How long does it take to unfold and fold expandable container houses?
2026-02-05 04:32:57

How long does it take to unfold and fold expandable container houses?
The time required to unfold and fold expandable container houses depends primarily on the model(hydraulic automatic/manual mechanical)and size(single-sided/double-sided expansion).The overall operation is highly efficient,requiring only 2-4 people.Folding takes slightly longer than unfolding(requiring an additional step of unlocking,storing seals,and checking for proper placement).All operations require no heavy equipment.Below are standard time references for different models(including basic leveling and locking/unlocking core steps,excluding site cleanup,external water and electricity connections,etc.).The data are industry-standard measured values:
I.Mainstream Model"Hydraulic Automatic"(Most Commonly Used,Most Convenient Operation)Driven by its built-in hydraulic system,manual intervention is only required for auxiliary leveling and locking.It has the shortest operation time and is the first choice for batch projects and emergency scenarios:
Single-sided expansion(10/20 feet):Unfolding 10-15 minutes,folding 15-20 minutes,requiring 2 people;
Double-sided expansion(mainly 20 feet):Unfolding 15-30 minutes,folding 20-40 minutes,requiring 2-3 people(step-by-step stretching/...(Retract to ensure even force distribution).
II.Economical"Manual Mechanical"(Low cost,mostly small sizes)This type relies on a hand crank to drive the telescopic frame.It requires even manual force application and takes slightly longer,suitable for small spaces and low-frequency use:
Single-sided extension(10 feet):20-30 minutes to unfold,30-40 minutes to fold,2-3 people required;
Double-sided extension(20 feet):30-60 minutes to unfold,40-90 minutes to fold,3-4 people required(crank force+frame guidance to avoid jamming).Key Factors Affecting Time Consumption:
Operator Proficiency:Skilled teams can save approximately 30%of time compared to novices.Novices primarily spend time on leveling and locking pin alignment.
Site Conditions:The flatter the ground,the less time is spent leveling the outriggers.Unobstructed surroundings ensure smooth frame extension/retraction,increasing efficiency.
Component Condition:Sufficient lubrication and no jamming on guide rails and hinges,and normal oil pressure/electricity for hydraulic models,avoids mid-process shutdowns for inspection,reducing time consumption.
Core Summary:
Hydraulic Automatic Model:Completes the entire"unfold+fold"process in 10-20 minutes on one side and 20-40 minutes on both sides,offering the highest efficiency.
Manual Mechanical Model:Completes the entire process in 30-40 minutes on one side and 40-90 minutes on both sides,requiring more manual assistance.Overall,even the longest-running 20-foot dual-sided manual model takes no more than 90 minutes to fold,significantly shorter than the installation time of modular homes,perfectly meeting the rapid deployment/recovery needs of temporary and emergency scenarios.
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.