An active self-deformable flexible device and method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing

Abstract

This invention discloses an active self-deformable flexible device and its suppression method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing, belonging to the technical field of marine application devices. The device includes a liquid tank fixing structure, an active self-deformable structure, and a rotating shaft. The liquid tank fixing structure includes a horizontal plate with an inner guide rail and a moving mechanism. The active self-deformable structure is connected to the liquid tank fixing structure via the moving mechanism. The rotating shaft includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, which are respectively connected to the moving mechanism and the active self-deformable structure. This invention, employing the aforementioned active self-deformable flexible device and its suppression method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing, can adapt to complex sea conditions and the configuration requirements of liquid tanks of different sizes, while simultaneously solving the problem of poor sloshing suppression effect of existing anti-roll devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine application equipment technology, and in particular to an active self-deforming flexible device and method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, liquid sloshing within tanks is widespread in various ship transportation systems, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. This sloshing behavior can cause a shift in the ship's roll resonant frequency and induce amplitude peaks in multiple coupled roll modes within a specific frequency range, leading to a decrease in overall ship stability. Simultaneously, the instantaneous impact pressure caused by the sloshing poses a serious threat to the tank walls and hull structure. Therefore, effective mitigation solutions are urgently needed to address the adverse effects of tank sloshing during ship navigation, thereby improving the safety and stability of vessels during navigation.

[0003] Currently, the main solution to this problem is to install baffles or sway dampers inside the liquid tank. However, the mainstream baffles or sway dampers have the following drawbacks: the baffles or sway dampers have a single configuration and are difficult to adapt to complex sea conditions; the baffles and sway dampers are passive roll reduction devices and cannot make real-time targeted adjustments to the actual swaying of the liquid tank in a real marine environment; traditional baffles and sway dampers have poor expandability and are difficult to adapt to the configuration requirements of liquid tanks of different sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an active self-deformable flexible device and method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing, which can adapt to complex sea conditions and liquid tank configurations of different sizes, while solving the problem of poor sloshing suppression effect of existing anti-sloshing devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing, comprising a liquid tank fixing structure, an active self-deformable structure, and a rotating shaft. The liquid tank fixing structure includes a horizontal plate with an inner guide rail and a moving mechanism on the horizontal plate. The active self-deformable structure is connected to the liquid tank fixing structure through the moving mechanism. The rotating shaft includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, which are respectively connected to the moving mechanism and the active self-deformable structure.

[0006] Preferably, there are two horizontal plates, which are fixedly connected to the inner walls of both sides of the liquid tank by welding.

[0007] Furthermore, the liquid tank fixing structure can be replaced with cross plates of different specifications according to the actual size of the liquid tank to adapt to the engineering requirements of actual liquid cargo transport vessels.

[0008] Preferably, the moving mechanism is matched with the inner guide rail and is fitted into the inner guide rail. The moving mechanism includes a left moving mechanism and a right moving mechanism. A horizontal plate motor is provided on the outer side of the horizontal plate. The horizontal plate motor is connected to the left moving mechanism and the right moving mechanism respectively through a translation screw. The horizontal plate motor can control the moving mechanism to move horizontally along the direction of the inner guide rail inside the horizontal plate. The outer surfaces of the left moving mechanism and the right moving mechanism are provided with threaded holes.

[0009] Preferably, the active self-deformation structure consists of a flexible film, connecting blocks, a fixing plate, a first power control system, and a second power control system. The flexible film is connected to the fixing plate through connecting blocks on both sides, and there are two connecting blocks and two fixing plates.

[0010] Furthermore, the active self-deformation structure is composed of several flexible thin film structures nested together by a rotating shaft. The number of flexible thin film structures can be appropriately increased or decreased according to different liquid tank structures to achieve the ideal oscillation control effect.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the fixing plate is provided with a single tenon, and the other end of the fixing plate is provided with a double tenon for connection with the rotating shaft; the two fixing plates are respectively provided with a first power control system and a second power control system, and both the first power control system and the second power control system have sensors, controllers, drivers and built-in motors.

