Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Modular Container Systems: Sustainable Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856926_0007_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Container Systems: Sustainable Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856926_0007_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856926_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,926.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent on aquatic farming in intermodal containers addressed the issue of declining wild fish stocks and pollution in fisheries. However, the technology's potential applications extend beyond aquatic farming. This invention disclosure explores new uses for intermodal container systems, tackling challenges in diverse industries, such as food security, environmental sustainability, and community development.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the intermodal container technology, moving beyond the original aquatic farming context. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the technology's versatility and its potential to be adapted and integrated into diverse industries, providing innovative solutions to pressing problems.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include using different types of containers, such as refrigerated or insulated containers, or incorporating additional features, like sensors, automation systems, or renewable energy sources. Variations could also involve different stacking configurations, module designs, or materials used for the containers and modules.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential across various industries, including agriculture, construction, environmental remediation, and community development. The modular intermodal container systems can be marketed as turnkey solutions for urban agriculture, vertical farming, disaster relief, sustainable community development, and bioremediation, offering a competitive advantage in terms of scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01K61/10
A A01 A01K63/04

Field of Art

Aquaculture and modular container-based agricultural systems, involving technical expertise in marine engineering, container modification, vertical farming techniques, and modular infrastructure design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with engineering background in marine systems, container logistics, agricultural engineering, with knowledge of modular design principles, environmental control systems, and adaptive infrastructure solutions

Obviousness Rationale

The source patent's fundamental innovation of using intermodal containers for aquatic farming provides a clear technological framework that a skilled practitioner would recognize as readily adaptable to alternative agricultural and infrastructure applications. The modular, stackable container design represents a versatile platform that can be systematically modified for different functional purposes. A PHOSITA would understand that the core technological principles of vertical stacking, environmental control, and containerized systems are transferable across multiple domains.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Vertically stacked intermodal containers with integrated farming modules
PTD Variation
Urban agriculture system using soil-based farming modules in stacked containers
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of existing container farming concept, involving known vertical agriculture techniques and minimal technical modification
Source Patent Element
Climate and environmental control mechanisms within container modules
PTD Variation
Disaster relief water purification modules using similar container infrastructure
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying known environmental control and modular design principles to a different humanitarian context, representing a straightforward technical adaptation
Source Patent Element
Integrated access platforms and modular compartmentalization
PTD Variation
Community development containers with multi-functional modules for farming, energy, and waste management
Obviousness Reasoning
Leveraging existing modular design principles to create integrated, multi-purpose infrastructure solutions using known engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Containerized aquatic environment management system
PTD Variation
Bioremediation modules deployed in polluted environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending container-based environmental control principles to ecological restoration, representing a logical and predictable technical progression
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856926's comprehensive disclosure of modular, containerized environmental management systems, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed variations obvious and predictable extensions of the prior art, thereby rendering potential derivative claims non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,926
TitleAquatic farming in intermodal containers
Assignee(s)TEMASEK LIFE SCIENCES LABORATORY LIMITED