Architectural structures having an expandable frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional architectural structures for room partitions and temporary applications require significant assembly skills, materials, and are prone to thermal bridging and assembly failures, necessitating a more efficient and rapid deployment solution.
Innovation Solution
An architectural structure comprising paired slat-like members with an expandable central region and a spine that can be easily assembled and expanded, using minimal materials, suitable for various configurations such as partitions, furniture, and artwork, with the option to incorporate insulation for improved thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional wood partition assemblies are used, then structural strength is achieved, but assembly complexity and skill requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The partition assembly is divided into modular components: pre-assembled panel units with integrated framing, and connection elements. Each panel is segmented into manageable sections that can be independently handled and rapidly connected, eliminating the need for complex on-site wood framing while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements serve as intermediaries between panel units, providing simplified attachment mechanisms. These intermediaries include integrated fastening systems and alignment features that mediate the joining process, allowing unskilled workers to assemble structures without requiring traditional carpentry skills while ensuring consistent structural strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional demountable display systems are used, then configurability is achieved, but assembly failure risk increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate components are merged into integrated panel units that combine framing, infill panels, and connection interfaces into single modular elements. This reduction in component count eliminates numerous potential failure points while maintaining configurability through the modular nature of the integrated units, which can be assembled and disassembled reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates built-in redundancy and protective features in the connection elements, such as overload protection mechanisms and fail-safe locking systems. These beforehand cushioning measures ensure that even if individual components are damaged, the overall assembly maintains reliability and can be safely reconfigured or repaired without complete system failure.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional lumber assemblies are used, then vertical height is achieved, but thermal bridging of cold air increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framing system uses localized thermal breaks at critical connection points and junctions where thermal bridging would otherwise occur. These local quality modifications include insulated connection elements and thermally discontinuous framing members that maintain the required vertical height while preventing cold air transfer through the assembly, addressing the thermal issue only where necessary rather than requiring complete redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
An architectural structure for constructing a variety of goods in a variety of configurations is provided. The architectural structure includes a plurality of paired slat-like members and a spine configured to hold the plurality of paired slat-like members in an expanded state. Each paired slat-like members includes joined upper ends, joined lower ends and an expandable central region joined to an adjacent paired slat-like members.