Modular Construction Shelter with Overlapping Flaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weather shelter solutions for construction workers on scaffolding are inadequate, as they often fail to provide a secure, wind-resistant, and weather-tight enclosure due to poor anchoring and fitting issues with tarps and other coverings.
Innovation Solution
A modular weather shelter system comprising lightweight, rigid rectangular panels with flexible weatherproof sheeting and mechanical connectors, allowing for quick assembly into a stable, weather-tight enclosure with adjustable roof angles and enhanced structural integrity through overlapping flaps with hook-and-loop fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tarps are used to cover scaffolding, then workers are shielded from weather, but the tarps are difficult to anchor against wind and fit poorly with significant gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled and secured to scaffolding components. Each panel is a discrete unit that can be attached to individual scaffold poles and crossbars, allowing for precise fitting and secure anchoring without the instability of large tarps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate attachment mechanisms including grommets, ropes, and tensioning systems that mediate between the shelter panels and the scaffolding structure. These intermediaries provide reliable anchoring points and allow for secure fastening that resists wind forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tarps are used to cover scaffolding, then workers are shielded from weather, but the tarps fit poorly on the scaffolding with significant gaps and sloppiness
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled and secured to scaffolding components. Each panel is a discrete unit that can be attached to individual scaffold poles and crossbars, allowing for precise fitting and secure anchoring without the instability of large tarps.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the shelter system have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The panels use rigid frames for structural integrity, flexible sheeting for weatherproofing, and overlapping flaps with hook-and-loop fasteners for precise sealing at joints, ensuring a tight fit without gaps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid covers are attached to scaffolding, then better weather coverage is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled and secured to scaffolding components. Each panel is a discrete unit that can be attached to individual scaffold poles and crossbars, allowing for precise fitting and secure anchoring without the instability of large tarps.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof panels are designed with hinges that allow them to be adjusted to different angles. This dynamic capability enables the shelter to adapt to various roof configurations and building geometries, providing versatile weather protection without requiring complex custom-built structures for each application.
4Productivity
If modular panels with mechanical connectors are used, then assembly is quick and easy, but the structural integrity may be compromised compared to permanent structures
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are pre-assembled with integrated mechanical connectors, grommets, and overlapping flaps during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows workers to simply connect pre-configured units on-site, achieving quick assembly while maintaining structural integrity through factory-quality connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelter panels combine multiple materials and connection methods: rigid frames provide structural support, flexible weatherproof sheeting provides environmental protection, and mechanical connectors with overlapping flaps secured by hook-and-loop fasteners provide strong joints. This composite approach ensures both ease of assembly and structural strength.
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 system provides a strong, lightweight, and adjustable weather barrier that effectively shields workers from the elements while offering easy assembly and repair, with enhanced structural integrity and adaptability to various construction environments.
Implementation Method 1
The overlap flaps at each edge include a hook-and-loop or equivalent fastener strip on an interior face
Implementation Method 2
The roof panels are preferably joined to the upper wall panels with hinges, so that the angle of the roof can easily be adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
A modular construction shelter for protecting workers and equipment or building materials adjacent a building wall. The shelter comprises a plurality of substantially identical lightweight panels that can be interconnected interchangeably into wall and roof sections. Each panel comprises a rectangular frame of flat-edged frame members covered by a lightweight sheet of flexible weatherproof cover material such as clear plastic, with interconnection features such as aligned bores for clips or bolts formed through the frame members behind the plastic sheeting to secure the panels to one another. Each flexible weatherproof cover includes an overlap flap of the sheet material extending beyond lower and first-side edges of the frame, the overlap flap including interior-facing fastener material to mate with corresponding exterior-facing fastener material formed on the outside faces of the upper and second-side frame members of adjacent panels.