Telescoping Column for Shipping Container Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping containers are inefficient in utilizing space when used as accommodation structures, leading to high transport costs due to unused height, and require multiple containers to achieve desired heights, which is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable column system for shipping containers, featuring telescoping sleeves with engagement features and locking mechanisms, allowing the column to be extended to match or exceed standard container heights, enabling efficient use of space and reducing transport costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the column height is reduced for transportation, then transport costs are reduced and space utilization is improved, but the building structure height is insufficient for full-height accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into multiple telescopic segments (first column portion, second column portion, third column portion) that can be stacked within each other during transportation and extended to full height during deployment, resolving the contradiction between compact transport volume and full deployment height
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic column portions are nested within each other in a doll-like configuration during transportation, with each segment containing the next smaller segment, maximizing space utilization while maintaining the capability to extend to full building height when deployed
2Length of moving object
If multiple shipping containers are stacked to achieve greater height, then the desired building height is achieved, but transport costs and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The column incorporates a dynamic telescopic mechanism that allows it to change its effective length from a compact transportation state to a full-height deployment state, enabling a single container to provide full-height accommodation without requiring stacking multiple containers
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic column serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during transportation in a compact state, and then extends to provide full-height structural support for accommodation during deployment, eliminating the need for separate full-height containers
3Length of moving object
If the column is extended to full height, then the building structure achieves adequate height, but the column complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The column is manufactured as separate standard-sized segments that can be produced using conventional manufacturing processes, then assembled through telescopic coupling mechanisms, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing of single-piece full-height columns
Solution Approach 2:
The column segments are pre-assembled in a telescopic configuration during manufacturing, with engagement features and locking mechanisms pre-installed, simplifying the final assembly process and reducing on-site construction complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustable column for a shipping container building structure. The height adjustable column has an upper sleeve portion, a middle sleeve portion and a lower sleeve. When the column is in the non-extended position the middle sleeve portion is fully slid within the lower and upper sleeve portions and a substantive length of the upper sleeve portion is slid within the lower sleeve portion such that ISO apertures in the middle sleeves are aligned whereby the height of the column is at a reduced height compared to that that of a standard shipping container. When the column is in the extended position locking means on the middle sleeve portion engage and lock with the corresponding slotted apertures on the lower and upper sleeve portions as to support and retain the column at a height equal to or greater than the height of a standard shipping container.