Unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In certain embodiments, the current invention includes unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements and uses thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In an embodiment, the current invention provides a method/ability to transform any four-bar compliant mechanism into a bistable compliant mechanism. It is an object of the current invention to facilitate structures morphing from one specific shape to another specific shape using unit cell bistable elements.

Unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In certain embodiments, the current invention includes unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements and uses thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In an embodiment, the current invention provides a method/ability to transform any four-bar compliant mechanism into a bistable compliant mechanism. It is an object of the current invention to facilitate structures morphing from one specific shape to another specific shape using unit cell bistable elements.

An accordion wall structure includes three primary components, namely two linkage systems and four wall panels. The linkage systems are adeptly positioned both at the upper and lower extremities of each wall panel. The composition of the linkage system is meticulously engineered, featuring gear sets and linkage bars that work in concert to ensure seamless functionality. A hydraulic component can be used for the propulsion of the first link and the subsequent rotation of the initial wall panel. During the rotation of the wall panels, the interconnected gearsets of the linkage systems are consistently aligned generally parallel to the main mount due to their linkage connection. The direct coupling between the gears and the panel ensures synchronous rotation between them. The gearsets of the linkage systems ensure a synchronized rotation of the gears. This coordinated rotation further translates into the simultaneous rotation of the adjacent wall panel.

Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing components of a wall module and a modular wall with the ability to shift or move relative to each other. The ability to shift can reduce or prevent damage to the wall modules during movement of support structures (ceilings, floors, permanent or structural walls) that secure the wall modules, which can shift or move relative to each other during seismic events or otherwise.

Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus includes a curtain having a plurality of compressible tubes positioned between a first end of the curtain and a second end of the curtain. The compressible tubes move between a collapsed position when the curtain is in a relaxed condition and an expanded position when the curtain is a taut condition.

Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle's side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle. In some examples, one or more seal members lengthen in response to the size and position of the vehicle.

Disclosed herein is the fabrication and implementation of prefabricated volumetric construction modules that include transitioning members that adjust between vertical support columns and structural trusses via lateral joints. Modification of vertical support columns to trusses enables open space configurations in volumetric construction. Each volumetric module includes a habitation zone and a truss zone. Folding or transitioning a vertical support column at the lateral joint positions a lower region of the support column from the habitation zone into the truss zone. The vertical support columns are transitioned in a specified order where within a given row of vertical support columns. Beginning from a first interior column on an edge-positioned transforming volumetric module, workers fold half of the vertical support columns of the given row into the truss arrangement in a first direction toward the edge-positioned transforming volumetric module. Continuing from a second interior column on an opposite edge-positioned transforming volumetric module, a worker folds a remaining half of the vertical support columns of the given row into the truss arrangement in a second direction toward the opposite edge-positioned transforming volumetric module.

Disclosed herein is the fabrication and implementation of prefabricated volumetric construction modules that include transitioning members that adjust between vertical support columns and structural trusses via lateral joints. Modification of vertical support columns to trusses enables open space configurations in volumetric construction. Each volumetric module includes a habitation zone and a truss zone. Folding or transitioning a vertical support column at the lateral joint positions a lower region of the support column from the habitation zone into the truss zone. The vertical support columns are transitioned in a specified order where within a given row of vertical support columns. Beginning from a first interior column on an edge-positioned transforming volumetric module, workers fold half of the vertical support columns of the given row into the truss arrangement in a first direction toward the edge-positioned transforming volumetric module. Continuing from a second interior column on an opposite edge-positioned transforming volumetric module, a worker folds a remaining half of the vertical support columns of the given row into the truss arrangement in a second direction toward the opposite edge-positioned transforming volumetric module.

A collapsible structural frame for forming a soffit having a multi-planar surface. The collapsible structural frame includes a first frame portion configured to receive a first sheet of building material, a second frame portion configured to receive a second sheet of building material, the second frame portion extending along a second reference plane, and a third frame portion configured to receive a third sheet of building material. The collapsible structural frame is alterable from: (1) a flat state in which the first, second, and third frame portions extend along the second reference plane in a linear arrangement; and (2) a deployed state in which the first frame portion is out of plane with the second reference plane and the third frame portion is out of plane with the second reference plane.

Disclosed is a rollable framework based on the RF (Reciprocal Frame) system, which can be used as post-disaster emergency structures, fair stands, industrial tents, or roof shells to meet the shelter needs of architecture, military, non-governmental organizations, and can be used as a vault by opening the closed rollable form.