Tensioned Membrane Door Modules for Movable Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamshell doors for movable structures have membranes that become untensioned when opened, leading to damage, especially in extreme climates, as they are often kept in the open position for extended periods, significantly reducing the membrane's useful life.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell-type door system with multiple modules, each having its own tensioned membrane, that are nested vertically in the open position, ensuring the membranes are always under tension and reducing susceptibility to damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamshell door membrane is allowed to drape when opened, then the door can be fully opened, but the membrane becomes untensioned and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one membrane system within another. The door membrane is nested within the main structure membrane, and when the door opens, the membrane nests into the curved space created by the arches rather than draping loosely. This nested configuration maintains tension while enabling full door opening.
2Reliability
If the membrane is kept tensioned during door operation, then membrane durability is improved, but the door mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a membrane system that dynamically maintains tension throughout the door's range of motion. The membrane is attached to multiple arches that rotate together, allowing the membrane to dynamically adjust its configuration while remaining taut. This dynamic system eliminates the need for separate tensioning mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the door into multiple modular components - several arches (typically 3-5) that are spaced along the door opening. Each arch is independently attached to the membrane, and they rotate in unison. This segmentation allows the complex curved membrane configuration to be achieved through simpler, repeating modular units rather than a single complex mechanism.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the membrane remains taut in the open position, then membrane life is extended, but the door structure requires additional support elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the arches multi-functional structural elements. The arches serve simultaneously as: (1) the structural support framework for the membrane, (2) the rotating mechanism that opens and closes the door, and (3) the tensioning elements that keep the membrane taut in both closed and open positions. This eliminates the need for separate support structures for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a door system for a temporary, movable structure having a plurality of spaced apart frame members and a membrane stretched between adjacent frame members. The door system has multiple modules movable between open and closed positions. Each module has its own membrane, separate from the membranes of the structure, which is stretched taught over the surface of the module. In the open position, the modules do not obstruct the opening in the structure, and the membranes of the modules and the structure do not go slack. The membranes of both the structure and the modules are always under tension, thus being less susceptible to damage.