Transcript – Biomimetic Interlocking Modules for Rapid Emergency Shelter Fabrication

In the event of a disaster, can we build emergency shelters even when heavy equipment is not available? Our team wondered if a lightweight interlocking module could offer a possible solution. This project represents the beginning of our journey to find an answer to this question. Through interviews with Salvation Army responders who frequently used emergency shelter, we learned that interlocking modules must meet the following conditions for the construction of an emergency shelter. Individual modules should be small and light enough for people to pick up and move around. Structures assembled using the proposed modules must also be strong enough to withstand external loads, and any locking mechanism must be able to prevent the connected modules from falling apart and collapsing even during the sampling process. The method our team investigated to reduce the weight while maintaining the strength of the module was to increase the internal porosity of the module. We were inspired by nature, where living creatures maintain high structural strength while still being lightweight. Our team developed a method for creating highly porous biomimetic modules using Voronoi tessellation and 3D printing technology. By brainstorming with team members, a new interlocking mechanism was proposed that could prevent the connected modules from listening even while the structure is being assembled. The usability of the proposed interlocking mechanism will be tested. Our team has already finished assembling a 3D printer that can generate a full-scale module. Our next step is to print full-scale modules, use them to assemble an emergency shelter, and then evaluate its structural stability. Thank you for listening.