Self-deploying bivouac sack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable shelters lack the ability to quickly and automatically deploy into a compact, self-supporting structure that can easily convert back into a storage configuration.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable bivouac sack with a self-deploying, spring-like frame that automatically unfolds to form a dome structure over a waterproof ground piece, allowing for quick setup and conversion back to a compact storage configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional portable shelter is used, then it can provide protection, but it requires manual setup and cannot quickly convert between deployed and storage configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to automatically self-deploy when released from its compressed state. The spring-like structure and geometric configuration enable the frame to unfold and erect itself without requiring manual assembly, allowing the shelter to transition from compact storage to deployed configuration automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static compressed state to a dynamic deployed state through a mechanical transformation. The spring-like structure allows the frame to be compressed into a compact configuration for storage and then dynamically expand into an expanded configuration that forms a self-supporting shelter structure.
2Extent of automation
If a compact portable shelter is used, then it can be easily stored and transported, but it lacks automatic deployment capability and requires manual assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple interconnected elements with specific geometric relationships. These segmented components are designed to articulate relative to each other during deployment, allowing the structure to transform from a compact linear configuration to an expanded three-dimensional shelter form through controlled mechanical movement.
3Volume of moving object
If the frame is forcibly folded into a compact configuration for storage, then portability is improved, but the deployment process may be delayed or require additional effort
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is pre-configured in a compressed state during manufacturing, with all components positioned and oriented for automatic deployment. The spring-like structure is pre-tensioned and the geometric relationships are established beforehand, so that when the frame is released from its compressed configuration, it automatically unfolds into the deployed shelter structure without requiring additional assembly steps.
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 bivouac sack provides a quick and easy setup of a temporary shelter that is both lightweight and waterproof, with the ability to convert back into a compact storage configuration for portability.
Implementation Method 1
a self-deploying, spring-like frame that extends upward from the pan... The frame is configured to forcibly fold into a compact circular configuration for storage and automatically unfolds and self-deploys to form an expanded, self-supporting structure over the pan
Data Source
AI summary
A portable bivouac sack configured to be self-deploy when released from its compact storage configuration. The bivouac sack comprises an elongated bag shell made of waterproof material with an elongated ground piece and a top panel. The sack is closed on one end, open at an opposite end, and configured to receive a sleeping bag. The top panel is shorter than the ground piece to form a transverse opening into the bag shell and a longitudinally aligned pan. Disposed over the pan is a self-deploying frame that folds into a compact circular configuration for storage and automatically unfolds and self-deploys when released to form an expanded frame. Attached to the frame is a flexible outer cover that expands with the frame to form a dome over the pan. The frame cover extends downward towards the pan and a sliding connector selective attaches the frame cover to the pan to provide egress and ingress to the protected area under the dome. An optional outer cover is provided that fits over the dome.