[0012] Furthermore, the sensor is used to detect the sloshing of liquid in the tank; the actuator is used to adjust the rotation amplitude and frequency of the built-in motor; the sensor, actuator, and built-in motor are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0013] Preferably, the first rotating shaft is composed of an upper shaft cap, a first shaft rod, a lower shaft cap, and a first shaft connector. The upper shaft cap and the first shaft rod are connected by a bearing. The surface of the first shaft connector has threads and is connected to a threaded hole in the moving mechanism. The side of the upper shaft cap is provided with an upper shaft retainer, and the side of the lower shaft cap is provided with a lower shaft retainer. The upper shaft retainer and the lower shaft retainer are engaged with double tenons.

[0014] Preferably, the side of the first shaft is provided with a first latch, which engages with a single tenon.

[0015] Preferably, the second rotating shaft is composed of an upper shaft cap, a second shaft rod, and a lower shaft cap. The upper shaft cap has an upper retaining hole on its side, and the lower shaft cap has a lower retaining hole on its side. The upper and lower retaining holes are engaged with the double tenons.

[0016] Preferably, the side of the second shaft is provided with a second latch, which engages with the single tenon.

[0017] The present invention also provides a method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing using an active self-deformable flexible device, comprising the following steps:

[0018] S1. Based on the design height of the liquid level in the tank and the size of the tank, select an appropriate height to weld the horizontal plate to the inner wall of the tank, and at the same time adjust the positions of the left and right moving mechanisms.

[0019] S2. Select an appropriate number of active self-deformation structures according to the actual size of the liquid tank and connect them to the rotating shaft. At the same time, connect the first rotating shaft connector to the left moving mechanism and the right moving mechanism in the liquid tank fixed structure.

[0020] S3. The flow field information of the liquid surface in the liquid tank is detected by the sensor and the information is fed back to the controller. The staff can manually or automatically adjust the rotation amplitude and movement distance of the built-in motor and the horizontal plate motor according to the feedback information of the controller.

[0021] Therefore, the present invention employs the above-mentioned active self-deformable flexible device and method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing, and the technical effects are as follows:

[0022] This invention features multiple horizontal plate sizes and pre-drilled connection holes for the active self-deformation structure. The number of flexible film structures in the active self-deformation structure can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the actual working conditions of the liquid tank, ensuring that this invention can adapt to the needs of liquid tanks of various sizes and meet the sloshing suppression requirements of actual working conditions.

[0023] This invention uses a built-in motor to drive a flexible thin film structure with an active self-deformation structure to move axially along the rotating shaft, and a horizontal plate motor to drive a moving mechanism to translate along the inner guide rail within the horizontal plate, thereby realizing real-time changes in the shape of the anti-roll plate. This solves the problem that traditional anti-roll devices have a single configuration and cannot cope with complex sea conditions, and is more adaptable to the actual situation during ship navigation.

[0024] This invention employs a flexible membrane to continuously absorb the energy generated by the sloshing liquid within the tank. Simultaneously, the flexible membrane causes a significant drop in the liquid level during vibration, reducing the disorder of the free liquid surface. Furthermore, the flexible membrane and the liquid within the tank exhibit coupled motion, altering the original natural frequency of the liquid, reducing the probability of resonance, and enhancing the structural safety of the ship during navigation.

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a two-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of an embodiment of an active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram of an embodiment of an active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a side view of an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid tank fixing structure according to an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a first schematic diagram of the active self-deformation structure of an embodiment of the active self-deformation flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a second schematic diagram of the active self-deformation structure of an embodiment of an active self-deformation flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a third schematic diagram of the active self-deformation structure of an embodiment of the active self-deformation flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the first rotating shaft structure from a certain perspective of an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the first rotating shaft structure from another perspective of an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the second rotating shaft structure from a certain perspective of an embodiment of the active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the second rotating shaft structure from another perspective of an embodiment of the active self-deforming flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure Labels

[0041] 1. Liquid tank fixing structure; 1-1. Horizontal plate motor; 1-2. Horizontal plate; 1-3. Inner guide rail; 1-4. Left moving mechanism; 1-5. Right moving mechanism;

