 as well as a mounting strut for equipment associated with a vehicle image acquisition system or other systems or devices, such as lighting.
The method 1600 begins in block 1602. In block 1602, a plurality of wall modules is provided. In the embodiment shown in
Block 1602 is followed by block 1604, in which each wall module is mounted to an adjacent wall module, whereby a plurality of walls can be formed by the plurality of wall modules.
The method 1600 ends at block 1604.
The method 1700 begins in block 1702. In block 1702, a plurality of roof panel struts is provided, wherein each roof panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel.
Block 1702 is followed by block 1704, in which at least one roof panel is provided, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts.
Block 1704 is followed by block 1706, in which the at least one roof panel is mounted to the plurality of roof panel struts.
Block 1706 is followed by block 1708, in which a plurality of wall panel struts is provided, wherein each wall panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel.
Block 1708 is followed by block 1710, in which at least one wall panel is provided, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts.
Block 1710 is followed by block 1712, in which the at least one wall panel is mounted to the plurality of wall panel struts; wherein the roof panel struts can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall panel modules whereby the roof panel struts and at least one roof panel are elevated relative to the plurality of wall panel struts and at least one wall panel.
The method 1700 ends at block 1712.
While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.
Claims
1. A modular housing structure, comprising:
- a plurality of wall modules, wherein each wall module comprises: a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut comprises: a wall mounting portion adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel, wherein the wall mounting portion comprises at least one wall mounting element adapted to resist movement of the wall panel with respect to the wall mounting portion; at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts; and
- wherein each wall module can mount to an adjacent wall module, whereby a plurality of walls can be formed by the plurality of wall modules.
2. The modular housing structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wall modules further comprises:
- at least one wall support capable of mounting to some of the plurality of wall panel struts, and further capable of providing a compression force to at least some of the plurality of wall panel struts, wherein the compression force is further transferred to the at least one wall panel.
3. The modular housing structure of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one roof module, comprising: a plurality of roof panel struts, wherein each roof panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel; at least one roof panel, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts;
- wherein each roof panel strut comprises a roof mounting portion adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel, wherein the roof mounting portion comprises at least one roof mounting element adapted to resist movement of the roof panel with respect to the roof mounting portion;
- wherein the at least one roof module can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall modules whereby the at least one roof module is elevated relative to the plurality of wall modules and a roof can be formed with respect to the plurality of walls.
4. The modular housing structure of claim 3, wherein the at least one roof module further comprises:
- at least one roof support capable of mounting to some of the plurality of roof panel struts, and further capable of providing a compression force to at least some of the plurality of roof panel struts, wherein the compression force is further transferred to the at least one roof panel.
5. The modular housing structure of claim 1, wherein the wall mounting portion comprises a H-shaped clip capable of receiving a portion of a first wall panel, and a portion of a second wall panel.
6. The modular housing structure of claim 1, wherein the wall mounting element comprises at least one of the following: a tooth, a notch, a series of teeth, a series of notches, a frictional coating, or an uneven surface.
7. The modular housing structure of claim 5, wherein the H-shaped clip is integrated with at least one wall panel strut.
8. The modular housing structure of claim 5, wherein the H-shaped clip mounts to a portion of at least one wall panel strut.
9. The modular housing structure of claim 3, wherein the roof mounting portion comprises a respective H-shaped clip capable of receiving a portion of a first roof panel, and a portion of a second roof panel.
10. The modular housing structure of claim 9, wherein the H-shaped clip is integrated with at least one roof panel strut.
11. The modular housing structure of claim 9, wherein the H-shaped clip mounts to a portion of at least one roof panel strut.
12. The modular housing structure of claim 3, wherein the wall panel struts and roof panel struts comprise at least one of the following: aluminum, or steel.
13. The modular housing structure of claim 3, wherein the wall panel and roof panel each comprise at least one of the following: high density polyethylene (HDPE), high molecular weight (HMW) polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), nylon, plastic, or fiberglass.
14. The modular housing structure of claim 1, wherein at least one wall module can be secured to the ground by an anchor.
