Foldable Wall Panels Motorized Cable Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible wall systems are inefficient in reducing construction time and labor costs, as they require complex track systems and manual handling, leading to prolonged construction periods.
Innovation Solution
A foldable wall system with tracks and panels that utilize a cable and motor mechanism to vertically stack and collapse panels, simplifying the construction process by allowing rapid deployment and storage within a housing, reducing the need for extensive manual labor and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and complex track systems are used in collapsible wall systems, then the wall can be constructed, but construction time is prolonged and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated cable-driven lifting system. Motors mounted on the track structure power cables that raise and lower panels automatically, eliminating the need for manual positioning and reducing construction time from weeks to days or hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall system performs its own assembly and disassembly through the automated lifting mechanism. The panels are raised and lowered by the system's own motorized cables rather than requiring external manual labor, enabling rapid self-assembly and self-disassembly of the wall structure.
2Ease of operation
If complex track systems are used to transport panels, then panels can be moved to stacked position, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting function from the track system itself. Instead of having the track system perform both guiding and lifting functions (increasing complexity), the lifting function is separated into an independent cable-driven mechanism, simplifying the track structure to only its essential guiding role.
Solution Approach 2:
The track structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wall, guides panel movement during assembly/disassembly, and mounts the motors that power the lifting cables. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If panels are vertically stacked to form walls, then building frames can be constructed, but transportation and storage space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is divided into discrete, modular panels that can be independently handled, transported, and stored. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and attachment mechanisms, allowing efficient stacking and compact storage when not in use, while enabling rapid assembly into complete wall structures when needed.
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 significantly reduces construction time from weeks to minutes, lowers labor costs, and simplifies transportation and installation by enabling panels to be easily folded and unfolded using a motorized cable system.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom support can be raised by the cable to thereby abut the first or second panel and apply a force that causes the first and second panels to move in a first direction along the first and second tracks. Additionally, the bottom support can be lowered by the cable
Data Source
AI summary
Foldable wall systems that greatly reduce traditional wall building processes are contemplated. Suitable foldable wall systems comprise a plurality of panels that form a wall. The panels can be stored or deployed from a housing that is mounted on one or more vertical columns. It is contemplated that the panels comprise one or more track elements that travel within one or more tracks to guide the panels between the stored and deployed configurations.