Container Stacking Frame With Utility Access Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping container stacking systems limit the conversion of multiple containers into multi-story living spaces due to direct contact and lack of space for utilities and access, prohibiting the integration of residential or commercial infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A corner support brace and stacking frame system that provides spacing and structural support between stacked containers, enabling the distribution of utilities and access features like balconies and stairways, allowing for multi-story apartment buildings with integrated services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked directly on top of each other to maximize space utilization, then storage density is improved, but space for utilities and access is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The corner post is segmented into multiple components: base plate, mid-plates, and cap plate that can be assembled separately and then connected. This segmentation allows the corner post to provide both structural support and integrated utility access points without requiring direct container contact, resolving the contradiction between dense stacking and utility access.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner post acts as an intermediary element between stacked containers, providing spacing and structural support while incorporating utility access features. This mediator enables both dense stacking and utility access by decoupling the direct contact requirement from the stacking function.
2Ease of operation
If containers are stacked with spacing to allow utility access and residential infrastructure, then ease of operation is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The corner post serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, spacing maintenance, utility access provision, and stacking enablement. This multi-functionality allows spacing for utilities without sacrificing storage density, as the same component that provides spacing also enables dense stacking through its structural role.
3Adaptability or versatility
If corner posts are removed to enable non-standard stacking configurations, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The corner post system is designed to be adaptable to different stacking configurations while maintaining structural integrity. The modular design with base plates, mid-plates, and cap plates allows flexibility in arrangement while each component maintains its load-bearing function, enabling both adaptability and strength.
4Productivity
If multiple containers are converted into multi-story living spaces, then housing productivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The corner posts are pre-assembled with base plates, mid-plates, and cap plates before deployment. This preliminary assembly simplifies the on-site construction process, enabling rapid stacking of containers into multi-story configurations without complex on-site assembly procedures, thus improving productivity while managing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular housing system includes a number of side beams, a number of transverse beams each spanning two or more of the side beams, at least one spine beam spanning two or more of the spanning beams, a number of isosceles angle irons provided to exterior surfaces of the side beams, a number of scalene angle irons provided to exterior surfaces of the side beams opening away from the isosceles angle irons and a number of corner support braces each coupled to one of the side beams abutting one of the isosceles angle irons.