Shipping Container Housing with Reinforced Entry Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temporary housing units based on shipping containers for disaster relief lack structural integrity, are costly, require significant modifications, and have inadequate self-contained systems for electricity and plumbing, making them inefficient for long-term use and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A pre-constructed portable temporary/relief housing unit using a shipping container with an entry wall unit that includes self-contained electrical and plumbing systems, a solar panel power interface, and reinforcement beams to maintain structural integrity, allowing for easy transportation and rapid setup without major modifications to the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If major modifications are made to the shipping container (cutting holes in walls), then the housing unit can be equipped with doors and windows, but the structural integrity of the container is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing reinforcement beams at the exact locations where doors and windows will be placed, before any cutting or modification occurs. This ensures that the structural integrity is maintained from the outset, preventing the container from collapsing under stacked weights while still allowing for functional openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure is segmented into discrete beams positioned at specific locations around the container perimeter. These segmented reinforcement elements are strategically placed to provide localized strength at door and window openings without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire container.
2Strength
If reinforcements are added around openings to maintain structural integrity, then the container can be modified, but the cost and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement beams serve multiple functions simultaneously: they strengthen the container at opening locations, provide attachment points for doors and windows, and can be pre-installed during container manufacturing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reinforcement structures and simplifies the overall modification process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-contained electrical and plumbing systems are integrated into the container, then the housing unit becomes independent, but the construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical and plumbing systems are nested within the container structure, with conduits and pipes integrated into wall cavities and floor/ceiling assemblies. This nesting approach allows self-contained systems to be incorporated without significantly increasing external dimensions or visual complexity, while maintaining full functionality.
4Loss of time
If the container is prepared for immediate occupancy with all systems installed, then setup time is reduced, but transportation and storage become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container is prepared with pre-installed reinforcement beams, pre-routed electrical conduits, and pre-positioned plumbing fixtures during manufacturing or pre-deployment phases. This preliminary preparation allows the unit to be transported in a ready-to-occupy state without requiring complex on-site assembly, actually simplifying transportation logistics by reducing the need for specialized installation equipment and personnel.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, structurally sound, and efficiently set-up temporary housing unit with self-contained systems, capable of long-term use and bulk transportation, addressing the limitations of conventional units by retaining the shipping container's integrity and reducing setup time.
Implementation Method 1
an entry wall unit, the like, and/or the combination thereof, that includes a solar panel power interface
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable modular building includes a shipping container having shipping container frame members defining an outer periphery of the shipping container; shipping container periphery walls extending between the shipping container frame members, and an entry wall unit. The entry wall unit is recessed from the shipping container frame members that form a first side. The entry wall unit includes a door; a solar panel power interface to interface with a solar panel. The shipping container is suitable for national and international conveyance using conventional transportation networks.