Inflatable Portable Shelter Structure for Fast Modular Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular shelters are complex in design and require multiple elements to create a modular structure, making them difficult to erect.
Innovation Solution
A portable shelter with an inflatable support structure featuring a single inflation point, flexible strips, and a detachable groundsheet, which allows for quick and easy assembly into a cube-like shape, and can be connected to vehicles or other shelters through modular side modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elements and complex design are used to create modular shelters, then the shelters can provide separate living and sleeping areas, but the shelters become complex and difficult to erect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (support structure, walls, roof, floor) into a single integrated inflatable shelter unit. The inflatable support structure (12) forms the skeleton that simultaneously supports all other components, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple structural elements and simplifying the erection process while maintaining modular versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural skeleton, supports the walls and roof, defines the shelter's shape, and enables modular connection to other units. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, making the shelter easier to erect while maintaining adaptability for various configurations.
2Strength
If traditional poles or multiple inflatable tubes are used for support structure, then the shelter can be structurally sound, but the shelter requires multiple inflation points and is more complex to erect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate inflatable support tubes into a single interconnected inflatable support structure with one inflation point. The interconnected passages allow air to distribute throughout the entire structure, providing structural integrity equivalent to multiple separate tubes while simplifying the inflation process to a single point operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by creating an interconnected network of air passages within the inflatable support structure. A single inflation point connects to multiple chambers through these passages, allowing pneumatic pressure to be distributed throughout the entire structure, maintaining structural integrity while requiring only one inflation point.
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 more difficult to quickly erect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible inflatable walls and roof panels that can be easily folded and compressed into a compact configuration for storage. When inflated, these flexible panels automatically expand to their full size and shape, providing rapid erection without complex assembly steps. The flexibility allows the structure to be compressed to minimal volume while maintaining quick deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable support structure automatically assumes its erected shape and size when inflated, without requiring manual assembly or adjustment. The inflation process itself performs the erection function, as the air pressure causes the flexible components to expand into their intended configuration, combining storage compactness with rapid deployment.
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 can be easily erected and connected to form larger structures, providing quick and efficient setup with minimal components, suitable for various configurations and applications.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable support structure (12) that forms a skeleton of the shelter (10) and that is convertible from a collapsed configuration to an inflated and erect configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to portable shelters and in particular to portable shelters including an inflatable support structure. A portable shelter comprises 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 neighbouring 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°.