Foldable Portable Container Structure With Self-Erecting Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable structures require complex assembly and time-consuming processes for erection, lacking efficiency and simplicity in transitioning between stored and erected conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable structure featuring a flexible base, resilient frames, and foldable spacing members made from materials like spring steel or fibreglass, which are coiled or bent to easily convert between stored and erected states, eliminating the need for additional components or inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional portable structures use rigid frames and multiple connection components, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular components (base, sides, resilient frame, spacing members) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The resilient frame acts as a self-contained element that provides both structural support and automatic positioning, eliminating the need for multiple connection components while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient frame automatically assumes its functional shape upon deployment, providing self-positioning and self-support capabilities. The frame's elastic properties enable it to automatically maintain structural integrity and spacing without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
2Strength
If portable structures use multiple connection components and assembly steps, then structural integrity is improved, but erection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient frame is pre-formed with its final functional geometry during manufacturing. When deployed, the frame automatically assumes its intended shape and position, eliminating the need for on-site assembly steps such as connecting multiple frame segments or adjusting alignment, thereby reducing erection time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into single components: the resilient frame simultaneously provides structural support, defines the container shape, and maintains spacing between base and sides. The spacing members integrate the functions of positioning, support, and structural connection, reducing the total number of assembly steps required.
3Strength
If portable structures use rigid frames and multiple components, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but ease of storage and transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient frame transitions between a compact stored state and an expanded functional state. During storage and transport, the frame can be collapsed or folded into a compact configuration. Upon deployment, the frame's elastic properties enable it to automatically expand to its full load-bearing configuration, providing both ease of storage and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the frame (length, volume, configuration) are dynamically changed between stored and operational states. The resilient material allows the frame to be compressed into a compact form for storage, then automatically return to its expanded load-bearing configuration when deployed, resolving the contradiction between storage ease and load-bearing capacity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If portable structures require assembly of multiple components, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Complex connection mechanisms and multiple assembly steps are extracted from the design. The resilient frame is provided as a single pre-formed component that automatically provides structural stability through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex connection hardware and multi-step assembly procedures while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient frame provides self-positioning and self-support capabilities, automatically assuming its functional configuration upon deployment. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for user intervention in complex assembly operations, making the structure easy to assemble while maintaining high structural stability.
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
Enables rapid and simplified conversion between stored and erected conditions, providing a unitary structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled without additional components, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient frame is bendable and the one or more spacing members is/are foldable to allow the portable structure to adopt its stored condition wherein bending of the resilient frame and/or folding of the spacing members provides energy for moving the portable structure from the stored condition to the erected condition
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A portable structure (1), configurable between stored and erected conditions, comprises a base (4), one or more sides (5), a resilient frame (2) and one or more spacing members (6). The base (4) and the one or more sides (5) comprise a flexible material. The resilient frame (2) is located at the interface of the base (4) and the one or more sides (5). The resilient frame (2) is connected to the flexible material to provide a shape to the base (4) in the erected condition. The one or more spacing members (6) support the flexible material of the one or more sides (5) in a raised manner in the erected condition so as to form a container, bounded by the flexible material of the base (4) and the one or more sides (5). The resilient frame (2) and the one or more spacing members (6) are foldable to allow the portable structure (1) to adopt its stored condition, wherein folding of the resilient frame (2) and the one or more spacing members (6) provides energy for moving the portable structure (1) from the stored condition to the erected condition thereof.