Shipping Container Framing Brackets for Thermal Bridge-Free Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional framing methods for shipping container interiors are labor-intensive, require careful planning, often compromise the container's sealed envelope, and result in thermal bridging, leading to energy loss and condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system that mounts on the top hollow tubing of ISO shipping containers, securing framing members without penetrating the envelope, allowing customizable spacing and preventing thermal bridging through insulation gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional bottom-up framing methods are used, then the framing process can be completed, but it requires considerable manual labor, planning, and experience while compromising the container envelope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional bottom-up framing approach by using a top-down method. Instead of starting with flooring and building walls upward, the system attaches brackets to the top hollow tubing first, then suspends framing members downward. This inversion simplifies the process, reduces manual labor, and eliminates the need to compromise the container envelope, as brackets attach to existing structural elements rather than penetrating walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The framing system is segmented into modular components: brackets that attach to the top tubing, framing members that suspend from the brackets, and insulation materials that fit into created cavities. This segmentation allows for easier assembly, customization, and maintenance while improving overall framing efficiency and reducing process complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional framing methods are used, then walls and ceiling can be constructed, but thermal bridging occurs leading to energy loss and condensation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary insulation layer between the container walls and the interior framing members. The brackets create a gap that is filled with insulation material, acting as a thermal barrier that interrupts the direct thermal pathway. This intermediary layer prevents thermal bridging through the metal framing while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving thermal efficiency and reducing energy loss.
3Reliability
If brackets are secured into corrugations, then the container envelope integrity is maintained, but adjacent bracket placements are restricted by corrugation spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design incorporates a universal mounting mechanism that can attach to the top hollow tubing at any position along its length, not just at corrugation locations. The bracket's mounting surface engages with the continuous top tubing structure, allowing flexible placement at any interval while maintaining secure attachment. This universality provides both envelope integrity and placement flexibility, enabling customized framing configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket, framing system, and kit of parts for use in supporting framing members for framing an interior space of a shipping container, the shipping container having walls with corrugation recesses and hollow tubing extending along upper surfaces of the walls, the bracket having a vertical surface to engage with an inward-facing surface of the hollow tubing and a horizontal surface adjacent the vertical surface to engage with a downward-facing surface of the hollow tubing while not engaging any corrugation recess, such that either or both of the vertical surface and the horizontal surface may be secured to the hollow tubing at any point along the hollow tubing. Upon installation, the bracket defines the interior ceiling and side wall planes, allowing for insulation and wiring concealment.