Collapsible Enclosure Frame Segmentation for Weather Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible enclosures and shelters face issues such as lack of rigidity in adverse weather conditions, being too lightweight, or being too heavy and bulky, making them difficult to erect or transport.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible ground blind with a frame assembly and outer shell that is shiftable between erected and collapsed configurations, featuring an articulated frame with tubular sections and hinge devices for rigidity, and a cover assembly with removable sections for weather resistance and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional collapsible enclosures are made lightweight and portable, then ease of transport is improved, but rigidity and weather resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into multiple collapsible frame sections that can be segmented and folded. Each frame section includes tubular members connected by hinge devices, allowing the structure to be divided into manageable segments that can collapse flat for transport but maintain rigidity when erected. This segmentation enables the enclosure to be lightweight yet structurally sound when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame sections utilize composite construction combining lightweight tubular members with rigid hinge devices and connector assemblies. The outer shell combines rigid panels for structural integrity with flexible weather-resistant materials for weather protection. This composite approach allows the enclosure to achieve both lightweight portability and sufficient rigidity for adverse weather conditions.
2Reliability
If conventional enclosures are made larger and more weather resistant, then weather resistance is improved, but ease of erection and transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The large enclosure is segmented into multiple frame sections with corresponding outer shell panels. Each section can be independently assembled and then connected to form the complete large structure. The hinge devices and connector assemblies enable quick attachment and detachment, allowing two people to erect the full-size enclosure efficiently while maintaining comprehensive weather resistance across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly incorporates dynamic hinge devices that allow the frame sections to transition smoothly between collapsed and erected states. The outer shell panels are designed to flex and adapt during the erection process, then lock into rigid positions when assembled. This dynamic design enables easy erection and collapse while maintaining structural integrity and weather resistance when the enclosure is in its operational erected state.
3Reliability
If conventional enclosures use rigid building materials for weather resistance, then weather resistance is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell utilizes weather-resistant panels that combine rigid structural elements with flexible weatherproof membranes. These panels provide comprehensive protection against wind, rain, and snow while being thin and lightweight enough to maintain overall portability. The flexible portions allow the shell to conform to the collapsible frame structure while maintaining weather sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell employs composite material construction combining lightweight rigid panels for structural support with flexible weather-resistant coatings and membranes for environmental protection. This composite approach delivers comprehensive weather resistance comparable to traditional rigid building materials while significantly reducing the overall weight and improving portability of the enclosure.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible enclosure includes a frame assembly and an outer shell. The frame assembly includes frame sections. The outer shell is removably attachable to the frame assembly so that the frame assembly and outer shell cooperatively define an interior space. The outer shell includes at least one shell segment removably attachable to a corresponding frame section.