Modular Pin-and-Notch Temporary Structure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions lack the ability to selectively and repeatedly assemble, deconstruct, and reconstruct temporary structures efficiently without tools, limiting their versatility and configurational possibilities, especially for outdoor applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongated first members with notches and pins, triangular third members with hooks, and planar fourth members, allowing for various configurations through a pin-and-hole engagement mechanism, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and reassembly of temporary structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional temporary structures (canvas tents) are used, then outdoor coverage is provided, but versatility and configurational possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into multiple separate members (first members with notches, second members with pins, third members as triangular supports, fourth members as planar panels) that can be independently assembled and reconfigured. Each member contains standardized notches and pins that enable modular construction, allowing the same set of members to create various configurations for different outdoor applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The first members are designed with notches at multiple positions (first notches at one end, second notches at the other end) that can engage with corresponding pins on different member types. This universal engagement mechanism allows the same first members to connect with second members, third members, and fourth members, enabling a single set of components to serve multiple structural configurations and applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If structures are designed for repeated assembly and disassembly, then versatility is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The notches and pins are pre-formed during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field fabrication or complex assembly procedures. The first members come with notches already positioned at specific locations, and the second members have pins pre-installed, allowing users to simply connect components without tools or specialized skills, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reconfigurability.
3Ease of operation
If manual assembly without tools is used, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pin acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transfers and distributes loads between connected members. When the pin from the second member is inserted into the notch of the first member, it creates a robust mechanical interlock that can withstand significant forces, achieving strong connections through simple manual insertion without requiring tools or complex fastening mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herewith is a system for assembling a temporary structure using a plurality of separate members. A first member has ends at opposite sides of an elongated body portion, with notches on the top and bottom sides of each end. A second member has ends with notches formed on opposite between the ends. These notches enable the first and second members to engage with other such separate members. A third member has a triangular shape that functions as a roof truss with opposing sloped surfaces and an underside. A pair of truss notches is formed at positions corresponding to the notches of the first member, for each engaging with one of the plurality of separate members. The third member also includes feature hooks, formed on the sloped surfaces, for engaging with a fourth member defined by a planar roofing material having a plurality of holes.