Expandable Safe Room Hinged Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective structures are limited in their ability to be used independently indoors and outdoors, require additional supporting structures, and lack rapid deployment and compact storage capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An expandable safe room that is automatically operated, bulletproof, and optionally provides chemical and biological protection, featuring a self-standing design with hingedly connected walls, roof, and floor, allowing for rapid deployment from a compact folded position to a fully functional protective space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective structures are made of steel and designed to be bulletproof, then protection capability is improved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into multiple modular panels that can be folded and stacked. Each panel is a self-contained protective unit with ballistic-resistant properties, allowing the overall structure to be segmented into compact sections when not in use while maintaining full protection capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable panels are designed to nest within each other when folded, with each panel containing or supporting the next. This nesting arrangement allows the bulky protective structure to be compressed into a minimal storage space while preserving the integrity and protective function of each individual panel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protective structures are designed to be fully functional and self-standing, then independence and versatility are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure incorporates movable hinges and foldable joints that allow transition between deployed and folded states. These dynamic elements enable the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, transforming from a compact stored state to a fully functional self-standing shelter without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panel design with standardized hinges and connections allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions - providing ballistic protection, chemical/biological protection, and shelter functionality. The universal joint design enables the structure to be deployed in various configurations and locations without requiring location-specific modifications.
3Productivity
If protective structures are designed for rapid deployment, then response time is improved, but manufacturing complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective panels are pre-assembled with hinges and connection mechanisms attached during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when deployment is required, no field assembly is needed - the structure only requires unfolding and locking into position, dramatically reducing deployment time while keeping manufacturing processes standardized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable panel structure incorporates self-latching mechanisms and automatic alignment features that allow the structure to deploy and secure itself without requiring complex manual assembly or specialized tools. The hinges and connections are designed to engage automatically when panels are folded into position, enabling rapid deployment by minimal personnel.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An expandable safe room (ESR) defining a protected space therein is provided and comprises a main upright frame, a pair of side walls hingedly connected to the main upright frame, and a front wall parallel to the main upright frame and hingedly connected to the side walls, wherein deploying the ESR in an expanding direction moves the front wall in a forward direction and away from the main upright frame. Floor and roof are also provided wherein the deployment of the ESR can be automatically or manually.