Inflatable Deployable Roof Structure for Rapid Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular structures face challenges in quickly providing a roof over existing structures, especially in disaster zones or combat zones, due to the complexity of engineering and assembling cross bracing or support structures for raised portions like roofing, which hinders the speed and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A deployable roof system with a housing and an air mover that inflates a deployable roof from a retracted position to a deployed position, forming a roof over the existing structure without the need for cross bracing, using tubular sections that inflate sequentially, and optionally powered by a photovoltaic source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cross bracing or support structures are used for raised portions of modular construction, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes cross bracing and support structures from the modular construction system entirely. Instead, it uses an inflatable membrane structure that achieves structural stability through air pressure containment rather than traditional mechanical bracing, thereby eliminating assembly complexity associated with engineering and installing cross bracing while maintaining roof stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inflatable membrane structure filled with air to provide structural support and stability for the raised roof portion. The air pressure within the membrane replaces the need for cross bracing and support structures, achieving both structural stability and simplified assembly by eliminating complex mechanical support systems
2Stability of the object's composition
If cross bracing or support structures are used for raised portions of modular construction, then structural stability is improved, but assembly speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes cross bracing and support structures from the modular construction system entirely. Instead, it uses an inflatable membrane structure that achieves structural stability through air pressure containment rather than traditional mechanical bracing, thereby eliminating assembly complexity associated with engineering and installing cross bracing while maintaining roof stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inflatable membrane structure filled with air to provide structural support and stability for the raised roof portion. The air pressure within the membrane replaces the need for cross bracing and support structures, achieving both structural stability and simplified assembly by eliminating complex mechanical support systems
3Reliability
If a full roof is constructed over existing structure, then protection is improved, but construction time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for traditional roof construction processes including engineering, sourcing, and assembling multiple roof components. The inflatable membrane structure can be deployed as a single unit that inflates to form the complete roof, eliminating the time-consuming processes of traditional roof construction while providing equivalent protection
Solution Approach 2:
The roof structure is pre-assembled and packaged in a compact housing that can be rapidly deployed to the existing structure. The membrane is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms that allow quick connection to the structure's end walls, and the inflation process automatically forms the complete roof shape, providing protection immediately upon deployment without requiring on-site construction activities
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
Enables rapid deployment of a roof over modular structures without the need for complex cross bracing, enhancing assembly speed and ease, particularly suitable for emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
An air mover is operatively associated with the housing and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the deployable roof for inflating the deployable roof
Implementation Method 2
The power source can be or include a photovoltaic
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system includes a housing configured to be placed on top of an existing structure having a first end structure and a second end structure. The housing includes an opening facing the second end structure when it is on top of the first end structure. A deployable roof is included in the housing and includes a first end located adjacent to the opening of the housing and a second end configured to be enclosed within the housing. The deployable roof is adapted and configured for movement between a retracted position in which the entirety of the deployable roof is enclosed within the housing and a deployed position in which the first end of the deployable roof extends out of the housing and the second end of the deployable roof remains at least partially within the housing.