Fold-Out Enclosure Dynamics for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional portable camping enclosures, such as trailers and pickup-mounted campers, are inefficient in terms of fuel consumption and storage, and they often compromise on space and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A transportable fold-out enclosure system that includes a center stationary section and pivotally joined primary platform assemblies, allowing for the enclosure to be compactly folded and expanded, with wall assemblies that pivot to create multiple horizontal levels and a canopy for efficient use of space and reduced fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional trailers or pickup-mounted campers are used, then living space is provided during travel, but fuel consumption increases and storage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure employs a foldable structure with multiple panels that can dynamically transition between an expanded configuration providing living space and a compacted configuration for transport. The primary platform assemblies and wall assemblies are designed to fold and unfold, allowing the enclosure volume to change from a small travel profile to a large living space, thereby reducing the energy penalty associated with transporting a constantly large structure
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is divided into multiple separable components including a center stationary section, primary platform assemblies with multiple panels, and wall assemblies. Each segment can be independently folded or compacted, allowing the overall structure to reduce its volume for transport while maintaining the capability to expand into a full living space when deployed
2Volume of moving object
If traditional trailers or pickup-mounted campers are used, then living space is provided, but storage and transport become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable design allows the enclosure to dynamically change its size and shape. When not in use, the structure can be compacted into a small profile that is easy to store in a garage or shed and transport on various vehicles. When needed, it expands to provide adequate living space, making it versatile for different storage and transport scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-panel construction allows portions of the enclosure to nest within each other during compaction. The primary platform assemblies and wall assemblies can be folded inward and stacked, creating a compact nested configuration that simplifies storage and transport while preserving the full living space volume when deployed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure is expanded to provide living space, then camping functionality is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure uses multiple discrete panels (first panels, second panels, third panels, fourth panels) that are pivotally connected to form the expanded structure. This segmentation allows the complex camping functionality to be achieved through simple, repetitive modular units that can be assembled and folded using standardized connection mechanisms, managing structural complexity through modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs pivotal connections that allow panels to rotate and fold into the expanded camping configuration. These dynamic joints enable the transition from a compact state to an expanded living space with multiple horizontal levels and wall assemblies, providing adaptability for different camping needs while using relatively simple rotational mechanisms rather than complex assembly systems
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
The system provides a compact and efficient camping solution that reduces fuel consumption, improves storage and transportability, and enhances environmental sustainability by optimizing space usage and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first primary platform pivotally joined to an outside edge of the stationary section assembly and a second primary platform pivotally joined to an outside edge of the stationary section assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least one wall assembly pivotally joined to the center stationary section and each of the primary platforms to pivot from a first position where the wall assembly lies upon the primary platforms and the center stationary section and a second position where the wall assembly is pivoted away from the center stationary section and each of the primary platforms
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect includes a transportable fold-out at least partial enclosure including: a center stationary section; a pair of primary platform assemblies, each primary platform including a first panel pivotally joined on opposite sides of the center stationary section and a second panel pivotally joined to the first panel on a side opposite the first panel; and at least one wall assembly pivotally joined to center stationary section and one of the primary platforms.