Expandable Transport Structure With Synchronized Slide-Out Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportable expandable structures face challenges in quickly, easily, and reliably increasing living space, as they often have high dimensions, complex systems, and unreliable mechanisms for expanding and supporting slide-out modules, making them unsuitable for quick transportation and stable operation.
Innovation Solution
A transportable expandable structure with a reinforced metal frame, synchronized 'tube in a tube' expansion mechanisms, and synchronized support mechanisms using linear motors and magnetic sensors, allowing for stable, uniform, and automated sliding and retracting of multiple slide-out modules, with integrated power and control systems for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple slide-out modules are used to increase living space, then the beneficial area is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into a stationary module and multiple independent slide-out modules (at least two), each capable of being extended independently. This segmentation allows the living space to be increased in discrete steps without requiring a completely complex monolithic expansion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide-out modules are nested within the stationary module during transportation, with each slide-out module accommodated inside the stationary module. This nesting arrangement minimizes transportation volume while maximizing living space when deployed.
2Productivity
If the structure is designed for quick transportation and deployment, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of operation during unfolding/folding may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The slide-out modules are designed with movable and slidable mechanisms that allow dynamic transformation between compact and expanded states. The expansion mechanisms enable quick deployment while the support mechanisms maintain structural reliability during and after expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or mechanical expansion systems with a simplified mechanism using linear motors and guide rails. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable operation during unfolding and folding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the structure is made expandable with slide-out modules, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The structure provides universal adaptability by allowing at least two slide-out modules to be extended in different directions (width and length), enabling various configuration options for different usage scenarios while maintaining a standardized base design.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion and support mechanisms are designed to operate with minimal human intervention, where the system can autonomously manage the coordination of multiple slide-out modules through integrated control of the expansion and support mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If the structure is designed for maximum area expansion, then the volume of moving object is improved, but the weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure utilizes dynamic expansion where the volume is maximized only when needed during deployment, while returning to a compact low-weight configuration during transportation. The slide-out modules extend the living space without permanently increasing the base structure weight.
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 quick, stable, and reliable expansion and retraction of slide-out modules, providing maximum living space without lower supports, and allowing convenient loading/unloading on trailers, with automated alignment on rough surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
each expansion mechanism is formed by at least a stationary guiding tie, a movable slide-out element and rollers, and each expansion mechanism comprises a linear motor that transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy to slide the slide-out modules outwardly
Implementation Method 2
each expansion mechanism comprises a linear motor that transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy to slide the slide-out modules outwardly from the stationary module
Implementation Method 3
each support mechanism comprises at least two profile beams and ropes, and the support mechanisms are mounted in an upper part of the structure horizontally in width in such a way that their elements are connected to the stationary module and to the slide-out modules
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to vehicle-transportable expandable structures. The structure comprises a stationary module, slide-out modules, expansion mechanisms and support mechanisms for the slide-out modules, a power supply system, a frame, a control unit. The expansion mechanisms are mounted below and represent “tube in a tube” systems having rollers and motors synchronized between each other. Each support mechanism is formed by at least three profile elements, comprises its own motor, two sets of rollers and vertical masts with reinforcing ropes. The support mechanisms are mounted above and attached to roofs of the stationary module and the slide-out modules. The expansion mechanisms' motors are synchronized between each other and with support mechanisms' motors. The invention achieves: stable, uniform, smooth, mechanized and automated, simultaneous sliding out/retraction of several slide-out modules outwardly from the stationary module; stable and long-term support of the slid-out slide-out modules above and below; increasing a useful living area.