Foldable Modular Building Hinged Panel Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable modular structures face challenges in balancing transportability and structural strength, often compromising on either size or integrity when folded for transport, leading to potential collapse issues upon deployment.

Innovation Solution

A foldable modular building system with a central expandable unit and hinged panels that can be compactly folded for transport while maintaining structural integrity, featuring a central floor and roof panel with lateral panels that rotate to form a robust structure upon deployment, supported by lateral support beams and tensioning cables for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If foldable walls and floors are folded to take up minimal space for transport, then transportability is improved, but structural strength is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded module sizeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The building structure is divided into a central fixed portion and multiple foldable portions. The foldable portions include lateral floor panels, lateral roof panels, outside wall panels, and outer lateral sidewalls that can be segmented and folded independently, allowing compact transport while maintaining structural integrity when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from a static rigid building to a dynamic foldable system using hinges and rotatable connections. The lateral panels are connected via hinges that allow rotation between folded and deployed positions, enabling the structure to adapt its configuration for transport and deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If conventional foldable modules are constructed with multiple folds to reduce size, then transportability is improved, but the structure becomes susceptible to collapsing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport convenienceVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Lateral support beams are positioned and secured in place before the final deployment of the structure. These beams are initially stored in a compact position and then moved to their support positions to provide preliminary structural reinforcement before the full structure is assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates multiple support elements and bracing mechanisms that are activated during deployment to cushion and protect the structure from potential collapse. The hinge connections and support beams work together to distribute loads and prevent structural failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If as few folds as possible are used to enhance strength, then structural integrity is improved, but the collapsed module size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular structure strengthVSAvoidcollapsed module size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism utilizes rotational movement in multiple dimensions. The lateral panels rotate downwardly and inwardly in a controlled manner, transforming the three-dimensional structure into a compact two-dimensional configuration for transport while minimizing the number of linear folds required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20240141639A1Systems and methods for manufacturing anddeploying modular buildings

Publication Date: 2024.05.02 ROHE HOMES LTD

AI summary

A foldable modular building having a fixed portion and at least one foldable portion where the foldable portions are hingedly connected. Methods of assembling, folding and deploying the foldable modular building utilizing hinges, cables and winches.