Prefabricated Mobile Structure With Extended Lifting Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standardized shipping containers are inadequate for accommodating mobile building-like functions due to design features optimized for shipping heavy goods, and certain military equipment designs are not compatible with standard intermodal container sizes, limiting the versatility and utility of prefabricated mobile structures.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated mobile structure with a body portion shorter than a standard 20-foot shipping container, featuring extension members at the upper corners with attachment points for standard lifting devices, allowing it to be lifted and transported using standard equipment while maintaining compactness for loading onto specialized sleds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard 20-foot shipping container sizes are used, then shipping logistics are simplified and shipping costs are reduced, but the structure cannot adequately accommodate mobile building-like functions and is incompatible with certain military equipment designs
Solution Approach 1:
The structure divides the container into two functional segments: a shortened body portion (17 feet) for military equipment compatibility and CROP sled loading, and extended attachment members (adding 3 feet) for standard container lifting equipment. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously satisfy incompatible requirements of different equipment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the attachment functionality to a different dimensional space by adding extension members that protrude from the corners of the shortened body. These extension members provide the necessary attachment point spacing for standard lifting equipment without increasing the main body length, effectively solving the compatibility problem through dimensional adjustment.
2Length of moving object
If the structure body is shortened to fit on CROP sleds, then mobility and loading capability are improved, but standard lifting equipment cannot engage with the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members act as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between the shortened body and standard lifting equipment. These members extend from the body corners to provide attachment points at the required spacing, enabling standard spreaders and lifting equipment to engage with the shortened structure without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding attachment functionality in the form of extension members protruding from the corners, the invention compensates for the reduced body length. The extension members provide the necessary dimensional reach for lifting equipment engagement while the compact body maintains compatibility with CROP sleds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extension members are added to reach standard lifting attachment points, then compatibility with standard equipment is achieved, but the overall structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they extend the attachment reach for standard lifting equipment, provide structural reinforcement at the corners, and maintain the overall integrity of the shortened container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A prefabricated mobile structure (e.g., substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism) that is substantially shorter than a standard 20-foot shipping container. The mobile structure includes an extension member extending outwardly from each respective upper corner of the structure substantially parallel to the structure's primary axis. Each extension member comprises an attachment point that is adapted to connect with a support portion of a spreader configured to engage with corner fittings of a standard 20-foot freight container. The respective extension members effectively extend the length of the attachment profile of the mobile structure while maintaining a shorter primary body portion. This may allow the prefabricated mobile structure to, for example, be lifted by a lifting device, such as a spreader, that is adapted for lifting a standard 20-foot shipping container while the prefabricated mobile structure's body remains compact enough to be loaded onto a CROP sled for transport.