Sliding Connector for Container Truss Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing temporary storage facilities lack flexibility and efficiency in accommodating varying building sizes and site-specific variations, as they often require specialized tools and time-consuming assembly techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing standard shipping containers as outer buttress walls with a truss structure attached via a rail system and connectors that allow for incremental adjustments, enabling the construction of different building sizes and accommodating site variations using standardized, reusable prefabricated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standardized prefabricated components are used for construction, then assembly time and complexity are reduced, but flexibility in accommodating varying building sizes and site variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a sliding mechanism along the rail that allows dynamic adjustment of the truss position and building width. The connector can be positioned at various locations along the rail length and secured at predetermined positions, enabling the structure to adapt to different building sizes while maintaining standardized components throughout the system.
2Reliability
If specialized tools and complex assembly techniques are used, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but assembly time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular standardized components: rails attached to containers, connectors with sliding mechanisms, and trusses. Each component is designed for simple assembly using basic tools, while the cumulative effect of multiple standardized connections achieves the required structural strength and reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed-distance connections are used between containers, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to site variations and different building configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector allows dynamic positioning along the rail at predetermined locations, enabling adjustment of the distance between containers based on site conditions and building requirements. This maintains precision through predetermined positions while accommodating variability in building configurations.
4Loss of substance
If reusable prefabricated components are used, then loss of substance and waste are reduced, but device complexity increases to enable reusability and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connectors and rails are designed as universal components that can be reused across multiple building configurations and sites. The sliding mechanism and predetermined positioning system enable a single set of components to serve multiple functions and adapt to various building sizes, maximizing reusability without requiring excessively complex designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A building technique uses standard shipping containers as buttresses to support a truss system that may extend between the shipping containers to provide a roof. A sliding connector system attaches the trusses to the shipping containers to accommodate variations in separation of the shipping containers presenting a versatile framing system that is insensitive to site-related variations. The sliding connector system provides incremental predetermined fastening of the trusses to the shipping containers.