Modular Living Unit Foldable Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable and collapsible structures for living units are limited by transport requirements, necessitating special transport means and fixed foundations, and they do not easily expand or customize to meet varying needs in size or functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular living unit with a collapsible and foldable structure that can be unfolded manually or mechanically, featuring a prismatic shape with two pitched roof elements and a base, allowing for easy expansion, transportation, and customization, without the need for fixed structures or special transport, and can be assembled dry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foldable structures with scissor-like mechanism are used, then the configuration can be easily varied and the structure is easily altered, but stiffening rods are required to fix the structure and panels or covering elements are needed to close the walls
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular units consisting of triangular frames that can be independently assembled and configured. Each module contains integrated wall panels, eliminating the need for separate covering elements. The modular segmentation allows flexible configuration variation while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection points.
2Volume of moving object
If the dimensions of width and depth are determined by the size of the panels forming the bottom and ceiling, then the structure is limited by transport requirements, but the height of the module is also limited because the folded walls have a height equal to the width of the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The wall panels are designed to nest within the triangular frame structure when folded, allowing the height of the unfolded structure to exceed the panel width. The panels are positioned to fold into the triangular void spaces created by the prismatic configuration, enabling greater volume while maintaining compact transport dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a two-dimensional folded state to a three-dimensional prismatic form with triangular cross-section. This dimensional transformation allows the walls to achieve greater height in the unfolded state than the panel width in the folded state, effectively breaking the limitation that folded wall height equals panel width.
3Productivity
If prefabricated homes are transported and put in place already assembled, then they are available immediately, but special means of transport and means for installation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The living unit is segmented into collapsible modules that can be transported in a compact folded state using standard transport equipment. Upon arrival, the modules are quickly assembled by unfolding the triangular frames and connecting wall panels, achieving rapid deployment without requiring specialized assembly machinery or exceptional transport means.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the structure is made modular to allow expansion, then the size can be adapted to client needs, but the complexity of assembling and configuring multiple modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
All modular units employ standardized triangular frames, connection points, and wall panel configurations that serve multiple functions. The same basic module can be arranged in various configurations (single units, connected rows, stacked arrangements) to meet different size requirements. This universality simplifies assembly procedures across all module configurations, reducing complexity despite the adaptability to different sizes.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 3e~3h
AI summary
An unfoldable modular living unit (c) comprising one or more folding modules (A)with a bottom (1), pitched roof elements (2, 3) forming the roof and the side walls, and two opposing facades (D, E), front and back. Each one of said modules (A) comprises a folding and collapsible structure comprising two adjacent rigid sides or walls (1 2) hinged to each other through a hinge or a fixed knot (13),a third foldable side or wall (3 hinged to said first two rigid sides or walls (1, 2), and at least one intermediate plane (4) hinged to one of said pitched roof elements (3 ) and suited to be constrained to the other pitched roof element (2).