Self-Positioning Modular Container Room System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular container space systems require significant logistical effort and time for setup and dismantling, especially in confined spaces, and often necessitate the use of heavy machinery like cranes or forklifts for assembly.

Innovation Solution

The modular container space system features extendable and retractable support arms on the container middle module that interact with connecting elements on the base modules, allowing it to be vertically positioned and supported without external aids, and includes lifting support elements for self-detachment from transport, reducing the need for heavy machinery and simplifying logistics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional modular container space systems are assembled using heavy machinery like cranes or forklifts, then the assembly can be completed with standardized equipment, but the logistical effort and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidlogistical effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container middle module is equipped with extendable support arms that can autonomously reach connecting elements on the container base modules and position itself without external assistance. The lifting support elements enable the module to raise itself vertically, allowing the entire assembly process to be performed by the system itself rather than requiring cranes or forklifts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support arms are designed to be extendable and retractable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their length to reach connecting elements at different positions. This dynamic capability enables the middle module to adapt its positioning mechanism to various configurations without requiring heavy machinery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the container middle module is transported separately on a trailer, then the number of modules to be transported is reduced, but the module requires self-positioning capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of modulesVSAvoidself-positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate transportable modules (container base modules and container middle module) that can be transported independently on trailers. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for transport while maintaining the capability to self-assemble through the support arms and connecting elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container middle module incorporates self-positioning capabilities through its extendable support arms and lifting support elements, enabling it to autonomously attach to and position itself on the container base modules after being transported separately, eliminating the need for external positioning equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the support arms are extendable and retractable, then the container middle module can position itself accurately, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-positioning accuracyVSAvoidsupport arm mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arms are designed with extendable and retractable capabilities, allowing them to dynamically adjust their length to precisely reach connecting elements on the container base modules. This dynamic adjustment enables accurate self-positioning while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure compared to fixed-positioning systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4306732A1Mobile container room system
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 SCHULER FAHRZEUGBAU
  • EP4306732A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4306732A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4306732A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Modular container room system for providing at least one temporary room, comprising two elongated container base modules (12, 14) spaced apart from each other so that their longitudinal axes run parallel, and an elongated container middle module (16) spaced apart from the ground and also longitudinally parallel to the two container base modules, and supported by the container base modules.The two container base modules have connecting elements (54) at least on their longitudinal sides (22) facing each other; the container center module has at least two support arms (50) on each of its two longitudinal sides, which cooperate with respective connecting elements of the container base modules to support the container center module, wherein the support arms are extendable and retractable in a horizontal direction; and the container center module has at least four lifting support elements (40, 42) designed to move the container center module from a first horizontal position to a higher second position.