Fold-Out Enclosure Structure for Compact Transport and Expanded Living Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional portable enclosures, such as campers, face challenges in fuel efficiency and storage due to their large size and weight, which contradicts the need for energy-efficient travel and easy transportation.
Innovation Solution
A fold-out transportable enclosure system with a stationary platform, primary platform, and end wall assemblies, utilizing actuating mechanisms like torsion springs and lift mechanisms to transition between compact and expanded positions, allowing for efficient use of space and easy deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional portable enclosures are made large to provide adequate living space, then living space is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure transitions from a static large structure to a dynamic system that changes size based on operational needs. The fold-out platforms and telescoping walls enable the enclosure to expand to a large living space when stationary and collapse to a compact form for transport, resolving the contradiction between living space volume and fuel efficiency during travel
2Volume of moving object
If traditional portable enclosures are made large to provide adequate living space, then living space is improved, but ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into modular components including fold-out platforms, telescoping walls with multiple segments, and separable end walls. This segmentation allows each component to be independently folded or telescoped, enabling the entire structure to collapse into a compact form for easy transport while maintaining full living space when deployed
3Ease of operation
If actuating mechanisms are added to enable fold-out functionality, then ease of transport is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanisms are designed to be self-contained and self-actuating. Torsion springs automatically provide the force needed to unfold platforms and extend walls without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The mechanisms use the structure's own weight and geometry to assist in the folding and unfolding process, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of transport
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 enables a compact, energy-efficient, and easily transportable living space that can be quickly expanded for use, addressing the need for both fuel efficiency and convenient storage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuating mechanism joined to at least one of the segments and the stationary platform or the primary platform to which said at least one of the segments is joined, said at least one actuating mechanism configured to provide a force to urge said at least one of the segments to the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable fold-out at least partial enclosure includes in one aspect of the invention a stationary platform having a major surface defining a stationary plane, a plurality of side edges, a front edge and a back edge. A primary platform has a major surface defining a primary plane, an inside edge, an outside edge, a front edge, a back edge, the inside edge being joined to the stationary platform, the primary platform having a folded position in which the primary plane and stationary plane are oblique or orthogonal, and the primary platform having an extended position where the primary platform is unfolded from the stationary platform. An end wall assembly has at least two segments, each segment having a major surface defining a segment plane, side edges, a top edge and a bottom edge, the side edges of the segments being joined to each other, the bottom edges of each segment being joined to one of the stationary platform and the primary platform. The end wall assembly has an extended position in which the segment planes are at an angle to form a wall to both the stationary plane and the primary plane, and the end wall assembly having a folded position. At least one actuating mechanism is joined to at least one of the segments and the stationary platform or the primary platform to which said at least one of the segments is joined, said at least one actuating mechanism configured to provide a force to urge said at least one of the segments to the extended position.