Modular construction panels

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system for construction using multi-purpose panel member, which may be utilized as any surface or support beam in a structure, along with auxiliary components including track members and corner members. In a preferred embodiment, the track member includes one or more channels for receiving panel members, and may also accommodate fasteners for securing the panel member to the track member. The corner member may be used to adjoin two or more panels at a desired angle, and may also serve as a decorative cap for the interconnection of two or more panel members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular panel comprising:
 a panel body extending along a longitudinal axis, the panel body comprising a first wall and a second wall spaced apart and connected by one or more internal webs;   a first connector structure disposed at a first longitudinal edge of the panel body; and   a second connector structure disposed at a second longitudinal edge of the panel body opposite the first longitudinal edge, wherein the first connector structure comprises a male interface feature, and the second connector structure comprises a female interface feature configured to receive the male interface feature of an adjacent modular panel to form a sealed joint between adjacent panels.   
     
     
         2 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , wherein the first wall and the second wall are generally parallel and define an internal cavity therebetween. 
     
     
         3 . The modular panel of  claim 2 , wherein the internal cavity is configured to receive insulation material or provide a thermal break. 
     
     
         4 . The modular panel of  claim 2 , wherein the internal cavity defines a first channel configured for routing electrical wiring, HVAC lines, or fluid conduits. 
     
     
         5 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more internal webs include at least one transverse rib extending between the first wall and the second wall. 
     
     
         6 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , wherein the male interface feature comprises a protruding flange and the female interface feature comprises a corresponding groove configured to receive the flange. 
     
     
         7 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , wherein the first connector structure and the second connector structure are each configured to provide a snap-fit engagement. 
     
     
         8 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , further comprising a sealing feature disposed within the second connector structure. 
     
     
         9 . The modular panel of  claim 8 , wherein the sealing feature comprises a resilient gasket positioned to contact the male interface feature of the adjacent panel. 
     
     
         10 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , wherein the panel body comprises an extruded aluminum or composite material. 
     
     
         11 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second connector structures are integrally formed with the panel body. 
     
     
         12 . The modular panel of  claim 1 , wherein the panel body further comprises a surface treatment for UV protection or weather resistance. 
     
     
         13 . A panelized wall assembly system for constructing a building structure, comprising:
 a plurality of modular panels, wherein each modular panel comprises:   a panel body extending along a longitudinal axis, the panel body comprising a first wall and a second wall spaced apart and connected by one or more internal webs;   a first connector structure disposed at a first longitudinal edge of the panel body; an   a second connector structure disposed at a second longitudinal edge of the panel body opposite the first longitudinal edge, wherein the first connector structure comprises a male interface feature, and the second connector structure comprises a female interface feature configured to receive the male interface feature of an adjacent modular panel; wherein   adjacent panels are joined along their respective connector structures to form a continuous wall assembly.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a track member configured to receive lower edges of the modular panels to support vertical alignment. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a corner extrusion configured to interface with the connector structures of the modular panels at a corner junction. 
     
     
         16 . A method of forming a modular structure, comprising:
 providing a plurality of modular panels, each comprising:   a panel body extending along a longitudinal axis, the panel body comprising a first wall and a second wall spaced apart and connected by one or more internal webs;   a first connector structure disposed at a first longitudinal edge of the panel body; and   a second connector structure disposed at a second longitudinal edge of the panel body opposite the first longitudinal edge, wherein the first connector structure comprises a male interface feature, and the second connector structure comprises a female interface feature configured to receive the male interface feature of an adjacent modular panel;   aligning a first modular panel with a second modular panel such that the male interface feature of the first modular panel is positioned to engage the female interface feature of the second modular panel; and   joining the panels by inserting the male interface feature into the female interface feature to form a sealed joint.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising inserting a sealing member into the female interface feature prior to the joining step. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising securing a lower portion of the modular panels into a track member prior to joining the upper portions. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising applying an adhesive or bonding agent to at least one of the connector structures prior to joining. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the sealed joint between adjacent panels provides thermal, acoustic, or weather resistance.