Vertical Intermodal Container Dwelling Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The surplus of intermodal containers globally due to their high production costs and energy-intensive recycling processes, combined with limited design flexibility in repurposed horizontal orientations, necessitates a more efficient use of these containers in dwelling construction.
Innovation Solution
Constructing modular dwellings from vertically oriented intermodal containers, which allows for increased design freedom and structural integrity by securing multiple containers to a foundation with anchors, incorporating reinforced side walls, insulation, and connector walls to create a spacious and functional living area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If intermodal containers are used in horizontal orientation for dwelling construction, then the construction process is simplified, but the design freedom and layout flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal orientation to vertical orientation of intermodal containers. This dimensional change fundamentally alters the spatial characteristics, enabling multi-story configurations and dramatically increasing design freedom while maintaining construction simplicity through standardized vertical stacking and connecting mechanisms
2Loss of substance
If intermodal containers are repurposed for dwelling construction, then the surplus of containers is reduced, but the structural integrity and usability are compromised due to horizontal orientation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting containers vertically rather than horizontally, the patent creates multi-story structures that better utilize the containers' inherent structural strength. The vertical orientation allows the containers to function as load-bearing columns, significantly improving structural integrity while reducing container surplus through effective repurposing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple intermodal containers with connecting structures, foundation systems, and interior elements to create a composite dwelling structure. This composite approach enhances overall structural integrity by distributing loads and combining the strengths of different container configurations
3Volume of moving object
If multiple intermodal containers are assembled horizontally, then the quantity of living space increases, but the usable living area per container is reduced due to layout constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical orientation transforms the spatial organization from horizontal spreading to vertical stacking, creating multi-level living spaces. This enables better utilization of interior volume with dedicated floors for different functions, maximizing usable living area while increasing total living space through upward expansion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a modular dwelling constructed from intermodal containers. Particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a dwelling constructed from vertically oriented shipping containers. The dwelling may include a foundation and two or more intermodal containers disposed on and secured to the foundation. The intermodal containers may be separated by an interstitial space. The interstitial space may be fully or partially enclosed by a plurality of connector walls. Each intermodal container includes a top, a bottom, and four side walls One of the side walls may be a reinforced side wall. The reinforced side wall of one of the intermodal containers may extend parallel or perpendicular to one or more of the reinforced side walls of other intermodal containers. The dwelling may be divided into one or more rooms, floors, or apartments and may have doors, windows, appliances, a deck, or other common features.