Panel structures with integrated conduits

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 panel members disposed to form a plurality of walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs within the structure;   each of the plurality of panel members including open ends and a plurality of channels in communication with the open ends; and   an air conditioning unit disposed to deliver air into at least one of the channels.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the channels extend longitudinally through each panel member from a first open end to a second open end. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the channels are enclosed by a pair of oppositely disposed outer faces connected by a plurality of internal webs. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein each of the panel members is formed as a monolithic aluminum extrusion. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the air conditioning unit is fluidly connected to the channel of a wall panel member. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members forming the ceilings are configured to receive airflow from the channels of panel members forming the walls. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of connectors configured to couple adjacent panel members and permit airflow between their respective channels. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the channels within at least one panel member are thermally insulated. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members include end caps or plugs to selectively block airflow at one or more open ends. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein airflow through the channels is driven by a fan, blower, or pressure differential created by the air conditioning unit. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the air conditioning unit is configured to supply cooled or heated air through the channels. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one channel includes a sensor for monitoring temperature or air pressure within the channel. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a flow regulation system configured to control the rate or direction of airflow within the channels. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the channels are configured to distribute air to multiple zones or rooms of the structure. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel members are disposed vertically as walls and horizontally as ceilings and floors, with airflow routed vertically and laterally. 
     
     
         16 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a return air pathway within one or more of the panel members to support recirculating air. 
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein airflow is directed through successive panel members by alignment of the open ends and channels between adjacent panels. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the channels terminate in openings aligned with a room-facing surface of a panel member. 
     
     
         19 . A structure comprising:
 a plurality of panel members forming walls and ceilings within the structure, each panel member including at least one internal channel extending between open ends;   an air conditioning unit configured to deliver air into a first panel member; and   a plurality of elbow joints configured to place the internal channel of the first panel member in fluid communication with the internal channel of a second panel member positioned orthogonally to the first panel member.   
     
     
         20 . A structure comprising:
 a plurality of panel members each including a set of longitudinal channels in communication with open ends;   an air conditioning unit delivering air into the channels;   a plurality of diffuser grills disposed in fluid communication with the channels to direct air into a room of the structure; and   a control system configured to regulate the timing, volume, or temperature of air distributed through the diffuser grills.