Prefabricated Mobile Structure With Extension Lifting Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standardized shipping containers do not adequately accommodate mobile building-like structures and are not compatible with specialized military equipment, leading to inefficiencies in logistics and deployment, particularly with CROP sleds, which are too short for standard containers.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated mobile structure with extension members providing attachment points for standard lifting devices and a compact body designed to fit on CROP sleds, allowing interoperability with both 20-foot containers and CROP sleds, featuring a platform, vertical frame elements, and a roof frame with extension members for versatile handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized shipping container sizes are used, then shipping logistics are simplified and shipping costs are reduced, but the structures cannot adequately accommodate mobile building-like functions and are not compatible with specialized military equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile structure incorporates dual attachment point systems: corner fittings positioned to engage with standard container spreading beams for commercial shipping, and attachment points on extension members for engagement with military CROP sleds. This universal design allows a single structure to serve both commercial and military functions without requiring separate designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure divides its attachment functionality into separate components: corner fittings at the structure corners for standard container engagement, and extension members with attachment points for military equipment engagement. This segmentation allows each attachment system to be optimized for its specific equipment while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Length of moving object
If the structure body is made compact to fit on CROP sleds, then military equipment compatibility is improved, but standard lifting equipment cannot properly engage with the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses extension members that project outward from the compact body in longitudinal directions, positioning attachment points at extended locations. This dimensional extension allows the attachment points to reach positions compatible with standard container spreading beams while the main body remains compact enough for CROP sled accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
Extension members act as intermediary elements between the compact structure body and the attachment points. These members transmit forces from the compact body to the attachment points positioned at extended locations, enabling engagement with standard lifting equipment without requiring the main body to be enlarged.
3Loss of time
If the structure is designed for rapid deployment, then response time is reduced, but structural stability and safety during transport may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The structure arrives pre-assembled in a compact configuration that is ready for immediate deployment. The attachment points and corner fittings are pre-positioned and secured, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations at the destination. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment while maintaining structural integrity through the secure pre-assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates dynamic attachment mechanisms that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. The corner fittings and attachment points are designed to engage and disengage rapidly with corresponding receiving structures, enabling fast deployment while maintaining secure engagement during transport through positive locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of moving a prefabricated mobile structure, comprising: aligning a spreader configured to engage with corner fittings of a standard freight container to connect with respective attachment points on the prefabricated mobile structure; engaging attachment mechanisms of the spreader with the attachment points of the prefabricated mobile structure; using the spreader to lift the prefabricated mobile structure; and using the spreader to place the prefabricated mobile structure onto a vehicle. The prefabricated mobile structure comprises: a rectangular prism shaped body having a length that is shorter than that of a standard shipping container; and extension members that extend substantially beyond a front or rear face of the mobile structure, each comprising one of the attachment points, where the extension members extend far enough beyond the front or rear face of the prefabricated mobile structure to allow the attachment mechanisms of the spreader to connect with the attachment points.