Expandable Structure for Rapid Deployment Using Rigidizing Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures for rapid deployment, such as tents and tunnel blockers, face challenges with high storage and transportation requirements, need for professional assembly, and inefficiencies in expanding to form rigid shapes for various applications like disaster relief and fire extinguishing.
Innovation Solution
An expandable structure comprising a material receiving member that fills with expansible material, such as rigidizing foam, which expands within the member to form a rigid shape, allowing for easy storage and rapid deployment without requiring professional assembly, using a hose-like device with linear slots and an external tearable layer for uniform expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structures are pre-erected to ensure rigidity and durability, then structural strength is improved, but storage and transportation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into collapsible segments that can be disassembled into compact components for storage and transportation, then reassembled at the destination to form the complete rigid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions between different physical states - collapsed/compact for storage and expanded/rigid for use - by changing geometric parameters and structural configuration
2Reliability
If structures require professional assembly to ensure proper erection, then structural reliability is improved, but deployment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structure incorporates self-aligning features, interlocking components, and intuitive assembly mechanisms that enable non-professionals to erect the structure correctly without specialized training or tools
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-configured with alignment features, pre-assembled subunits, and predetermined connection points that guide the assembly process and ensure proper structural formation without requiring professional judgment during assembly
3Productivity
If structures are designed for rapid deployment to meet emergency needs, then deployment speed is improved, but structural complexity and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The structure employs dynamic components that can quickly transform from a compact state to an expanded operational state through mechanisms such as telescoping members, inflatable elements, or spring-loaded components that enable rapid deployment without complex assembly procedures
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 and rapid deployment of structures like tents and tunnel blockers with minimal storage and transportation needs, forming a solid, durable shape for temporary housing, fire extinguishing, and other applications by leveraging the exothermic expansion of materials.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging the exothermic expansion of materials
Implementation Method 2
the expansible material expands and rigidizes within the material receiving member
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for accumulating material within a limited space, such that at most insignificant amount of material leaves the device prior to the device being at full capacity. One embodiment comprises an expandable structure to be filled, comprising a material receiving member for receiving expansible material, such that the expansible material is inserted into the member and expands within the member prior to part of the material exiting the material receiving member into another member, wherein the expansible material expands and rigidizes within the material receiving member and within the another member to form a rigid structure having a required form.