Movable Building Structure With Retractable Overlapping Panels
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building structures lack the ability to be selectively collapsible and movable for storage, limiting their versatility and space efficiency in outdoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A building structure with sides and a roof assembly that are supported by rails, allowing panels to overlap and retract for compact storage, with independent movement of side and roof panels for customizable enclosure configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the structure is made fixed and permanent, then structural stability is improved, but space efficiency and storage capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The structure transitions from a static fixed form to a dynamic system where panels can move between extended and retracted positions. The sides and roof panels are mounted on rails allowing them to slide, enabling the structure to adapt between providing full enclosure and being collapsed for storage, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is divided into multiple independent panels (side panels and roof panels) that can move separately along rails. This segmentation allows individual panels to be extended or retracted independently, providing both structural stability when extended and storage capability when retracted, without compromising the overall structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the structure is made collapsible for storage, then space efficiency is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure employs dynamic movement mechanisms where panels slide along rails rather than being permanently fixed. This allows the structure to maintain full structural strength when panels are extended in use, while enabling complete collapse for storage by retracting panels along the same rails, thus preserving strength during operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the structure into separate panels that move independently on rails, each panel maintains its structural integrity when extended. The segmented design allows the structure to be fully strong when assembled for use, yet easily collapsible for storage by retracting individual panels along their respective rails without compromising material strength
3Ease of operation
If panels are made movable along rails, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into multiple independent panels, each with its own rail system. This segmentation allows each panel to move independently along its rail, simplifying the operation of individual components while the modular nature of the segmented design actually reduces overall system complexity compared to a monolithic movable structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system serves multiple functions: it guides panel movement, supports panel weight, enables retraction for storage, and maintains structural alignment. This multi-functionality of the universal rail component simplifies the overall device by using a single mechanism type for multiple operational requirements, reducing device complexity despite improved ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A movable building structure is configured to selectively enclose an area. The structure includes at least one side wall and an end wall attached thereto. The side wall comprises a number of individual panels that are independently movable along a track secured to the ground. The panels are selectively collapsible such that they may travel along the track and overlap one another when in a collapsed or stowed position. The structure may be configured in any number of intermediate positions wherein the panels are partially collapsed. Roof panels may be attached to the side walls for movement therewith, or alternatively, the roof panels may operate independent of the side walls to extend and retract between an open and collapsed configuration.