Vertical Container Insertion for Floating Living Quarters

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of living quarters for floating artifacts faces challenges due to continuous movement caused by waves, requiring fast and safe construction methods that minimize time and costs, and existing techniques like sideways module insertion are complicated and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A procedure using standardized containers supported by point supports and twist-lock devices for vertical insertion into a structure with vertical prismatic holes, allowing for faster and safer multilevel living quarters installation, with adaptations for different room functions without altering the containers' dimensions or structural resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sideways module insertion is used, then modules can be installed in the structure, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sideways insertion method by using vertical insertion through holes in the deck. The modules are lowered vertically through openings in the deck structure rather than being pushed sideways into beams and columns, fundamentally changing the insertion direction to simplify the installation process and increase construction speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the installation process into separate stages: first building the beam and column structure with deck openings, then separately installing the modules vertically through these openings. This segmentation allows the structural framework to be constructed independently and quickly, followed by simple vertical module insertion, thereby increasing overall construction productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If standardized containers are used, then construction time is reduced and safety is improved, but the containers require specific support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction timeVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the support structure with universal characteristics that can accommodate standardized containers of various sizes. The beam and column framework with standardized deck openings serves as a multi-functional base that can support different container configurations, reducing the need for custom support structures for each container type and maintaining construction efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-building the beam and column structure with predetermined deck openings before installing the standardized containers. This preliminary construction of the support framework with integrated opening locations allows for rapid vertical insertion of containers without requiring complex on-site modifications, thereby reducing overall construction time while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If modules are fixated to the structure, then the living quarters become stable, but the fixation process adds time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidfixation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service fixation mechanisms where the standardized containers are designed with built-in fixation features that automatically engage with the support structure during vertical insertion. The containers' own structural elements provide the fixation function, eliminating the need for separate fixation operations and reducing both time and complexity while ensuring stable connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3456903B1System and method for constructing a living quarter
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 GABADI SL
  • EP3456903B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3456903B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP3456903B1 patent drawingFigure 1e

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for constructing habitable installations for floating structures, comprising the following steps: lowering a first adapted standard container (3) through at least one vertical prismatic cavity (25) of a carrying structure (2) until it is supported on support brackets (4) of the floor below; securing the first container (3) to said support brackets (4) of the floor below; and, for each subsequent floor, securing a number of subsequent support brackets (4) to the carrying structure (2) on each container (3) already in position; lowering a subsequent container (3) until it is supported on said subsequent support brackets (4); and securing said subsequent container (3) to subsequent support brackets (4) on which it is resting. The invention also includes a habitable installation (1) constructed according to said method, and a container (3) adapted for carrying out said method