Shipping Container Pool Assembly Without On-Site Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swimming pool construction methods face challenges such as high cost, complex construction, and limited design flexibility due to the need for significant welding and unsafe on-site assembly techniques when using intermodal shipping containers.

Innovation Solution

Modifying intermodal metal shipping containers to form open receptacles that can be joined without welding, using a frame with threaded couplers and guide structures to create a watertight interface, allowing for on-site assembly and disassembly of multiple containers to form larger pool structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If intermodal shipping containers are joined using traditional welding methods, then structural strength is achieved, but construction safety deteriorates and on-site assembly becomes hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction safety

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using clamps and bolts. The clamps engage with reinforcing ribs on the container walls, creating a secure mechanical connection without requiring welding operations, thereby eliminating fire hazards and fume exposure while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces clamps and reinforcing ribs as intermediary elements between container walls. These intermediaries distribute connection forces across larger surface areas and provide secure attachment points without requiring direct welding between container shells, improving safety while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If containers are modified to create open receptacles, then design flexibility improves, but structural integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the container structure by removing only specific panels (typically side or end panels) while preserving the integrity of the remaining structure. This selective segmentation allows customization of pool shapes and sizes while maintaining the strength of the retained container sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies reinforcing ribs to the container walls before panel removal. These pre-installed reinforcements are positioned to compensate for the structural weakness that will result from removing panels, ensuring that the modified structure maintains adequate load-bearing capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple containers are assembled on-site, then transportation efficiency improves, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex connection mechanism from the container shells themselves and places it in separate, dedicated clamps. This separation allows the containers to be transported in their simple, unmodified state and only requires attachment of clamps during assembly, reducing on-site complexity while maintaining transportation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the clamping system with self-aligning features where the clamps naturally position themselves on the container reinforcing ribs. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for precise manual alignment and complex positioning procedures during assembly, simplifying the overall process while allowing modular transportation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If welding is performed to join containers, then connection reliability improves, but construction time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming welding process with rapid mechanical fastening using bolts and clamps. This substitution eliminates the need for pre-heating, welding operations, cooling periods, and post-weld inspections, significantly reducing construction time while maintaining connection reliability through properly engineered mechanical fasteners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-attaches reinforcing ribs to container walls during manufacturing before transportation. This preliminary action ensures that when containers arrive on-site, the reinforcement structure is already in place, allowing for rapid installation of clamps without requiring time-consuming on-site fabrication or preparation work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11473323B2Container assembly and method for making same

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 HERRING JASON

AI summary

The invention is an assembly of prefabricated metal receptacles forming a swimming pool and a method for constructing the assembly. Among other features, the assembly is characterized by guided clamping structures that allow on-site construction without requiring on-site welding or access to the bottom or interior of the assembly.