Foldable Enclosure Perimeter Structures for Modular Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional stick-built construction and modular housing face challenges such as limited customization options, oversize load restrictions, and increased transportation costs due to size limitations.
Innovation Solution
The development of hinged and foldable enclosure component perimeter structures that can be compactly packaged for shipment, allowing for rapid deployment on-site and serving as both structural load-bearing members and weather-proofing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modular housing is constructed in a factory and shipped to the site, then construction time is reduced and quality control is improved, but the structure size is limited by road transport regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The modular housing structure is divided into multiple collapsible modules that can be folded into compact configurations for transport. Each module contains wall panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels that fold together like an accordion, reducing the overall size to fit within standard road transport dimensions while maintaining the ability to expand to full size at the construction site
Solution Approach 2:
The housing modules incorporate hinges and folding mechanisms that allow the structure to dynamically change between compact transport configuration and expanded living configuration. The walls, floors, and ceilings are designed with folding joints that enable the entire module to collapse into a compact form for shipping and then unfold at the destination
2Adaptability or versatility
If the structure is built on-site using stick-built construction, then customization is possible, but construction time increases and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular housing units are pre-fabricated in a factory setting with all structural components, insulation, wiring, and plumbing pre-installed and quality-checked before shipping. This preliminary construction in a controlled environment reduces on-site assembly time while the modular design allows customers to customize their home layout by selecting different module combinations and configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The modular system uses standardized connection interfaces and universal structural components that can be configured in multiple arrangements. The same basic module can be adapted for different room functions (bedroom, living room, kitchen) and can be combined with other modules in various configurations, providing customization without requiring entirely custom-built structures
3Volume of moving object
If modular housing exceeds size limits for road transport, then more living space is available, but oversize load permits are required and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular housing structure employs a nested folding configuration where wall panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels are arranged in an accordion-like nested pattern. When collapsed for transport, the panels nest within each other, reducing the volume to fit within standard shipping container or trailer dimensions, thereby avoiding oversize load permits and associated costs
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure member for a building structure comprising a planar laminate having a first facing layer; a layer of foam having a first face and a second opposing face; and a second facing layer; where the first facing layer is fastened to the first face of the layer of foam, and the second facing layer is fastened to the second opposing face of the layer of foam. An edge of the enclosure is provided with a perimeter structure that can perform one or more of a sealing function, an edge reinforcement function and a pivotable joining function with another enclosure, in accordance with the particular embodiment.