[0042] 2. Active self-deformation structure; 2-1. Flexible film; 2-2. Connecting block; 2-3. Fixing plate; 2-4. First power control system; 2-5. Second power control system; 2-6. Single tenon; 2-7. Double tenon;

[0043] 3. Rotating shaft; 3-1. Upper shaft cap of the first rotating shaft; 3-2. First shaft rod; 3-3. Lower shaft cap of the first rotating shaft; 3-4. First bayonet; 3-5. Connector of the first rotating shaft; 3-6. Upper shaft cap of the second rotating shaft; 3-7. Lower shaft cap of the second rotating shaft; 3-8. Upper bayonet of the second rotating shaft; 3-9. Lower bayonet of the second rotating shaft; 3-10. Upper bayonet of the first rotating shaft; 3-11. Lower bayonet of the first rotating shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this invention provides an active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing, including, but not limited to, a shape that can be automatically or manually adjusted to a sin shape, a cos shape, and a straight plate shape according to the actual liquid tank sloshing conditions. The three shapes are respectively as shown in the figure. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the three modes can be freely switched to meet the sway suppression requirements in complex marine environments.

[0048] The active self-deformable flexible device includes a liquid tank fixing structure 1, an active self-deformable structure 2, and a rotating shaft 3. The liquid tank fixing structure 1 can be replaced with cross plates of different specifications according to the actual size of the liquid tank to adapt to the engineering requirements of actual liquid cargo transport vessels.

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, the liquid tank fixing structure 1 includes a horizontal plate 1-2. The two horizontal plates 1-2 are fixed to the inner walls of both sides of the liquid tank by welding. An inner guide rail 1-3 is provided on the horizontal plate 1-2. A moving mechanism is provided on the inner guide rail 1-3. The moving mechanism includes a left moving mechanism 1-4 and a right moving mechanism 1-5. The outer surfaces of the left moving mechanism 1-4 and the right moving mechanism 1-5 are provided with threaded holes, which can be fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft connector 3-5.

[0050] A horizontal plate motor 1-1 is provided on the outer side of the horizontal plate 1-2. The horizontal plate motor 1-1 is connected to the left moving mechanism 1-4 and the right moving mechanism 1-5 respectively through a translation screw. The horizontal plate motor 1-1 can control the moving mechanism to move horizontally along the inner guide rail 1-3 inside the horizontal plate 1-2.

[0051] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the active self-deformation structure 2 consists of a flexible film 2-1, a connecting block 2-2, a fixing plate 2-3, a first power control system 2-4, and a second power control system 2-5. The flexible film 2-1 is connected to the fixing plate 2-3 through the connecting blocks 2-2 on both sides. There are two connecting blocks 2-2 and two fixing plates 2-3.

[0052] One end of the fixing plate 2-3 is provided with a single tenon 2-6, and the other end of the fixing plate 2-3 is provided with a double tenon 2-7 for connecting with the rotating shaft 3; the two fixing plates 2-3 are respectively provided with a first power control system 2-4 and a second power control system 2-5, and both the first power control system 2-4 and the second power control system 2-5 have sensors, controllers, drivers and built-in motors.

[0053] The sensor is used to detect the sloshing of liquid in the tank; the driver is used to adjust the rotation amplitude and frequency of the built-in motor; the sensor, driver, and built-in motor are all electrically connected to the controller. The built-in motor can drive the flexible film 2-1 to move axially along the rotating shaft 3. Its motion structure is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] The active self-deformable structure 2 is connected to the liquid tank fixed structure 1 through a moving mechanism. The active self-deformable structure 2 is connected to the left moving mechanism 1-4 and the right moving structure 1-5 of the liquid tank fixed structure 1 through a first rotating shaft. The built-in motors in the first power control system 2-4 and the second power control system 2-5 can drive the flexible film 2-1 to move axially along the rotating shaft 3. The moving mechanism is driven to translate along the inner guide rail 1-3 in the horizontal plate 1-2 through the horizontal plate motor 1-1, realizing the real-time change of the anti-roll plate shape. This solves the problem that the traditional anti-roll device has a single configuration and cannot cope with complex sea conditions, and is more adaptable to the actual situation during ship navigation.

