Geodesic Dome Dwelling Assembly with Modular Wall Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable dwellings are difficult to assemble, rely on small and easily lost parts, are not easily sourced, and lack mobility and durability to withstand extreme weather conditions, making them unsuitable for emergency housing and long-term use.

Innovation Solution

A portable dwelling assembly using a limited number of large, durable, and lightweight components connected via friction fit or conventional means, with a geodesic design and anchoring devices for stability, allowing for easy assembly and transition to a long-term home.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional portable dwellings use small parts and complex components, then the dwelling can be assembled with basic tools, but the risk of part loss increases and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidpart loss risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dwelling is divided into modular wall segments that can be independently assembled and connected. Each segment is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing the structure to be built incrementally while reducing the need for small fastening parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional components are integrated into unified elements. For example, wall segments combine structural support, insulation, and cladding into single integrated units, eliminating the need for separate small parts to assemble these components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If portable dwellings use a variety of parts and complex designs, then the dwelling can provide adequate shelter, but the ability to source parts becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from elementsVSAvoidparts sourcing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized connection interfaces and modular components are designed to serve multiple functions. The same wall segment design and connection mechanism can be used across different dwelling configurations, allowing parts to be sourced from single suppliers and used in various assembly arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dwelling uses uniform materials and standardized component designs throughout the structure. All wall segments, roof sections, and connection elements follow consistent design specifications, simplifying the sourcing and procurement process while maintaining adequate shelter performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of operation

If portable dwellings use numerous small parts, then the dwelling can be assembled with simple tools, but the cost of replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidreplacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into large modular segments that replace numerous small parts. Each segment is a substantial component that can be handled and assembled as a single unit, reducing the total number of parts and minimizing replacement costs when damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If portable dwellings are designed for stability, then the dwelling can withstand extreme weather, but the dwelling becomes less mobile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather resistanceVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dwelling is constructed from modular segments that can be easily disassembled and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve stability when assembled while maintaining the ability to be quickly broken down and relocated, balancing weather resistance with mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Object-affected harmful factors

If portable dwellings use bulky and heavy parts, then the dwelling provides adequate protection, but the dwelling becomes difficult to relocate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from elementsVSAvoidrelocation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dwelling incorporates lightweight cladding materials and flexible shell structures that provide adequate weather protection without the weight of traditional bulky materials. The thin film or shell construction maintains protective functionality while significantly reducing the weight and relocation difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10280644B2Portable dwelling assembly

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 BUNCE TERRY

AI summary

A portable dwelling assembly that has a dome shape and a door assembly. The dome assembly is provided with a base ring and top ring connected by a plurality of wall segments. Connected to the exterior of the dome assembly is a covering with optional flaps to allow for greater ventilation. Anchoring devices are attached around the exterior of the dwelling to provide additional stability during adverse weather.