We started off with two preliminary design alternatives. The first consisted of a flexible composite skin with thermo-pressed fold lines built in, it would be folded up over bulk heads and a floor support for shape and rigidity. The second used the concept of a tent: collapsible poles would be assembled to form the structure and then a thin skin material pulled taut on top. These designs were analyzed with respect to our primary design concerns:
The following is a summary of the decision process for the alternatives:
In the end, we decided to base the final design primarily off of Design 1 but with a few modifications to include elements from Design 2. Composite panels would be fabricated and cut into shapes corresponding to fold lines. These panels would then be sandwiched between a thin, flexible skin material to bind and waterproof them. Bulkheads and seat supports (as opposed to a floor) would be included for maintaining shape and rigidity.