Foldable Modular Spaceframe for Display Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable spaceframes for constructing walls are inadequate in compactness, coupling capacity, and stability, particularly when used to support digital display elements, as they are prone to collapse under wind forces and require extensive and costly wind trussing for stability.
Innovation Solution
A modular foldable spaceframe design featuring a polygonal front frame with hingedly attached truss frames that interlock, allowing for compact storage and easy setup, with built-in wind trussing for enhanced stability and reduced transportation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional foldable spaceframes use hinged arms connecting front frame to back frame, then the structure can be collapsed and unfolded, but the collapsed structure has substantial thickness and increased length, reducing compactness for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The spaceframe is divided into multiple modular units (front frame, rear frame, lateral frames, diagonal braces) that can be independently folded and stacked. Each module contains its own truss elements and connection mechanisms, allowing the structure to be segmented into compact units for transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable spaceframe employs a nested configuration where the rear frame and lateral frames are positioned within the footprint of the front frame when collapsed. The diagonal braces and truss elements are designed to nest within each other, minimizing the overall volume of the collapsed structure while preserving the structural geometry needed for stability when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If traditional foldable spaceframes use simple hinged connections, then the structure can be easily assembled, but the coupling capacity to neighboring structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection nodes are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving as hinge points for folding mechanisms while simultaneously providing coupling interfaces for neighboring structures. The lateral frames include integrated connection elements that can couple adjacent spaceframes horizontally, and the vertical truss elements provide coupling for stacking multiple units vertically, all while maintaining the simplicity of hinged assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling capacity is enhanced by adding vertical dimension to the connection system. In addition to horizontal coupling between adjacent frames, the design incorporates vertical coupling through stacked modules connected by interlocking truss elements. This multi-dimensional coupling approach increases overall structural strength without complicating the basic hinged assembly mechanism.
3Reliability
If display elements are attached at the bottom of stage elements to the ground, then the display elements can be secured, but they create excess wind resistance acting as sails, causing dangerous forces orthogonal to the screen plane
Solution Approach 1:
The spaceframe incorporates preliminary anti-action by integrating diagonal braces and truss elements that preemptively counteract wind forces before they can cause damage. The rigid triangular truss geometry creates inherent structural resistance to orthogonal forces, and the bracing system is pre-configured to distribute wind loads across the entire structure rather than allowing concentrated forces at the display elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs curved or angled bracing elements that redirect wind forces along the structure rather than presenting flat surfaces to the wind. The diagonal braces are positioned at angles that optimize force distribution, and the overall truss configuration creates a more aerodynamic profile that reduces wind resistance while maintaining structural support for the display elements.
4Strength
If current structures are designed to withstand only longitudinal forces from bottom to top, then they can support hanging display elements, but they cannot resist wind forces or other orthogonal pressures
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the structure are given different structural qualities optimized for their specific functions. The vertical truss elements are designed with high longitudinal strength to support hanging display elements, while the diagonal braces and lateral frames are configured with optimized geometry for resisting orthogonal wind forces. This localized optimization of structural properties allows the system to handle multiple force directions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spaceframe employs a composite structural system combining different types of structural elements (truss members, diagonal braces, lateral frames, hinge connections) that work together to resist forces in multiple directions. The combination of rigid truss geometry for longitudinal loads and bracing systems for orthogonal forces creates a composite structural solution that provides comprehensive force resistance.
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 modular spaceframe provides improved compactness for transport, ease of setup, and enhanced stability for display elements, reducing the risk of collapse under wind forces while minimizing the need for additional wind trussing.
Implementation Method 1
a first truss frame, said first truss frame comprising at least two hinge arms and a longitudinal connector beam, whereby said first truss frame is hingedly attached with the hinge arms to the front frame
Data Source
AI summary
Foldable spaceframes that can be easily collapsed and unfolded to construct structurally stable (temporary) walls, for instance for events (concerts, shows, etc.) upon which (digital) display elements can be deployed, as well as a method for the construction of overlying structures comprising the spaceframes.