Expandable Roller Structure With Scissor Assemblies

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing expandable and collapsible structures, such as those used for shelters and conveyors, face challenges in supporting substantial loads while maintaining rigidity and simplicity of construction, particularly in complex designs like the rapid deploy roller transfer device.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a plurality of roller supports with at least two ends separated by a non-zero distance, featuring rollers at one end and folding assemblies, such as scissor assemblies, between adjacent roller supports, allowing for expansion and collapse while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If complex designs like rapid deploy roller transfer device are used, then the structure can support substantial loads, but the device complexity increases and construction becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload support capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into discrete roller supports that can be independently positioned and connected. Each roller support is a separate module that can be assembled in sequence, allowing the overall structure to achieve high load capacity through modular repetition rather than complex integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roller supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable folding/collapsing motion, and facilitate load bearing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining substantial load support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional folding assemblies are used between roller supports, then the structure can expand and collapse, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpandability and collapsibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The folding assembly is segmented into discrete connection points between roller supports, allowing each segment to be manufactured independently using simple standardized components rather than as a complex integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating complex custom folding mechanisms, the patent uses simple pin-connected triangular geometries that naturally provide folding capability. The complexity is inverted by using elementary geometric shapes with inherent mechanical properties rather than engineered complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If roller supports with separated ends are used, then the structure can maintain rigidity under load, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller supports have localized separation at specific ends where folding connections are needed, while maintaining continuity and rigidity in other regions. This localized application of separability provides the necessary flexibility for folding without compromising overall structural rigidity or requiring excessive components throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7455164B2Expandable and collapsible structure with rollers

Publication Date: 2008.11.25 WORLD SHELTERS INC

AI summary

An expandable and collapsible structure includes a plurality of roller supports, each roller support including at least two ends separated by a non-zero distance and at least one roller disposed at one of the at least two ends of the roller support, and at least one folding assembly disposed between two of the plurality of roller supports.