Modular Decontamination System with Cuboid Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile decontamination systems for military and humanitarian operations face challenges in adapting to individual user requirements and are costly to produce due to their fixed spatial arrangements and heavy construction, making them inefficient and economically unfeasible for varying functional scopes.
Innovation Solution
A modular decontamination system with self-supporting, cuboid-shaped frames that can be arranged and rearranged to accommodate power-operated units, accessory parts, and operating supplies, allowing for flexible configuration and easy adaptation to user needs, featuring a load-bearing base plate with anchoring elements for transport and a retaining structure formed from structurally identical frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a decontamination system is constructed in a fixed container with individual retaining structures for each unit, then the system can be transported and used, but the spatial arrangement is rigid and cannot be easily adapted to different user requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure is segmented into multiple identical, modular frame units that can be independently arranged and reconfigured. Each frame unit is a self-contained structural element with standardized dimensions and attachment points, allowing the system to be divided into discrete, interchangeable components that can be adapted to different spatial requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame units are designed as universal, multi-functional elements that can serve multiple purposes: providing structural support, defining storage volumes, enabling unit attachment, and facilitating reconfiguration. The identical frame design allows any frame to be used in any position within the container, providing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized retaining structures.
2Volume of moving object
If the spatial volume is reduced to match transport vehicle constraints, then the system can be transported by smaller vehicles, but the functional scope must be reduced to fit the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic reconfigurability where the arrangement of frame units and contained functional units can be changed based on operational requirements. The modular design allows the system to transition between different configurations - compact arrangements for transport and expanded arrangements for operation - enabling the functional scope to adapt to the available spatial volume rather than being constrained by a fixed layout.
3Ease of manufacture
If custom retaining structures are designed for each specific functional scope, then the system can be optimized for that function, but the development and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by varying the number, arrangement, and configuration of identical frame units rather than changing the fundamental design of each frame. By adjusting parameters such as frame quantity, positioning, and the units contained within them, the system can be customized for different functional scopes while maintaining the same standardized frame design, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Strength
If heavy units are supported by multiple fixed supporting columns in the container, then the units are securely retained, but the spatial arrangement is determined by structural conditions and cannot be easily modified
Solution Approach 1:
The frame units are self-supporting structures that provide their own structural integrity and support capacity without requiring integration into a fixed container framework. Each frame unit independently bears the weight and secures the functional units it contains, eliminating the need for external supporting columns and allowing flexible placement anywhere within the container that has sufficient load-bearing floor capacity.
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 modular design facilitates efficient planning, construction, and production of decontamination systems that can be easily adapted to individual user requirements, reducing production costs and enabling flexible use of storage volumes in containers, while maintaining stability and ease of assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical pump for recirculating, conveying or discharging liquids
Implementation Method 2
a heater
Data Source
AI summary
A device system for military and/or humanitarian operations, in particular a mobile decontamination system, comprises a plurality of power-operated units, accessory parts and operating supplies, which together determine a functional scope of the device system. The power-operated units, accessory parts and operating supplies are mounted on a base plate by means of a retaining structure, said base plate having a defined placement surface and anchoring elements. The anchoring elements enable detachable anchoring of the base plate together with the retaining structure to a transport means, in particular to a transport vehicle. The retaining structure is formed from a plurality of self-supporting, structurally identical, cuboid-shaped frames, which are arranged next to each other and/or on top of each other and are fastened to the base plate. The frames each have eight corner pieces and twelve edge profile elements, which together enclose a defined storage volume. The power-operated units, accessory parts and operating supplies are arranged in the defined storage volumes and, preferably, at least the majority of the power-operated units and operating supplies are retained in the frames even during operation of the device system.