Methods & systems for modular buildings

Abstract

Systems and methods providing a modular building that is self-contained within a standard shipping container, wherein the pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined structure using a cam-based component connector. system that provides for mating, dual-track alignment and locking of the modular panels with each other along their adjoining seams

1 . A modular building system for creating an energy-efficient structure comprising: a multiplicity of pre-fabricated panel wall components and roof components, each having a face side and a back side and four edges including a pair of spaced-apart parallel tracks that run the length of at least two opposite edges for aligning the edges together to form a seam, wherein the components further include locking components for securedly attaching the components together along the seams. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the seams are vertical. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the locking components are embedded mechanical locking components. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical locking components include mating, dual-track alignment seams and a cam-based connector that extends between a first position and a second position, wherein the at least two edges are first aligned by the mating, dual-track alignment seams when the cam-based connector is in the first position (unlocked) and then the connector is moved to the second position to lock the wall components together, thereby providing an energy efficient seam where the components are connected, aligned, and locked together. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wall components are attachable by aligning the tracks from two wall components with each other and locking them together mechanically. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the multiplicity of components are assembled at mating edges that provide for aligned and locked seams. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further including special wall components that are shaped to provide corners for a rectangular structure, wherein corners have no seam or joint. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular wall panel components include insulation between the face side and the back side. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular wall panel components have an energy efficiency rating for energy star ratings. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system further includes optional components selected from the group consisting of at least one window, electrical conduit, electrical wiring, switches, outlets, lighting fixtures, plumbing, plumbing elements, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further including appliances or equipment that are operable after installation in the building after the components have been assembled together to form the building. 
     
     
         12 . A method for providing a modular building structure comprising the steps of: providing a containerized kit wherein the kit is sized and configured to be enclosed by a housing and includes therewithin a modular building system further comprising a predetermined number of modular wall components, a roof system, and at least one door; providing instructions for assembling the modular building system for forming a complete building unit, including aligning the modular wall components along their opposite edges via a double mating spaced apart rail that extends along the length of the wall to provide an energy efficient seam when wall components are joined. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the system further includes optional components selected from the group consisting of at least one window, electrical conduit, electrical wiring, switches, outlets, lighting fixtures, plumbing, plumbing elements, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A method for installing a modular building structure, comprising the steps of: 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the system further includes appliances or equipment that are operable after installation in the building after the components have been assembled together to form the building. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the panels are lockable to form a predetermined structure using a cam-based component connector system that provides for mating, dual-track alignment and locking of the modular panels with each other along their adjoining seams.