Temporary Shelter System With Interlocking Composite Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable shelters are costly, labor-intensive to set up, and lack a consistent anchoring system, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to metal components and cumbersome deployment processes.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, reusable shelter system utilizing structural composite panels with interlocking finger joints and a foundation system for secure anchoring, eliminating the need for metal studs and providing a quick, easy setup and leveling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal-based portable shelters are used, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome assembly and metal component requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses structural composite panels (CLT - cross-laminated timber) as the primary structural material, replacing traditional metal components. These composite panels provide sufficient structural strength while being lighter and easier to handle than metal, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The shelter is divided into modular components (walls, roof, floor panels) that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. The interlocking finger joints create self-aligning connections that simplify assembly without requiring complex metal fastening systems, addressing both strength requirements and operational simplicity
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional portable shelters with metal components are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment speed worsen due to labor-intensive assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The structural composite panels are pre-manufactured with precision-cut interlocking finger joints and pre-drilled holes for connections. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid on-site assembly without requiring complex field manufacturing or complex fastening operations, simultaneously ensuring structural stability and accelerating deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking finger joints are designed to self-align and self-lock during assembly, reducing the need for complex alignment procedures and specialized tools. The panels automatically guide themselves into proper position through the finger joint geometry, improving both stability and assembly speed
3Reliability
If traditional anchoring systems are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of consistent anchoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The structural composite panels incorporate multiple functions within their design: they serve as both the structural enclosure and the anchoring interface. The consistent anchoring holes and connection points are integrated directly into the panel design, eliminating the need for separate anchoring systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A shelter is provided that includes a floor, at least three rigid walls attachable to the floor, a roof is attachable to the walls, a hold down system is connectable to each corner of the roof and the floor to hold the roof, the rigid walls, and the floor in compression, the hold down system including at least one rod positionable at each corner of the corners of the roof and sized to extend through the roof, and attach to the roof and the floor; and the shelter having a deployed configuration in which the floor, the walls, and the roof are attached together via the hold down system to form a shelter that defines an enclosed interior, the shelter having a palletized configuration in which the rigid walls, the roof, and the floor are layered on a rigid pallet.