ABSTRACT

The objective of this project is to optimize the outdoor constructions. And I consider from user needs to the use of the product during my design process.

BACKGROUND

People always need outdoor activities. However, people encounter many uncertainties outdoors because of the diversity of the natural environment. With the development of technology, outdoor construction is still a problem.

Nowadays, many people use tents to build outdoor shelters. One always has the expectation that the tents are safe, easy to transport and to use. But after researching the existing products, I find out that most of the existing tents can't meet all the requirements at the same time.

GOAL

The aim of the project is to develop safe, portable outdoor constructions. These constructions can be built faster and adapted to different situations.

IDEATION

I use different materials to create different models. Then I use these models to analyze which shapes and structures can fulfill the design goals.

The tests show that the objects with convex surfaces are not easily deformed. In comparison with different construction, air-cushion construction has more advantages. You can also use air cushions with a triangular polygon shape to get the desired shape.

With magnets, the polygons can quickly be connected. If you put two polygons closer together, the magnets will attract each other. Due to the air inside, the surface is curved outwards, thus increasing the stability of the air cushion.

TECHNOLOGY

Now there are many pop-up tents on the market that can set up by themselves. Is there a possibility that the polygons can also be connected by themselves?

"4D Printing [...], is a new process for printing customizable smart materials. [...] Using only water, heat, light or other simple energy input, this technique offers adaptability and dynamic response for structures and systems of all sizes." (Self-Assembly Lab o. J.) With 4D printing, it is possible that under certain conditions, printed objects can be deformed and automatically form certain shapes.

FINAL DESIGN

Each air cushion is a single component with magnetic edges. The edges will be printed with 4D prints. If two individual components are unconnected, the edge is deformed as desired. If they are connected, the edge can become very stable. When they are separated, these edges "remember" their shapes. So that when they have connected again, the edges take on this shape again.

We used to buy different tents for different purposes. But now we can build tents for different purposes only with a certain number of polygons.

PROSPECT

At the moment I use magnets to connect each component. But the disadvantage of the magnet is that sometimes there is a gap between those components. Besides, the connection with the magnet is not very stable and it restricts the actual use.

In the future, we can use the technology 4D printing, which will allow us to build outdoor constructions more flexibly. e.g. when contacting different triggers, the construction will become more stable. It is also possible that each polygon can inflate itself. Then you don't need to take an air pump with you. Although the technology of 4D printing has not yet been realized, it has great potential in the future.