Collapsible Shelter Translating Hinge Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible shelters for vehicles are limited by their lack of durability, security, weather-proofing, comfort, simplicity, ease of deployment, and stability, with rooftop tent assemblies being flimsy and uncomfortable, and rigid-walled shelters being heavy, cumbersome, and poorly designed.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible shelter system with a rigid base, hingedly attached roof, foldable side walls, and a collapsible back wall, featuring translational and rotational hinge assemblies for easy deployment, integrated solar panels, rechargeable batteries for power, and adjustable mounts for secure vehicle attachment, along with ingress guards and insulated, airtight, and watertight construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If rooftop tent assemblies with collapsible frame are used, then the shelter is lightweight, but the construction is flimsy and not durable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials combining aluminum alloy frame members with high-strength fasteners and reinforced connection joints. The frame uses lightweight aluminum alloy while maintaining structural integrity through optimized cross-sectional geometry and strategic reinforcement at stress concentration points, resolving the contradiction between lightweight construction and durability.
2Ease of operation
If rigid walls with insulation are used, then basic comfort is provided, but the shelter becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible yet insulated wall panels constructed from multi-layer composite materials that provide thermal insulation while maintaining light weight. The walls employ thin-film insulation layers sandwiched between durable but lightweight outer and inner skins, delivering comfort through insulation without the burden of heavy rigid construction.
3Strength
If rigid but foldable side walls are used, then durability is improved, but the deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the side walls into modular foldable segments connected by hinges and latching mechanisms. Each wall panel is segmented into manageable sections that can be independently folded and secured, providing durable rigid construction while simplifying deployment through modular assembly that reduces overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If translating hinge assemblies are used, then ease of deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces translating hinge assemblies as intermediary mechanisms between the roof and base structure. These hinges serve as mediators that convert complex rotational movements into simplified linear translation paths, enabling easy deployment through intuitive pulling motions while the internal hinge mechanism manages the complexity of coordinated movement across multiple connection points.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the roof is inclined to the base in open position, then aerodynamic design is improved, but the internal space volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inclined roof design that slopes forward to improve aerodynamics and wind deflection. To compensate for the reduced vertical headspace, the design extends the longitudinal dimension of the shelter interior, creating additional living space in the forward-backward direction rather than sacrificing overall volume. This dimensional redistribution maintains comfortable internal space while achieving superior aerodynamic performance.
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 system provides a durable, secure, and comfortable shelter that is easy to deploy and collapse, offering aerodynamic design, optimal space utilization, and reliable power for lighting, heating, and charging, while being lightweight and stable against wind and weather.
Implementation Method 1
The roof is hingedly attached to the base along a front edge using one or more translating hinge assemblies, which provides for translational movement as well as rotational movement of the roof with respect to the base.
Implementation Method 2
The collapsible shelter system may further include solar panels integrated on an outer surface of the roof, and a rechargeable battery that is charged by electricity generated by the solar panels.
Implementation Method 3
The collapsible shelter system may further include one or more gas struts connecting lower portions and upper portions of the foldable side walls. The gas struts facilitate ease of deployment of the collapsible shelter system.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a collapsible shelter system is provided that includes a base defining a front edge and a back edge and a roof defining a front edge and a back edge. A front height is defined by the distance between the front edge of the base and the front edge of the roof, and a back height is defined by the distance between the back edge of the base and the back edge of the roof. The system further includes a first side wall and a second wall, each including a lower portion hingedly attached to the base and an upper portion hingedly attached to the roof, and the lower portion hingedly attached to the upper portion along a middle-hinge axis. The collapsible shelter system is configurable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the back height is greater than the front height.