Manufactured Home Docking Structures for Vertical Urban Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of installing manufactured homes, such as container homes, in high-cost land areas is addressed by providing a system for vertically stacking these homes in a multi-story building, allowing for reduced land use and access to shared amenities, while maintaining ease of movement and utility connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A docking system with recessed docks and a lifting mechanism enables manufactured homes to be installed and removed from a multi-story building, ensuring a seamless floor transition and facilitating utility access, with the use of a hoistway and guide flaps for safe transportation and docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If manufactured homes are installed in high-cost land areas, then land cost constraints are overcome, but the footprint and density of housing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal housing expansion to vertical stacking by implementing multi-story building structures with manufactured homes arranged on different floors. This dimensional change allows multiple homes to occupy a smaller land footprint while maintaining high housing density through vertical space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested docking systems where manufactured homes are vertically stacked and docked into one another, similar to nested dolls. Each floor contains docking structures that receive and secure homes, allowing compact vertical arrangement while maintaining accessibility and utility connections for each unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufactured homes are made movable for relocation, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but stable utility connectivity and seamless floor transitions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the utility connection system into modular, detachable components that can be quickly connected and disconnected. Each manufactured home has standardized utility interfaces that interface with building-wide utility systems, allowing reliable connections during occupancy and clean separation for relocation without damaging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic docking mechanisms that automatically align and secure manufactured homes as they are moved into position. The docking system includes movable components that adapt to slight position variations, ensuring reliable utility connections are established automatically when homes are docked, while maintaining the ability to undock for relocation.
3Area of stationary object
If manufactured homes are vertically stacked in multi-story buildings, then land use efficiency is improved, but installation complexity and device requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal docking structures that serve multiple functions: structural support for vertically stacked homes, alignment guidance during installation, securement mechanisms for stability, and utility connection interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall docking system while enabling vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features and pre-positioned docking elements in the building structure before homes are installed. Guide rails, alignment marks, and pre-installed utility connections are prepared in advance, allowing manufactured homes to be quickly and accurately positioned during installation without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
4Strength
If doorway bottoms are vertically offset from frame bottoms, then structural integrity is maintained, but floor level continuity and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a partial compensation approach where the doorway bottom is vertically offset from the frame bottom by a controlled amount. This partial offset maintains the necessary structural clearance while minimizing the step height to an acceptable level for accessibility, balancing structural requirements with ease of entry without requiring complete redesign of the frame structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-story building (200) is described for manufactured homes (212) such as container homes. The building (200) includes a ground floor (202), a number of intermediate floors (204), and a top floor (206). The building (200) includes a throughway (208) on the ground floor (202) that allows passage of a transportation vehicle (210) such as a flatbed truck carrying a manufactured home (212). The transportation vehicle (210) can use the throughway (208) to position the manufactured home (212) in alignment with a hoistway (214). A hoist mounted on the roof (216) can then be used to hoist the home (212) to a desired floor (204 or 206).