Retractable Sanitary Unit Layout for Low-Volume Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high transportation costs and inefficiencies in moving residential units, particularly sanitary units, due to the need to transport empty spaces along with minimal inventory, are exacerbated by growing demand for temporary use in events and disaster relief scenarios, necessitating a more efficient and energy-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A transportable sanitary unit designed as a straight parallelepiped with retractable walls that convert between a low transport position and a high operational position, allowing for efficient stacking and use of standard container dimensions, incorporating a vacuum drainage system and modular design for flexible configuration and reduced transportation volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If residential units are transported in standard container sizes, then transportation capacity is maximized, but the units cannot be fully functional during transport due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The walls of the residential unit are designed to be dynamically adjustable between extended and retracted positions. During transport, walls are retracted to reduce volume and fit within standard container dimensions. At the destination, walls are extended to create fully functional living spaces with proper room dimensions and amenities.
Solution Approach 2:
The residential unit is divided into modular wall sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows different parts of the unit to be in different states (extended or retracted) simultaneously, enabling optimization of both transport efficiency and functional capability at different times.
2Ease of operation
If walls are extended to provide functional spaces, then living comfort is improved, but transportation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure incorporates movable panels that can transition between extended and retracted states. When extended, they provide sufficient space for comfortable living with proper furniture placement and movement. When retracted, they minimize the overall volume to reduce transportation costs and energy consumption.
3Productivity
If inventory is transported with residential units, then setup efficiency is improved, but transportation space is wasted due to air space
Solution Approach 1:
Inventory items are designed to nest within each other or within the residential unit structure itself. For example, furniture components can be stored within wall cavities or stacked in compact configurations that utilize the available space efficiently, eliminating wasted air space while ensuring all necessary items are transported.
Data Source
AI summary
Transportable unit for forming a straight parallelepiped-shaped residential space, provided with a bottom and a covering, and upright walls extending in between them, which walls can be converted between a—particularly retracted—transport position and a—particularly extended—operational position, in which the unit has a larger height, wherein the unit is equipped as a sanitary unit having a series of toilet bowls, urinals and/or showers.