Folding Modular Prefabricated Structure for Compact Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prefabricated structures face challenges such as complexity in transportation, high costs, and shape constraints, with prior art failing to provide modular, compactable, and easily installable solutions that can adapt to various configurations and meet national/international standards.

Innovation Solution

A modular compactable prefabricated structure comprising folding front and back modules with hinging mechanisms, allowing for easy transportation and rapid installation, and enabling flexible configurations without shape constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If non-compactable modular housing units are used, then structural integrity and stability are improved, but transportation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtransportation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing unit is divided into multiple modular components that can be compacted separately for transportation and assembled together at the destination. Each module maintains its structural integrity independently while allowing flexible transportation configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure employs dynamic transformation capability, transitioning from a compacted transportation state to an expanded operational state. The modular components are designed to be movable and reconfigurable, enabling the structure to adapt between transportation and deployment phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If folding modules with hinged walls are used, then compactability during transportation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The folding structure is segmented into standardized modular components with consistent hinge mechanisms. This standardization simplifies manufacturing processes while maintaining compactability, as each module can be produced independently using the same design templates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: enabling compactation during transportation, facilitating easy assembly at the destination, and allowing disassembly for relocation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components, simplifying overall manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional prefabricated structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different configurations and locations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into interchangeable modular units that can be arranged in various configurations to meet different spatial and functional requirements. Each module maintains structural stability while the overall system gains adaptability through combinatorial arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular structure enables dynamic reconfiguration at the destination, allowing the building layout to adapt to different site conditions, usage requirements, or expansion needs while maintaining structural integrity throughout the transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If modular components are designed for rapid assembly, then installation speed is improved, but connection reliability and structural integrity may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Connection elements and interface features are pre-configured on each modular component during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables rapid on-site assembly while ensuring that connection reliability is established before the modules are brought together, eliminating the need for complex field fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides a rapid, logistically effective, and cost-efficient modular structure that can be easily installed and adapted to various sizes and shapes, meeting technical standards and serving multiple purposes including housing, emergency shelters, and event booths.

Implementation Method 1

a first lateral wall (5) with a fixed portion (51) and a mobile portion (52) that is hinged to said fixed portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4146875B1Modular compactable prefabricated structure
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SMARTECH SRL
  • EP4146875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4146875B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4146875B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~3C

AI summary

Modular compactable prefabricated structure (P2) comprising a front module (M2) and a back module (M2') of folding type; the front module comprises a quadrangular bottom (1) comprising a front side (11), an intermediate side (17), a right-hand side (15) and a left-hand side (16); and a folding front wall (3) hinged to the front side (11) of the bottom (1) of the front module by means of hinging means (13); the back module comprises a quadrangular bottom (1') comprising a back side (12), an intermediate side (17'), a right-hand side (15') and a left-hand side (16'); and a folding back wall (3') hinged to the back side (12) of the bottom (1') of the back module by means of hinging means (13'); wherein the intermediate side (17) of the bottom of the front module is suitable for going in contact with the intermediate side (17') of the bottom of the back module and no wall is connected in the intermediate sides (17, 17') of the front module and of the back module in such a way that the prefabricated structure has a continuous space between the front wall (3) and the back wall (3).