Inflatable Portable Shelter Structure for Fast Modular Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable shelters connected to vehicles are complex in design and require multiple elements to create a modular system, making them difficult to erect.
Innovation Solution
A portable shelter with an inflatable support structure featuring a single interconnected passage for air, comprising four straight post portions and a roof formation with an average angle of inclination less than 15°, and a flexible roof panel, allowing for easy inflation and formation of a cube-like shape with minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different elements are used to create a modular shelter, then the shelter can provide separate living and sleeping areas, but the design becomes complex and difficult to erect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single modular unit that can serve multiple functions. The cube-shaped shelter with standardized dimensions (approximately 3m x 3m x 3m) and uniform opening sizes can be configured to provide both living and sleeping areas within a single structure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized modules. This single unit design maintains adaptability while reducing design complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different elements are used to create a modular shelter, then the shelter can provide separate living and sleeping areas, but it becomes difficult to erect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shelter into standardized modular units with consistent dimensions and connection interfaces. Each cube-shaped module can be independently erected and then connected to other identical modules through standardized openings, simplifying the assembly process. The uniform design allows for repetitive construction patterns that reduce erecting difficulty while maintaining modular functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If the shelter is designed to be compact in collapsed configuration, then it occupies minimal space in the vehicle, but it may be difficult to erect quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the shelter structure to transition from a compact, collapsed state to an expanded, erected state through controlled inflation or assembly mechanisms. The cube-shaped modules with standardized openings allow for rapid deployment where the structure can be quickly transformed from a space-efficient packed configuration to a functional shelter, balancing compact storage with fast erection.
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 shelter is quick and easy to erect, forming a compact, multi-functional space suitable for storage and use, with the ability to connect to vehicles and other shelters, providing separate living and sleeping areas.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable support structure including a single interconnected passage for air, the passage comprising four substantially straight post portions defining upright corner posts of the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
Portable shelters and in particular to portable shelters including an inflatable support structure. A portable shelter provides an inflatable support structure including a single interconnected passage for air, the passage comprising four substantially straight post portions defining upright corner posts of the support structure and a roof formation connecting upper ends of the post portions and having at least two interconnecting tubes, an intersection between said at least two interconnecting tubes defining an apex of the roof formation; at least one flexible roof panel extending between the intersecting tubes of the roof formation to form a roof of the shelter; and openings between each of the neighboring post portions, the openings being substantially square and having a minimum dimension of 1800 mm when the shelter is in a fully inflated configuration, and wherein an average angle of inclination of the roof, between the upper ends of the post portions and the apex of the roof formation, is less than 15°.