Deployable Kitchen Wing and Roof Structure for Durable Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable kitchens face challenges in efficiently expanding space and maintaining movable wall and roof structures due to deterioration from exposure to elements and repeated use, which affects their ability to quickly prepare meals for large groups in field or disaster scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A deployable kitchen design featuring a movable wing pivotably coupled to the enclosure with a motive assembly, including a tension member and winch system, that transitions between wall and floor positions, and a foldable covering supported by a covering support assembly, allowing for increased service volume and improved durability through the use of a chafe guard and absence of core material for weight reduction and water drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually actuated winch with complex cable routing is used to move wing walls, then the wing walls can be moved between positions, but the mechanism deteriorates over time due to exposure to elements and repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manually actuated winch with an electric motor assembly that automatically moves the movable wall between first and second positions. This substitution eliminates the complex cable routing and manual operation, reducing wear and deterioration from repeated use while maintaining the wall's movability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chafe guard as an intermediary protective element between the tension member and the movable wall. This chafe guard prevents direct contact and wear between components, reducing deterioration from friction and exposure to elements while still allowing the tension member to effectively move the wall.
2Strength
If core material is present within the internal volume of the movable wing, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and water drainage is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the core material from the internal volume of the movable wall, extracting the heavy component that was providing structural support. This weight reduction is compensated by the structural framework and bracing elements that remain, achieving a lighter movable wall that still maintains adequate strength while allowing improved water drainage through the now-empty internal volume.
3Ease of operation
If movable wall mechanism is simplified for easier operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism may lack durability under repeated use and exposure to elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical systems with an electric motor assembly that automatically controls the movable wall's movement. This simplification improves ease of operation while the motorized system provides consistent, controlled movement that reduces stress and wear on components, enhancing durability under repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The chafe guard serves as a protective intermediary that shields the tension member and other mechanical components from direct exposure to elements and friction during repeated operations. This protective element maintains simplicity of the movement mechanism while significantly improving durability by preventing wear and environmental degradation.
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
Enables efficient expansion of kitchen space, enhances durability by preventing tension member degradation, and facilitates rapid meal preparation for large groups while conserving resources, maintaining structural integrity and reducing water absorption.
Implementation Method 1
A motive assembly is coupled to the enclosure. The motive assembly is operably coupled to the movable wing, such that actuation of the motive assembly transitions the movable wing between a first position and a second position.
Implementation Method 2
The attachment structure includes a chafe guard positioned to preclude contact between an edge of the movable wing and the tension member of the motive assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable facility includes an enclosure that has a first configuration with a first service volume and a second configuration with a second service volume. The second service volume is greater than the first service volume. The enclosure includes a fixed floor, a fixed roof, and a movable wing that is pivotably coupled to the fixed floor. The deployable facility also includes a covering support assembly that is pivotably coupled to the fixed roof. The covering support assembly has a collapsed configuration within the first service volume on a condition that the enclosure is in the first configuration and an expanded configuration within the second service volume on a condition that the enclosure is in the second configuration.