Compact Folding Space Enclosure With Telescopic Central Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible space enclosures struggle with inefficient transport and deployment due to extensive assembly requirements, lack of compact folding and unfolding capabilities, and inadequate integration of mechanisms for vertical retraction and lateral folding, which limits their practicality in applications requiring rapid deployment and compact storage.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible enclosure system with a telescopic lifting central structure, incorporating folding elements, actuators, parallelogram linkage assemblies, and retractable strut channel assemblies, enabling balanced vertical retraction and extension, continuous 360° rotation, and simultaneous lateral retraction and vertical lifting, along with offset-hinges for independent movement of folding elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional collapsible space enclosures are designed for transport, then they can be moved to different locations, but they require extensive on-site assembly which is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly requirementVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is pre-assembled into a complete unit at the manufacturing site, including all structural components, walls, roof, and flooring. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site construction, allowing the unit to be deployed immediately upon delivery to the destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure is divided into modular segments that can be easily transported and then quickly reconfigured or reassembled if needed. The modular design includes separable wall panels, roof sections, and floor components that can be rapidly assembled using simple connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If collapsible space enclosures are designed to be compact for storage, then they can be stored efficiently, but they lack the ability to fold and unfold, limiting rapid deployment capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoiddeployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure employs a telescopic central core structure where the upper portion can be vertically retracted into the lower portion, similar to a nested doll configuration. This allows the structure to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining the ability to rapidly extend to full size for deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure incorporates dynamic folding mechanisms with hinges and articulation points that enable the structure to transition smoothly between folded and unfolded states. These mechanical elements allow rapid transformation from a compact stored configuration to a fully deployed enclosure without complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If enclosures integrate mechanisms for vertical retraction and lateral folding, then they achieve compact folding capability, but the systems become cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded volumeVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical retraction mechanism and lateral folding mechanism are integrated into a unified telescopic lifting central core structure. This merged design allows both folding motions to occur through a single coordinated system rather than separate independent mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while achieving compact folded volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic lifting central core serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for vertical retraction, enables lateral folding through integrated hinges, and acts as the primary support for the enclosure walls and roof. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250320715A1Compact collapsible folding space enclosure with telescopic lifting central structure

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 SHARPTON GEORGE

AI summary

A collapsible space enclosure system is disclosed, designed for efficient transport and deployment in the field of mechanical engineering. The system described addresses the technical problem of cumbersome and inefficient collapsible structures by providing a system that integrates a telescopic lifting central section with an upper and lower portion for balanced vertical retraction and extension. The system includes folding panels connected to the central structure, configured to fold in two for compact shipment. Actuators enable continuous 360° rotation and balanced vertical movement. Parallelogram linkage assemblies facilitate simultaneous lateral retraction and vertical lifting. Retractable strut channel assemblies allow for the installation of add-on retractable spaces, increasing floor area. This system is particularly useful for military, commercial, and recreational applications, offering a streamlined and versatile solution for rapid deployment and compact storage.