Collapsible low-profile privacy structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a privacy structure that can provide temporary privacy to individuals in spectator activities without obstructing the view of observers, as existing structures are often too bulky and obstructive when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible privacy structure that maintains a low profile when not in use but can deploy to form a canopy providing privacy, featuring a base structure, canopy support, flexible canopy, and linkage assembly, allowing it to transition between deployed and non-deployed states for minimal vision obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a privacy structure is deployed to provide enclosure and privacy, then privacy and seclusion are improved, but visual obstruction and profile height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The privacy structure employs a movable canopy supported by telescoping members that can extend and retract. When extended, the canopy provides full privacy enclosure; when retracted, the structure maintains a low profile that minimizes visual obstruction. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to adapt between two functional states, resolving the contradiction between providing privacy and maintaining a low profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The privacy structure is divided into separable components: a base structure, a movable canopy, and telescoping support members. The canopy can be independently extended or retracted relative to the base, allowing the privacy function to be activated only when needed. This segmentation enables the structure to maintain a compact low-profile state during most times while providing full privacy functionality when required.
2Reliability
If a privacy structure provides full enclosure for privacy, then privacy is improved, but device complexity and structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping members that support the canopy incorporate pneumatic or hydraulic actuators that provide the necessary force to extend and retract the canopy with minimal mechanical complexity. These powered mechanisms replace what would otherwise require complex mechanical linkages, springs, or counterweights, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enabling the full enclosure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical support systems (such as fixed legs, complex linkages, or heavy framing) with telescoping members that can be powered by simple linear actuators. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of the support structure while maintaining the ability to provide full enclosure when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The structure effectively provides privacy for uses like bathrooms, showers, or medical evaluations while minimizing visual obstruction, allowing it to be easily deployed and redeployed as needed, thus maintaining clear sightlines when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage assembly pivotally coupled to the base structure and pivotally coupled to the canopy support
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects are directed to a collapsible privacy structure that has a low profile when in an un-deployed state to preserve the sight lines of observers. The collapsible privacy structure may then be deployed causing a canopy structure to extend upwardly forming an internal volume that provides privacy and seclusion to the user of the structure. The internal volume may be used for a bathroom, a shower, a medical evaluation/treatment space, and/or a changing space. Upon the departure of the user from the internal volume, the collapsible privacy structure may return to the low-profile nature provided by the un-deployed state.