Patterned Conductive Ink RF Absorber for Foldable Shelter Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable transportable structures face limitations in complete collapsibility, ease of deployment, material flexibility, and integration of insulation and protection features, particularly in remote locations and large-scale applications.

Innovation Solution

A foldable transportable structure with advanced geometric folding patterns, integrated components for improved insulation, structural integrity, and flexibility, including adjustable door assemblies, radio frequency energy absorbers, and interchangeable panel components, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly without tools and enabling combination of varying panel thicknesses and materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional foldable structures use simple panel designs, then ease of manufacture is improved, but insulation performance and protection features deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidinsulation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple layers including insulating foam core, conductive ink patterns, and protective coatings within a single panel. This creates a multi-functional panel that provides both insulation and RF protection while maintaining manufacturability through integrated construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single panel structure: insulation, RF energy absorption, structural integrity, and protection features are all integrated into one composite panel, eliminating the need for separate components and maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If foldable structures use integrated multi-functional components, then reliability and protection features are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection featuresVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed as universal multi-functional components that simultaneously provide structural support, insulation, RF protection, and weather resistance. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional structures use fixed material configurations, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to diverse field conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to field conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness and material composition of different panel regions to meet specific performance requirements. For example, panels can have varying insulation thickness or RF absorber patterns tailored to local environmental conditions and structural needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing adjustment of panel dimensions, material compositions, and insulation thicknesses to adapt to different field conditions. The modular design permits customization of panel specifications while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 structure achieves efficient, tool-free assembly and disassembly, enhanced insulation, and protection from radio frequency energy, while being adaptable for diverse field conditions and scalable for large-scale use, reducing material waste and transportation costs.

Implementation Method 1

a thin, lightweight and flexible radio frequency energy absorber consisting of a dielectric sheet having a plurality of non-uniformly distributed conductive ink squares printed thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10249959B2Patterned conductive ink film absorber for a foldable transportable shelter

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 DIGREGORY VINCENT J

AI summary

Disclosed is a thin-film radio frequency absorber material that is mass-produced by a high-speed manufacturing method of printing a highly controlled pattern of conductive ink squares onto a thin roll film, resulting in a lightweight low-cost radio frequency absorber component that is flexible for use in multiple novel configurations. The roll film material and printed squares are each easily adjustable to a specific size and thickness within the manufacturing process to coincide with control and protections related to variable specific radio and radar wave frequencies. Further integration into the three-layered thin-profile radio frequency energy absorber and reflector assembly provides control and protection properties related to radio and radar frequency, infrared, electromagnetic pulse, electromagnetic interference, and thermal insulation values in structural building panels utilized in lightweight structures such as the foldable transportable structure or other types of building and protection assemblies.