Compound structures with scalable interior room sizes using modular units to form mobile, semi-permanent and permanent structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable and semi-permanent structures lack versatility in airflow systems and fail to maximize usable interior volume, particularly in smaller spaces, and do not provide efficient air handling and utility integration.

Innovation Solution

The development of modular units with support structures and airflow systems that allow for the connection of multiple units to form larger, scalable interiors, incorporating air flow systems with components in maintenance rooms for conditioned air distribution and pressure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If conventional portable structures use standard interior wall construction materials and techniques, then the structures can be built with adequate strength and stability, but the usable interior volume is reduced in proportion to the space available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable interior volumeVSAvoidwall construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into modular units with standardized wall assemblies that can be pre-fabricated and quickly assembled. The wall system is segmented into reusable components including panels, framing elements, and connection hardware, allowing efficient space utilization without sacrificing structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall construction uses universal, multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes: structural support, insulation, finishing surfaces, and utility mounting. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated elements for each function, maximizing usable interior volume while maintaining adequate strength and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If portable structures are designed for rapid deployment, then they can be quickly assembled and relocated, but they lack versatility for different situations and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility for different situationsVSAvoidassembly and configuration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The structure employs dynamic, reconfigurable wall assemblies that can be easily adjusted between different configurations. The modular design allows walls to be repositioned, reoriented, or reconfigured for different spatial arrangements, enabling the same structure to adapt to various situations without time-consuming reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structure is divided into standardized modular units with uniform connection interfaces, enabling rapid assembly and reconfiguration. These segmented modules can be quickly deployed in different arrangements to meet varying operational requirements, maintaining both speed and versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If portable structures include basic airflow systems, then they can provide minimal ventilation, but the systems are not versatile for different air handling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow system versatilityVSAvoidair handling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air handling system uses universal, multi-functional components that can operate in multiple modes depending on requirements. The system can provide ventilation, heating, cooling, and pressure control through reconfigurable ductwork and adjustable equipment, allowing a single system to meet diverse air handling needs without requiring completely different systems for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow system is designed to be dynamic and adjustable, with variable speed fans, adjustable dampers, and reconfigurable duct connections. This allows the system to adapt its performance characteristics to match different air handling requirements, from simple ventilation to complex pressure-controlled environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If standard wall construction materials and techniques are used in smaller spaces, then the structures can be built with proven durability, but the usable interior volume is reduced in greater proportion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure durabilityVSAvoidusable interior volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The wall assembly incorporates thin, high-performance materials that provide adequate structural support and durability with minimal thickness. These include thin-walled but strengthened framing members, thin insulation boards with high R-values, and thin finishing panels that collectively deliver reliable performance while preserving maximum interior volume in space-constrained applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12448770B2Compound structures with scalable interior room sizes using modular units to form mobile, semi-permanent and permanent structures

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 FERO INT IP INC

AI summary

Various embodiments are described herein for mobile units having an interior defined by fewer than four side walls, the mobile units being adapted to be interconnected with at least one like or different mobile unit, the at least one like or different mobile unit having fewer than four side walls, thereby to jointly form a large interior room with a longitudinal support structure for the roof structure of at least one of the mobile units.