How do expandable container houses unfold and fold?

Expandable container houses rely on a hydraulically driven/manually mechanically stretched telescopic frame structure to unfold and fold.The initial storage form is a standard shipping container(commonly 10/20 feet).When unfolded,the usable area can be increased by 1.5-3 times(e.g.,a 20-foot model can unfold to 30-40 square meters).The entire unfolding/folding process is simple,requiring only 2-4 people and no heavy equipment.There are two main types:hydraulically automatic(the mainstream model,easier to operate)and manually mechanical(lower cost,suitable for smaller sizes).Below is a detailed standardized operating procedure,including key locking and sealing steps.

I.Core Pre-construction Preparations(Applicable to both unfolding and folding)

Site:Hoist/place the container house on a flat,hardened surface(slope≤3°).Initially secure the bottom with leveling legs to prevent tilting during operation.Clear surrounding obstacles and allow sufficient space for unfolding(≥3m for single-sided expansion,≥3m for each side for double-sided expansion).

Inspection:Before unfolding,check the frame connecting shafts,telescopic guide rails,hydraulic hoses(hydraulic type),and locking buckles for integrity,without jamming or deformation.Before folding,disconnect all external pipelines(water,electricity,solar panels),retract external accessories(awning,steps,air conditioner outdoor unit),and remove any easily sliding items from the interior.

Unlocking:Open the main storage lock on the exterior of the container(to prevent loosening during transport).Simultaneously,loosen the connecting limit pins between the telescopic frame and the main container.For hydraulic types,check the hydraulic pump's power/oil pressure for normal operation(charge the electric hydraulic type beforehand;prepare the hydraulic crank for the manual hydraulic type).

II.Mainstream Model–Hydraulically Automatic Expandable Container House(Expand+Fold)

(1)Expansion Operation(15-30 minutes,2-3 people required)

Start the hydraulic system:Open the hydraulic control box on the side/end of the container,switch the operation mode to the unfold position,and start the hydraulic pump(electric model:one-button start;diesel model:engine start).

Step-by-step telescopic expansion:

Single-sided expansion:Control the hydraulic valve to drive the single-sided telescopic frame to slowly extend outward along the bottom guide rail.After extending to the preset limit position(the frame has a built-in mechanical limit block),the hydraulic system automatically stops to avoid overstretching and damaging the structure.

Double-sided expansion:First,extend one side to the limit,then switch to the other side for extension(do not extend simultaneously to ensure uniform stress on the frame).After both sides are in place,the hydraulic pump stops working.Bottom Leg Leveling and Fixing:After the frame is fully extended,lower the retractable support legs of the extension section(4-6 in total,including 2-4 for the main body and 2 for the extension section).Rotate the support leg base until it is completely flush with the ground,tighten the support leg lock nuts,and level the entire enclosure to prevent sagging during use.

Top/Side Panel and Floor Deployment:After the extension frame is in place,the folding top/side panels/raised floor will automatically deploy as the frame extends(connected to the main frame via hinges).Manually lay them completely flat and fasten the connecting clips to the main body to complete the main structure.

Sealing and Locking:Manually install the sealing strips at the joints(between the frame and main body,and at the joints of each panel),pressing firmly to ensure waterproofing and windproofing;tighten all mechanical lock pins/clips on the telescopic frames and panels,shut off the hydraulic system,and the enclosure is complete.It can then be directly connected to water and electricity for use.

(2)Folding Operation(20-40 minutes in total,3-4 people required,reverse process of unfolding)

Unlocking Seals and Structure:First,remove the removable sealing strips at the joints(reusable,store properly),pull out all mechanical locking pins/buckles on the frames and panels,and retract and lock the support legs of the extended section upwards.

Starting the Hydraulic System:Set the hydraulic control box to the folding position,start the hydraulic pump,and drive the telescopic frame to slowly retract towards the main container along the guide rail.

Step-by-Step Retraction and Return:For double-sided models,first retract one side until it fits snugly against the main container,then retract the other side,ensuring that both frames are aligned and unobstructed;after retracting to the storage limit position(completely fitting the initial container shape),the hydraulic system will automatically stop.

Sheet Material Storage and Locking:As the frame retracts,the movable top/side/floor panels will automatically fold and fit snugly against the main body.Manually check for complete storage,ensuring there is no warping or compression.Insert the main storage limit pin and fasten the external main lock to completely secure the frame to the main body,preventing loosening during transport.

Finishing:Clean debris from the frame guide rails and hinges,apply rust-preventive lubricant,disconnect/depressurize the hydraulic system,and complete the folding process.The structure is now ready for hoisting or transport.

III.Economy Type–Manually Operated Mechanical Expandable Container House(Expand+Fold)

This type lacks a hydraulic system,relying on a hand crank/manual extension combined with gears and guide rails for expansion and contraction.Suitable for smaller sizes,such as 10-foot single-sided expansion models,operation is slightly more strenuous,requiring 3-4 people.The core process is the same as the hydraulic model,only the power source differs:

Expanding:After unlocking,connect the hand crank to the frame's telescopic gearbox.Two people simultaneously crank the crank to extend the frame outwards,while one person assists by guiding the frame along the guide rail to prevent deviation.After extending to the limit,secure the frame with pins.Subsequent steps for leveling the outriggers,unfolding the panels,and sealing and locking are exactly the same as the hydraulic model.

Folding:After unlocking,crank the crank in the opposite direction to retract the frame.If resistance is high,1-2 people can assist by pushing the frame inwards to ensure a smooth return to its original position.Subsequent steps for panel storage and securing the main lock are the same.

IV.Key Operational Precautions

***Even Stress Distribution:**When unfolding/folding,avoid forceful stretching/contraction on one side.For double-sided models,operation must be performed step-by-step to prevent frame deformation and guide rail jamming.For hydraulic models,if jamming occurs,stop the machine immediately for inspection;forced operation is prohibited.

***Locking Priority:**All operations must be performed with the lock fully engaged.Do not use the machine if the mechanical latch is not locked after unfolding.Do not hoist/transport the machine if the main lock is not tightened after folding to prevent structural loosening and potential safety accidents.

***Environmental Requirements:**Avoid operation in strong winds(≥6 levels),heavy rain,or snow to prevent the casing from being blown by the wind during unfolding or rain/snow from entering the telescopic guide rails and causing corrosion.

***Maintenance:**After each unfolding/folding,apply anti-rust lubricant to the guide rails,hinges,and locking pins.Check for damage to the sealing strips.For hydraulic models,regularly check for oil leaks in the oil pipes and ensure the hydraulic oil level is sufficient.

Load-bearing limit:The deployment operation must be carried out in an unloaded state.It is forbidden to stretch/contract the frame when heavy objects are piled inside to prevent the frame from being overloaded and deformed.

References

GB/T 7714:Beatini V, Gatheeshgar P, Rajanayagam H, et al. Integration of origami and deployable concept in volumetric modular units[J]. Scientific Reports, 2022, 12(1): 19180.

MLA:Beatini, Valentina, et al. "Integration of origami and deployable concept in volumetric modular units." Scientific Reports 12.1 (2022): 19180.

APA:Beatini, V., Gatheeshgar, P., Rajanayagam, H., Poologanathan, K., Suntharalingam, T., Perera, D., ... & Nagaratnam, B. (2022). Integration of origami and deployable concept in volumetric modular units. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 19180.