Modular Shipping Container Sealing with Inner Flashings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building and construction in challenging environments such as rough terrain or remote locations face issues of expense and time, and there is a need for rapid deployment of rigid, easily deployable structures for communication, emergency response, or decontamination, especially during natural disasters or outbreaks.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure system using interconnected shipping containers with corner castings, inner and outer flashings, and adjustable fasteners to create a sealed enclosure, which can be expanded with additional containers and equipped with utility connections, door assemblies, and insulation for versatile use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional building and construction methods are used in challenging environments, then structural integrity and permanence are achieved, but deployment time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into multiple modular shipping containers that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each container serves as a self-contained module with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining structural integrity through proven container design.
Solution Approach 2:
Shipping containers are pre-manufactured, pre-equipped with necessary systems (electrical, HVAC, plumbing), and prepared for assembly before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid on-site assembly without requiring time-consuming construction activities at the destination.
2Reliability
If traditional building methods are used, then permanent and durable structures are created, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized shipping containers serve as universal building blocks that can be configured for multiple purposes (housing, medical facilities, command centers). The same container module can be deployed in various settings and configurations, reducing the need for specialized construction processes and materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses replicated container modules that can be copied and assembled in different configurations. This replication approach simplifies the construction process by using identical, pre-engineered units rather than custom-building each structure from scratch.
3Loss of time
If modular shipping containers are used for rapid deployment, then deployment time and cost are reduced, but sealing and enclosure integrity become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Flashings act as intermediary elements between adjacent container walls, providing a dedicated sealing interface that bridges the gap between modules. These flashings are specifically designed to accommodate dimensional variations and create weather-tight connections without requiring high precision in the container manufacturing itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing solution moves from a two-dimensional surface seal to a three-dimensional volumetric seal using the gasket region created by overlapping flashings. This volumetric approach provides tolerance for manufacturing variations and ensures effective sealing even with imperfect alignment.
4Ease of operation
If containers are connected with fixed gap width, then assembly is simplified, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from fixed to adjustable, allowing the gap width between containers to be modified after assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same structural framework to accommodate different configuration requirements while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of gap width is made variable through adjustable fasteners. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to different operational requirements, thermal expansion conditions, and configuration needs without compromising the overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for joining shipping containers together to create a modular structure includes providing a first shipping container and a second shipping container; removing a wall of the side of the first shipper container to create a first opening; removing a wall of the side of the second shipping container to create a second opening; positioning the first opening adjacent and opposite to the second opening; aligning the first opening with the second opening; after the aligning, securing the first shipping container to the second shipping container to create the modular structure; and securing an inner flashing around an inner periphery of the first opening.