[0055] The active self-deformation structure 2 is composed of several flexible thin film structures nested together by a rotating shaft 3. The number of flexible thin film structures can be appropriately increased or decreased according to different liquid tank structures to achieve the ideal oscillation control effect.

[0056] The rotating shaft 3 includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, which are respectively connected to the moving mechanism and the active self-deformation structure.

[0057] like Figure 11 As shown, the first rotating shaft is composed of an upper shaft cap 3-1, a first shaft rod 3-2, a lower shaft cap 3-3, and a first rotating shaft connector 3-5. The upper shaft cap 3-1 and the first shaft rod 3-2 are connected by a bearing. The surface of the first rotating shaft connector 3-5 has threads for connecting to the left moving mechanism 1-4 or the right moving mechanism 1-5 on the liquid tank fixing structure 1, thereby connecting the tip of the first rotating shaft to the liquid tank fixing structure 1.

[0058] like Figure 12 As shown, the side of the upper shaft cap 3-1 of the first rotating shaft is provided with the upper shaft latch 3-10, and the side of the lower shaft cap 3-3 of the first rotating shaft is provided with the lower shaft latch 3-11. The upper shaft latch 3-10 and the lower shaft latch 3-11 are engaged with the double tenon 2-7. The side of the first shaft rod 3-2 is provided with the first latch 3-4, and the first latch 3-4 is engaged with the single tenon 2-6. Thus, both sides of the first rotating shaft are connected to the active self-deformation structure 2.

[0059] like Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the second rotating shaft consists of an upper shaft cap 3-6, a second shaft rod, and a lower shaft cap 3-7. The upper shaft cap 3-6 has an upper retaining 3-8 on its side, and the lower shaft cap 3-7 has a lower retaining 3-9 on its side. The upper and lower retaining 3-8 engage with the double tenon 2-7. The second shaft rod has a second retaining slit on its side, which engages with the single tenon 2-6. This allows both sides of the second rotating shaft to be connected to the active self-deforming structure 2.

[0060] Both the rotating shaft 3 and the active self-deformation structure 2 are modular designs. The number of flexible membranes 2-1 can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the space constraints of the ship's cabin, thereby making the overall structure more adaptable to actual engineering needs. The attitude transformation of the active self-deformation structure is completed by the first power control system 2-4 and the second power control system 2-5 in the active self-deformation structure 2 and the moving mechanism in the liquid tank fixed structure 1. This allows multiple flexible membranes to freely combine into different attitudes to cope with different types of oscillations and wave suppression, successfully realizing the real-time change of the oscillation plate shape. This solves the problem that the traditional anti-roll device has a single configuration and cannot adapt to actual swaying conditions, meeting the sway suppression requirements under complex oscillation conditions during ship navigation. At the same time, the number of moving mechanisms can be appropriately increased according to the actual size of the liquid tank to meet actual engineering needs.

[0061] Meanwhile, the flexible membrane 2-1 can absorb the energy generated by the sloshing liquid during its interaction with the liquid in the tank. At the same time, the flexible membrane 2-1 causes the liquid elevation to drop significantly during vibration, reducing the disorder of the free liquid surface. In addition, the flexible membrane 2-1 has a fluid-structure interaction with the liquid in the tank, which changes the original natural frequency of the liquid, reduces the probability of resonance, and improves the structural safety of the ship during navigation.

[0062] In this invention, the dimensions of each structure can be adjusted according to actual conditions. The overall size of the device can be enlarged or reduced based on the actual conditions of the liquid tank. Simultaneously, this device possesses excellent corrosion and water resistance. In this invention, the flexible film 2-1 is made of PVC material, while the remaining parts are primarily made of metal.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] The present invention also provides a method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing using an active self-deformable flexible device, comprising the following steps:

[0065] S1. Based on the design height of the liquid level in the liquid tank and the size of the liquid tank, select an appropriate height to weld the horizontal plate 1-2 to the inner wall of the liquid tank, and at the same time adjust the position of the left moving mechanism 1-4 and the right moving mechanism 1-5.

