Weighted Base Member for Shipping Container Wind Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intermodal shipping containers face challenges in remote locations with soft, uneven, or unlevel ground, and are prone to instability due to wind loading, especially when additional structures like antennas or solar panels are added, as current site preparation methods are costly and inefficient, and existing support solutions are difficult to align and lack stability against wind forces.

Innovation Solution

A weighted support base with a base member having a top surface wider than 8 feet and connectors that engage with twistlock openings on the shipping container, along with a weight support platform and weights, providing stability and resistance to wind loading, formed from materials like concrete with rebar and designed for easy alignment and forklift handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If site preparation is performed to level the ground, then the shipping container can be properly located, but the cost increases and specialized equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidsite preparation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the ground preparation function into two parts: the base member handles the uneven ground contact, while the container sits on the leveled base surface. This segmentation allows the base to adapt to any ground condition without requiring extensive site preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base member acts as an intermediary between the uneven ground and the shipping container. It provides a stable, level platform that mediates the interaction between the container and the prepared ground, eliminating the need for expensive site preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If blocks are placed under shipping container corners, then support is provided, but the blocks are prone to misplacement and difficult to horizontally align

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer supportVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides support, ensures horizontal alignment, and facilitates easy placement. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate alignment operations required by discrete blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base member incorporates visual indicators (such as colored surfaces or markings) that enable quick visual confirmation of proper placement and alignment, eliminating the need for complex measurement and alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If shipping containers are placed in raised or exposed locations, then accessibility is improved, but wind loading increases and stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer accessibilityVSAvoidwind loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base member incorporates significant weight (through concrete construction and/or added ballast) to counteract the destabilizing effects of wind loading. This anti-weight approach allows the container to be placed in exposed locations while maintaining stability against high winds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The base member extends horizontally beyond the container footprint, creating a wider stability footprint. This dimensional extension in the horizontal plane provides greater resistance to wind-induced tipping moments, allowing placement in exposed locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional structures are added to containers, then functionality is enhanced, but wind loading increases and stability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer functionalityVSAvoidwind loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The weighted base member provides a stable foundation that counteracts the increased wind loading generated by additional structures. The ballast and wide footprint create a low center of gravity that resists tipping forces from antennas, solar panels, or other attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS11858728B2Container anchoring base

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 CARRINGTON SCOTT

AI summary

A shipping container supporting assembly comprises a base member having a top surface and a width greater than 8 feet and a top surface and at least one connector extending from the top surface positioned and selected to be engagable within a twistlock opening of the intermodal shipping container. The may extend past one of the at least one connectors to form a weight support platform. A kit may include the base member and at least one weight.