Systems and assemblies for constructing structures

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 structure comprising:
 a plurality of identically formed, monolithically extruded panel members disposed to form a plurality of walls and ceilings within the structure; and   a plurality of tracks fastened to a foundation of the structure and further configured to receive at least one end of each of said plurality of panel members.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members are formed entirely from aluminum. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members form an enclosed volume comprising at least one interior space within the structure. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the tracks comprise opposing channel walls configured to frictionally retain an edge portion of each panel member. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein each panel member comprises a pair of oppositely disposed walls connected by a plurality of internal webs. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a roof assembly, wherein the roof assembly is formed entirely of the same panel members as the walls and ceilings. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members are interchangeable between wall, ceiling, and floor installation positions. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of panel corner connectors configured to interlock adjacent panel members at an angle. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the tracks include an electrically conductive base in electrical communication with the panel members. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein each panel member is configured to conduct low-voltage electrical signals along its length. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 10 , wherein the panel members are connected to a sensor system configured to detect changes in electrical potential between panel locations. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor system is configured to detect thermal gradients based on differences in voltage. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members comprise a continuous conductive outer surface configured to attenuate electromagnetic interference. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein each panel member functions as an electromagnetic shield between interior and exterior regions of the structure. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members are coated or treated to maintain electrical conductivity along their surfaces. 
     
     
         16 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members are electrically grounded through the tracks or corner connections. 
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a control unit configured to monitor electrical characteristics of the panel members. 
     
     
         18 . A structure comprising:
 a plurality of monolithically extruded aluminum panel members arranged to form walls, ceilings, and floors of the structure;   a plurality of electrically conductive pathways formed through or along at least a subset of the panel members; and   a sensor interface configured to measure potential differences between panel locations.   
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 18 , wherein the sensor interface is configured to detect temperature changes based on electrical potential variations. 
     
     
         20 . A structure comprising:
 a plurality of monolithically extruded aluminum panel members, each panel member having a conductive surface configured to attenuate electromagnetic radiation;   a plurality of connectors securing the panel members to one another to form an enclosure; and   a grounding system coupled to at least one of the panel members to dissipate electromagnetic interference.