[0066] S2. Select an appropriate number of active self-deformation structures 2 according to the actual size of the liquid tank, and connect them to the rotating shaft 3. At the same time, connect the first rotating shaft connector 3-5 to the left moving mechanism 1-4 and the right moving mechanism 1-5 in the liquid tank fixing structure 1.

[0067] S3. The flow field information of the liquid surface in the liquid tank is detected by the sensor and the information is fed back to the controller. The staff can manually or automatically adjust the rotation amplitude and movement distance of the built-in motor and the horizontal plate motor 1-1 according to the feedback information of the controller.

[0068] Therefore, the present invention employs the above-mentioned active self-deformable flexible device and its suppression method for suppressing liquid tank sway, which can adapt to complex sea conditions and the configuration requirements of liquid tanks of different sizes, while solving the problem of poor sway suppression effect of existing anti-sway devices.

[0069] It is worth noting that all the contents not described in detail in this invention are existing technologies and are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing, characterized in that: The system includes a liquid tank fixing structure, an active self-deformation structure, and a rotating shaft. The liquid tank fixing structure includes a horizontal plate with an inner guide rail and a moving mechanism. The active self-deformation structure is connected to the liquid tank fixing structure through the moving mechanism. The rotating shaft includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, which are respectively connected to the moving mechanism and the active self-deformation structure. The moving mechanism is matched with the inner guide rail. The moving mechanism includes a left moving mechanism and a right moving mechanism. A horizontal plate motor is provided on the outer side of the horizontal plate. The horizontal plate motor is connected to the left moving mechanism and the right moving mechanism respectively through a translation screw. The outer surfaces of the left moving mechanism and the right moving mechanism are provided with threaded holes. The active self-deformation structure consists of a flexible film, connecting blocks, a fixing plate, a first power control system, and a second power control system. The flexible film is connected to the fixing plate through connecting blocks on both sides, and there are two connecting blocks and two fixing plates. One end of the fixing plate is provided with a single tenon, and the other end of the fixing plate is provided with a double tenon for connection with the rotating shaft; the two fixing plates are respectively provided with a first power control system and a second power control system, and both the first power control system and the second power control system have sensors, controllers, drivers and built-in motors.

2. The active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two horizontal plates, which are fixedly connected to the inner walls of both sides of the liquid tank by welding.

3. The active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating shaft is composed of an upper shaft cap, a first shaft rod, a lower shaft cap, and a first shaft connector. The first shaft connector is connected to a threaded hole. The upper shaft cap has an upper locking slot on its side, and the lower shaft cap has a lower locking slot on its side. The upper and lower locking slots are engaged with double tenons.

4. The active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first shaft has a first latch on its side, which engages with a single tenon.

5. The active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second rotating shaft is composed of an upper shaft cap, a second shaft rod, and a lower shaft cap. The upper shaft cap has an upper retaining hole on its side, and the lower shaft cap has a lower retaining hole on its side. The upper and lower retaining holes are engaged with the double tenons.

6. The active self-deformable flexible device for suppressing liquid tank sloshing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second shaft has a second latch on its side, which engages with the single tenon.

7. A method for suppressing liquid tank sloshing using an active self-deformable flexible device as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Based on the design height of the liquid level in the tank and the size of the tank, select an appropriate height to weld the horizontal plate to the inner wall of the tank, and at the same time adjust the positions of the left and right moving mechanisms. S2. Select an appropriate number of active self-deformation structures according to the actual size of the liquid tank, and connect the active self-deformation structures to the rotating shaft. At the same time, connect the first rotating shaft connector to the left moving mechanism and the right moving mechanism in the liquid tank fixed structure. S3. The flow field information of the liquid surface in the liquid tank is detected by the sensor and the information is fed back to the controller. The staff can manually or automatically adjust the rotation amplitude and movement distance of the built-in motor and the horizontal plate motor according to the feedback information of the controller.

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