Foldable Shelter Panel Layout for Compact Transport and Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable shelter systems are inefficient for transportation due to their large size when collapsed and lack interconnectivity and insulating properties, making them impractical for deployment and utility in various settings.
Innovation Solution
A multi-panel foldable shelter system with hinged walls, floor, and roof sections that can be folded multiple times for compact transport, featuring adjustable legs, insulated panels, solar power, and connectivity options for interlocking multiple shelters, enabling easy deployment and integration into larger structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shelter is designed with hinged panels that fold into a flat pack, then the shelter can be collapsed for storage, but the flat pack size becomes too large for efficient handling and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter is divided into multiple hinged panels (front wall, rear wall, side walls, roof panels, and floor panels) that can be independently folded and collapsed. This segmentation allows each panel to be compacted separately, reducing the overall volume when collapsed while maintaining the ability to deploy the complete shelter structure when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the shelter is made with traditional portable design, then it can be transported, but it lacks insulating properties and additional utility features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the shelter structure: insulation layers are integrated between the hinged panels, solar panels are mounted on the roof, LED lighting systems are installed within the structure, and electronic accessory charging ports are incorporated. This merging of functions maintains portability while adding insulating properties and utility features that enhance adaptability and versatility.
3Reliability
If the shelter is designed as a standalone unit, then it provides individual protection, but it cannot be interconnected with other shelters to form larger structures
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter is designed with universal interconnection capabilities where the hinged panels and structural components can function both as standalone elements and as connectable modules. The standardized hinge design and panel configurations allow multiple shelters to be interconnected to form larger structures while each individual shelter maintains its structural integrity and can be used independently when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A compactable and portable shelter can include side panels, front and rear panels roof panels and a spine panel that are hingedly connected by continuous hinges in a manner that enables the panels to collapse onto each other and into a small profile unit for ease of transport, deployment and recovery. A window and door can be formed in at least one front or rear wall panel. Support brackets can hold wall panels upright at ninety degrees with respect to floor panels. A solar power system can provide electrical power for lighting and electronic device charging to occupants of the shelter. Adjustable legs connected at exterior corners of the base can level the left base flow panel and the right base floor panel. Panels can be thermally insulated.