Collapsible Modular Structural Support for Roof Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shipping containers are limited in standard configurations, expensive, bulky, and heavy, making them inefficient for storage and transport, and their large size is restricted by road vehicle dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A modular rectangular parallelepiped structure composed of interconnectable elements such as longitudinal stringers, end cross members, upright members, and diagonal bracing, allowing for variable size and collapsible design to support overarching roof assemblies, enabling larger structures to be transported and assembled without specialized vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard shipping containers are used, then structural strength is ensured, but weight increases and transport flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular components including vertical posts, horizontal beams, and connection nodes that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve required strength through proper component design while reducing overall weight compared to monolithic shipping containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The connectable components enable the structure to be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured, providing transport flexibility while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Volume of stationary object
If large shipping containers are used, then storage capacity increases, but transportability on standard vehicles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The large storage structure is segmented into multiple modular units that can be transported separately on standard vehicles and assembled on-site. This allows the final assembled structure to exceed vehicle size limitations while maintaining ease of transport through standardized component dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular components are designed to nest within each other during storage and transport, maximizing space utilization in vehicles. The hierarchical nesting of beams within posts and panels within frames allows compact configuration that fits standard vehicle cargo areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-sized structures are needed, then adaptability increases, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized connection nodes and interface designs are used across all modular components, creating a universal system that can accommodate various configurations. The same connection mechanism works for different component sizes and arrangements, simplifying assembly while enabling customization of final structure dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure achieves customization by varying parameters such as the number of modular units, their arrangement configuration, and component dimensions within standardized ranges. This allows adaptation to different storage needs while maintaining consistent assembly procedures and connection methods.
4Reliability
If shipping containers are used, then structural reliability is ensured, but availability and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed as simpler, more economical alternatives to expensive shipping containers. While individual components may have shorter service lives, the overall system provides cost-effective structural solutions through localized manufacturing and reduced material requirements compared to full-container solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the structure into replaceable modular components, the system achieves reliability through redundancy and replaceability. If one component fails, only that specific module needs replacement rather than the entire structure, reducing overall cost and improving availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rectangular parallelepiped modular structure; size of the structure variable by selection of elements from a plurality of elements; the elements adapted for interconnection to form the structure; the modular structure collapsible for transport and storage; two or more of the modular structures providing stability and support for an overarching roof assembly.