Multi-hinged Vehicle Shelter with Segmented Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fishing shelters are limited in their ability to comfortably accommodate multiple individuals and sufficient gear, while also being cumbersome to transport and set up, especially in adverse weather conditions. They often compromise vehicle storage capacity and are prone to wear and tear during use.
Innovation Solution
A portable multi-hinged shelter designed for attachment to vehicles with open cargo bays, featuring a box frame mountable on the vehicle's sidewalls, a moveable frame assembly with pivotable canopies, and a ground brace. This design allows for easy expansion into a protective enclosure and compact storage without compromising vehicle capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a portable fishing shelter is designed to accommodate multiple individuals and gear, then the enclosure space and storage capacity are improved, but the weight and bulk increase making it cumbersome to transport and set up
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter is divided into multiple modular components including a frame assembly, canopy sections, and storage compartments that can be independently packaged and transported. The frame uses segmented tubing that can be assembled/disassembled, allowing the shelter to be broken into manageable pieces for transport while maintaining full enclosure capacity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelter components are designed to nest within each other when not in use - the canopy sections fold within the frame structure, storage compartments collapse inward, and smaller components fit within larger ones. This nesting capability significantly reduces the volume and weight perception during transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Weight of moving object
If a portable fishing shelter is designed to be lightweight for transport, then ease of transport is improved, but the structural strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter employs composite construction combining aluminum or composite materials for the frame structure, providing high strength-to-weight ratio. The canopy uses breathable yet durable fabric materials that are lightweight but weather-resistant. Storage compartments use corrugated plastic or metal that provides strength while maintaining light weight. This composite approach achieves both lightweight transportability and structural durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelter features dynamic, adjustable structural elements including telescopic poles, articulating joints, and movable canopy sections that can adapt their configuration based on load requirements. The frame includes adjustable cross-bracing that can be engaged or disengaged, allowing the structure to be lightweight during transport but strengthened when deployed to withstand wind and weather loads.
3Ease of operation
If a portable fishing shelter is designed with quick assembly features, then ease of setup is improved, but the structural complexity and potential wear and tear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter includes pre-assembled frame sections, pre-attached canopy components, and pre-configured storage compartments that can be quickly connected upon arrival at the fishing location. The frame arrives with connection points pre-positioned, and canopy sections are pre-attached to support structures, allowing users to simply connect pre-prepared components rather than assembling everything from scratch, significantly reducing setup time while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelter incorporates self-latching mechanisms, snap-fit connections, and automatic locking features that allow components to self-assemble or self-secure without requiring complex tools or procedures. Connection points feature automatic engagement when parts are joined, and the structure includes self-adjusting elements that automatically position themselves during assembly, reducing the skill level and time required for setup while maintaining structural integrity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a portable fishing shelter is designed to protect from adverse weather conditions, then protection from elements is improved, but the weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shelter uses thin-walled but weather-resistant frame tubing that provides structural protection without excessive weight. The canopy employs thin yet durable breathable fabric that protects from wind and rain while maintaining ventilation. Storage compartments use thin corrugated plastic or metal walls that provide weather protection for gear. These thin-film approaches provide adequate weather protection while minimizing weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelter features dynamic, adjustable protective elements including extendable wind shields, adjustable canopy sections that can be raised or lowered based on weather conditions, and movable storage covers that can be opened or closed as needed. The frame includes adjustable cross-bracing that can be engaged during severe weather to provide additional protection. These dynamic adjustments allow the shelter to provide maximum protection when needed while maintaining minimum weight during fair weather.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable multi-hinged shelter for housing one or more individuals and storing gear commonly associated with outdoor excursions and like activities, which includes a box frame mounted atop of and connected to an open cargo bay of a vehicle and fitted with a secondary shelter shell and a supportive wind wall removably attached to the box frame and pivotally connected to a lower wind wall and sideward arms of a moveable frame assembly. The moveable frame assembly further includes primary and secondary canopies pivotally connected to the sideward arms and a ground brace pivotally connected to the primary canopy that collectively accept and support attachment of a primary shelter shell, whereby manual manipulation and adjustment of angular moveable supports or alternative telescopic supports that interact with select structural aspects of the supportive wind wall and moveable frame assembly yields expansion and contraction of the moveable frame assembly respectively for occupancy and compact transport alongside the vehicle.