System and method of manufacturing transportable buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and inefficiency of constructing and maintaining permanent structures for temporary business needs, as well as the environmental impact of discarded intermodal shipping containers, are not adequately addressed by existing building methods.
Innovation Solution
Converting standard intermodal shipping containers into modular elements that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and rearranged to form transportable buildings, requiring minimal permanent structures and allowing for flexible relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent structures are built for temporary business needs, then structural stability and durability are improved, but construction cost and maintenance expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular container units that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each container serves as a self-contained module with standardized dimensions, allowing the structure to be built from interchangeable components rather than custom-fitted permanent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation system uses adjustable steel beams and concrete piers with variable heights to accommodate different terrain conditions. This allows the same modular container units to be deployed on various ground surfaces without requiring custom foundation designs for each location.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent structures are constructed, then long-term durability is improved, but flexibility for relocation and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The structure transitions from static permanent construction to dynamic reconfigurable assembly. Container modules can be added, removed, or repositioned along the steel beam framework, allowing the building to adapt its layout and capacity over time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized container modules and foundation system create a universal platform that can serve multiple business functions and be relocated to different sites. The same basic units can be configured for retail, office, storage, or other commercial uses.
3Strength
If traditional building materials and methods are used, then structural strength is achieved, but environmental impact and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design enables recovery and reuse of container modules and foundation components rather than disposal after single-use. Containers can be unbolted from the steel beam framework and transported to new locations, while concrete piers remain in place for future installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure combines shipping containers (steel/aluminum) with concrete foundations and steel support beams to create a composite system that leverages the strength of each material type while minimizing total material consumption compared to traditional all-new construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built permanent structures are constructed, then design customization is improved, but construction time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Customization is achieved through selective arrangement of standardized container modules rather than custom fabrication. Different container configurations (stacked, side-by-side, L-shaped) provide design variety while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through component standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Container modules are manufactured and prepared off-site with pre-installed windows, doors, and interior fixtures before delivery to the construction location. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site fabrication time and allows parallel assembly of multiple modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable building comprising a modular element constructed from a plurality of steel or aluminum intermodal shipping containers is disclosed. The method of manufacture greatly reduces the cost of constructing the transportable building. The transportable building can be set up at a site and later easily dismantled and moved, providing flexibility to temporarily set up a business without the need to build and maintain a permanent structure.