Modular Underground Storage Using Abutting Shipping Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing above-ground cooling facilities for perishable products require substantial energy to maintain low temperatures due to external heat sources, making them costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A thermally efficient underground storage facility is created by forming an array of abutting shipping containers with removed inner panels to create an interstitial space, which is then welded and reinforced, with insulation added between outer panels and a repurposed external shell to minimize energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If above-ground cooling facilities are used to store perishable products, then accessibility and ease of construction are improved, but energy consumption increases substantially due to external heat sources

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional approach by placing storage facilities underground rather than above ground. This reversal exploits the earth's natural insulating properties to block external heat sources, thereby reducing energy consumption for cooling while maintaining storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the earth into a beneficial thermal barrier. The soil that would normally be considered an obstacle to accessibility becomes a protective layer that blocks heat transfer, reducing the energy required to maintain cold storage temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If underground storage facilities are constructed using traditional methods, then thermal efficiency is improved, but construction cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the underground storage facility into modular shipping containers arranged in an array. Each container serves as an independent module that can be manufactured off-site and assembled underground, simplifying construction while maintaining thermal efficiency through the containers' inherent insulation and the earth's coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses standard shipping containers that serve multiple functions: structural support, thermal insulation, and modular assembly units. These containers are designed for one purpose (shipping) but are repurposed for another (underground storage), reducing construction complexity by utilizing pre-engineered, mass-produced components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If inner panels are removed from shipping containers to form interstitial space, then structural integrity is reduced, but accessibility and cooling efficiency are improved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple shipping containers into a unified underground structure. The interstitial spaces between containers are eliminated by welding containers together, creating a continuous structural system where the combined strength of all containers compensates for the removal of individual inner panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces welding as an intermediary connection method between containers. The welds serve as structural mediators that transfer loads and forces between adjacent containers, compensating for the removed inner panels and maintaining overall structural integrity of the underground facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly reduces energy needed to maintain cool temperatures, providing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective cooling solution for perishable goods while maintaining structural integrity and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

Insulation such as extruded polystyrene may be sandwiched between the outer panels of the array and the external shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

Corrosion control methods may include, but are not limited to sacrificial anodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSacrificial anode corrosion protection: Galvanometer

Data Source

PatentUS8484929B1Construction of modular underground storage facilities

Publication Date: 2013.07.16 BEGDOURI HAMZA

AI summary

A method of constructing a subterranean storage facility formed by an array of abutting shipping containers. The inner side panels and structural bars of adjoining containers are removed to form an interstitial space defined by the remaining outer side panels of the array. The removed panels and bars are repurposed in the construction to provide an external shell and enhanced structural support.