Modular Container Shelter for Troop Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelters in armed conflict zones are expensive, time-consuming to erect, and cannot be reused, and they often lack adequate protection against steep-trajectory weapons as they require separate structural frames for roofs, which can expose protected areas to additional threats.

Innovation Solution

A modular shelter system using standard 20 ft and 40 ft ISO containers with steel frames and shaped metal sheets, where both walls and roofs are constructed from the same structural elements, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and filled with local materials to provide comprehensive protection against flat and steep-trajectory weapons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional shelters, bunkers or constructed buildings are used to protect against steep-trajectory weapons, then protection is provided, but they are very expensive, require large erection time, and cannot be re-used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against steep-trajectory weaponsVSAvoiderection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shelter is divided into modular container units that can be independently transported and assembled. Each container serves as a self-contained protective module, allowing rapid deployment by simply stacking and connecting standardized units without requiring complex construction processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized ISO containers serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, protection against weapons, and can be easily transported and repositioned. The same container units can be used for different purposes and locations, eliminating the need for site-specific construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional shelters, bunkers or constructed buildings are used to protect against steep-trajectory weapons, then protection is provided, but they are very expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against steep-trajectory weaponsVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution changes the fundamental parameter of what constitutes a protective structure - instead of building specialized shelters, the invention uses commercially available shipping containers that already possess the necessary strength and protection characteristics, thereby dramatically reducing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a steel structural frame is erected to support earth-filled elements as a protective roof, then protection against steep-trajectory weapons is improved, but the structure exposes the protected item to medium inclination trajectory exploding items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against steep-trajectory weaponsVSAvoidexposure to medium inclination trajectory exploding items

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution merges the protective function with the structural support function into a single integrated element - the steel container itself. This eliminates the need for separate structural frames that would create exposure gaps, as the container walls and roof form a continuous protective envelope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure combines steel framing with steel sheeting to create a composite protective element that maintains structural integrity while providing continuous coverage. This composite construction eliminates gaps and exposure points that would exist with separate frame and infill systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If a large structural frame with large overlapping is erected to assure protection from the top side, then protection against steep-trajectory weapons is improved, but the height increases exposing the container to medium inclination trajectory exploding items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from top sideVSAvoidexposure to medium inclination trajectory exploding items

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function and structural support function are merged into the container itself, which provides adequate overlap and protection without requiring additional height. The container's own structure serves as both the support element and the protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding height to achieve protection, the solution inverts the approach by using the container's inherent structure and positioning containers in stacked arrangements where each container protects the space below it, achieving protection through horizontal stacking rather than vertical elevation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10309119B2Containers shelter

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 MIFRAM LTD

AI summary

A containers shelter is formed from a base array of 20 ft containers, having a sheltered inner area therebetween, and, from a second floor of 40 ft containers that are connected to the base array of containers and cover entirely the sheltered inner area. The containers are filled with a filling material. The base array comprises an entrance container having an inner opening that is transversely directed to an outer opening.