Collapsible Changing Station Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable changing enclosures are not suitable for cold climates as they fail to trap and recycle body heat, provide wind protection, and accommodate the physical movements required for changing into and out of wetsuits, especially in public settings.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, wearable changing station with a triangular pedestal, waterproof fabric pockets, and a drawcord hood, designed to provide thermal, wind, and rain protection, featuring a durable rubber bottom, structural support, and a zipper system for easy assembly and storage, along with a detachable privacy screen and separate compartments for wet and dry gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable changing enclosure is designed to be open at the bottom and use multiple fasteners for assembly, then it provides basic changing privacy, but it requires more time and manual dexterity to assemble and lacks thermal protection for cold climates
Solution Approach 1:
The changing enclosure is divided into separate modular components: a collapsible enclosure structure, a pedestal base, and a carrying bag. Each component can be independently assembled and configured, allowing quick setup without complex fastening procedures while maintaining thermal protection through the insulated enclosure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure incorporates thermal insulation materials and a closed-top design that traps body heat, transforming the thermal parameters of the changing environment. The insulated hood and enclosed structure maintain temperature within the changing area, providing warmth in cold climates without requiring complex assembly procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a changing enclosure is designed to be collapsible and portable, then it is easy to store and transport, but it may lack the structural rigidity needed for stable use at beaches and public places
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure structure transitions from a rigid stable configuration during use to a collapsed portable state for storage. The collapsible design allows the structure to adapt between these two states, maintaining structural integrity when deployed while enabling easy transport and storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure combines materials with different properties to achieve both rigidity and portability. The structure uses reinforced framework materials for stability during use, paired with collapsible components that can be compacted for transport, creating a composite structure that satisfies both rigidity and portability requirements.
3Temperature
If a changing enclosure provides comprehensive thermal and wind protection, then it creates a comfortable changing environment in cold climates, but it increases the complexity of the enclosure structure
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, wind protection, and a stable changing platform. The insulated hood and enclosed structure trap body heat while the same structure blocks wind, eliminating the need for separate protective elements and reducing overall complexity despite the comprehensive protection provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal protection features and structural enclosure components are merged into a single integrated design. The insulated hood becomes part of the enclosure structure, and the wind-protecting flaps are integrated into the same framework, combining multiple protective functions into one unified structure rather than separate add-on components.
4Reliability
If a changing enclosure provides a safe and comfortable surface for changing, then it protects users from elements and provides stability, but it requires additional components like pedestal and carrying bag increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying bag is designed to nest within or around the collapsed enclosure structure, and the pedestal base integrates with the enclosure components. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compacted into a single portable unit, reducing the effective complexity while maintaining the safe and comfortable changing surface provided by each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible interactive personal privacy shelter for changing into and out of clothing and wet suits may be used in association with cold water activities, which is portable and convenient for use in both cold and warm climates. The preferred embodiment is of non see through, water resistant, translucent textile, partially insulated, trapezoidal in shape, having a triangular shaped flexible rubber pedestal and foam rubber changing matt. The textile is open at the top with a draw cord insulated hood, and forms an enclosure resting upon a user's shoulders, and is entered through a zippered opening running vertically down the front. Openings on either side of the enclosure are covered by wind flaps open on one side secured by hook and loop fastener.