15. The modular housing structure of claim 1, wherein at least some of the wall panel struts are capable of supporting image acquisition equipment.
16. An apparatus with a plurality of walls and a roof, comprising:
- a plurality of roof panel struts, wherein each roof panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel;
- at least one roof panel, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts;
- a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel;
- at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts; and
- wherein the roof panel struts can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall panel modules whereby the roof panel struts and at least one roof panel are elevated relative to the plurality of wall panel struts and at least one wall panel.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising:
- at least one wall support capable of mounting to some of the plurality of wall panel struts, and further capable of providing a compression force to at least some of the plurality of wall panel struts, wherein the compression force is further transferred to the at least one wall panel.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising
- at least one roof support capable of mounting to some of the plurality of roof panel struts, and further capable of providing a compression force to at least some of the plurality of roof panel struts, wherein the compression force is further transferred to the at least one roof panel.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each roof panel strut comprises a H-shaped clip capable of receiving a portion of a first roof panel, and a portion of a second roof panel.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the H-shaped clip comprises a friction element comprising at least one of the following: a tooth, a notch, a series of teeth, a series of notches, a frictional coating, or an uneven surface.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the H-shaped clip is integrated with at least one roof panel strut.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the H-shaped clip mounts to a portion of at least one roof panel strut.
23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each wall panel strut comprises a H-shaped clip capable of receiving a portion of a first wall panel, and a portion of a second wall panel.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the H-shaped clip is integrated with at least one wall panel strut.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the H-shaped clip mounts to a portion of at least one wall panel strut.
26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the wall panel struts and roof panel struts comprise at least one of the following: aluminum, or steel.
27. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the wall panel and roof panel each comprise at least one of the following: high density polyethylene (HDPE), high molecular weight (HMW) polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), nylon, plastic, or fiberglass.
28. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one wall strut can be secured to the ground by an anchor.
29. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least some of the wall panel struts are capable of supporting image acquisition equipment.
30. A structure capable of housing a vehicle image acquisition system, comprising:
- a plurality of roof panel struts, wherein each roof panel strut comprises a roof mounting portion comprising a H-shaped clip adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel;
- at least one roof panel, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts, wherein the roof panel is adjacent to a respective roof mounting portion comprising a respective H-shaped clip associated with the at least two roof panel struts;
- a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut comprises a wall mounting portion comprising a H-shaped clip adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel;
- at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts, wherein the wall panel is adjacent to a respective wall mounting portion comprising a H-shaped clip associated with the two wall panel struts; and
- wherein the roof panel struts can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall panel modules whereby the roof panel struts and at least one roof panel are elevated relative to the plurality of wall panel struts and at least one wall panel.
31. A method for erecting a modular housing structure, comprising:
- providing a plurality of wall modules, wherein each wall module comprises: a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut comprises: a wall mounting portion adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel, wherein the wall mounting portion comprises at least one wall mounting element adapted to resist movement of the wall panel with respect to the wall mounting portion; at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts; and
- mounting each wall module to an adjacent wall module, whereby a plurality of walls can be formed by the plurality of wall modules.
32. A method for erecting an apparatus with a plurality of walls and a roof, comprising:
- providing a plurality of roof panel struts, wherein each roof panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel;
- providing at least one roof panel, wherein each roof panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two roof panel struts;
- mounting the at least one roof panel to the plurality of roof panel struts;
- providing a plurality of wall panel struts, wherein each wall panel strut is adapted to receive a portion of a wall panel;
- providing at least one wall panel, wherein each wall panel is adapted to be mounted in compression between at least two wall panel struts;
- mounting the at least one wall panel to the plurality of wall panel struts; wherein the roof panel struts can be mounted to an elevated portion of a plurality of wall panel modules whereby the roof panel struts and at least one roof panel are elevated relative to the plurality of wall panel struts and at least one wall panel.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 21, 2006
Publication Date: Nov 8, 2007
Inventors: Sean Webb (Suwanee, GA), Craig Miller (Suwanee, GA)
Application Number: 11/408,419
International Classification: E04H 1/00 (20060101);