Modular Panel Waveform Edges for Rapid Emergency Shelter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency housing solutions, such as tents, are inadequate for harsh weather conditions and lack security, while traditional construction methods are costly and time-consuming for disaster relief efforts.
Innovation Solution
A modular shelter system using dimensionally accurate, cost-effective modular panels with waveform edges for easy connection, featuring a captive bolt assembly and location lugs for secure assembly, and reinforced roof sections with engagement members for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional construction methods are used for emergency housing, then structural integrity and durability are improved, but assembly time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter is divided into multiple modular panels (wall panels, roof panels, floor panels) that can be manufactured independently and assembled quickly on-site. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection features, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining structural integrity through pre-engineered components.
Solution Approach 2:
Panels are pre-manufactured with integrated connection features (waveform edges, location lugs, captive bolt assemblies) before delivery to the site. This preliminary preparation of connection mechanisms eliminates the need for complex on-site fabrication and ensures consistent assembly quality, reducing both time and potential errors during deployment.
2Productivity
If modular panels with waveform edges are used, then assembly speed and ease of connection are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveform edge design concentrates precision requirements to specific localized features (the wave crests and troughs) rather than requiring entire panel edges to be perfectly straight. The location lugs and recesses provide self-aligning features that compensate for minor variations in panel dimensions, allowing faster assembly while maintaining connection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveform edges and location lugs are designed to self-align and guide panels into correct positioning during assembly. The interlocking geometry provides inherent alignment feedback, reducing the need for precise manual measurement and adjustment by workers, thereby increasing assembly speed without sacrificing connection precision.
3Productivity
If tents are used for emergency housing, then portability and quick deployment are improved, but security and weather resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel design incorporates skin layers that provide weather-resistant envelopes similar to tents, but with rigid structural support. The waveform edges and interlocking connection systems create a continuous weather barrier while maintaining the portability and quick assembly advantages of modular construction, effectively combining the benefits of both tent and rigid structure approaches.
4Strength
If modular panels with multiple connector elements are used, then connection strength and structural stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions (alignment, positioning, structural bonding) are merged into integrated features such as the captive bolt assembly and waveform edge-combined location lugs. This consolidation provides strong, multi-functional connections without requiring separate components for each function, thereby maintaining connection strength while reducing overall system complexity and the number of parts needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular shelter, is provided having an assembly of at least one each of a modular wall panel, modular floor portion, and modular roof panel. The modular wall panel having a sill plate, top plate, plurality of vertical studs extending therebetween, and a skin with a first edge having a waveform profile for connecting to an adjacent modular panel; and one of the vertical studs being an end stud and having a first connector element configured to be secured to a first complementing connector element of an adjacent second modular panel; and further each modular roof panel has a peak crosspiece, bottom crosspiece, and plurality of rafters, with the first rafter having an engagement member to be engaged with a complementary engagement member of another modular roof panel, and further a second connector element configured to be secured to a second complementing connector element of a second modular roof panel.