All-Terrain Berm With A-Frame Braces For Fluid Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportable containment solutions are inadequate for large-volume fluid storage in emergency, military, and disaster situations, as they lack the ability to be easily assembled/disassembled, prevent rupture and spillage, and are not adaptable for all-terrain use.
Innovation Solution
A transportable berm system comprising flexible impervious sheeting with A-frame braces, retaining and support members, and stabilizers, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and providing a containment area with a splash guard to prevent spillage, suitable for all-terrain use and large-volume fluid storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible impervious sheeting is used to form the containment structure, then the berm can be easily assembled and disassembled, but it lacks structural support and cannot retain large volumes of fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure is divided into modular components: flexible sheeting panels, A-frame braces, retaining members, and support members. Each component can be independently assembled and disassembled, maintaining ease of operation while collectively providing structural strength through their coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines flexible impervious sheeting material with rigid structural elements (A-frame braces made of metal or rigid material). This composite construction integrates the flexibility and ease of assembly of the sheeting with the structural strength and stability of the rigid frames, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength.
2Quantity of substance
If the containment structure is designed for large volume fluid storage, then it can meet emergency and military requirements, but it becomes difficult to transport and store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The large-volume containment structure is segmented into multiple smaller modular units that can be collapsed and stacked. When empty, the flexible sheeting panels fold flat and the A-frames collapse, reducing the overall volume to a fraction of the expanded state, making transport and storage feasible despite the large storage capacity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions between two dynamic states: an expanded state for large-volume fluid storage and a collapsed state for compact transport and storage. The A-frame braces are designed to pivot between upright and folded positions, and the flexible sheeting can be rolled or folded, enabling the structure to adapt its volume dynamically based on operational needs.
3Reliability
If retaining members are positioned at spaced intervals along the walls, then fluid retention is improved, but the structure requires more components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide fluid retention by extending beyond the wall height, act as attachment points for the A-frame braces, and can be integrated with the support members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable fluid retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members are merged with the wall structure itself rather than being separate附加 components. The retaining members are formed as integral extensions of the flexible sheeting walls or are attached in a way that combines their fluid retention function with the structural support function, reducing the total number of discrete parts while ensuring reliable fluid containment.
Data Source
AI summary
A berm for receiving and retaining fluid is provided. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The berm includes a plurality of A-frame braces arranged in vertical positions about the flooring for supporting the end and side wall sections. The retaining and support members are engaged with the brace members and the stabilizer members holding the end and side walls in generally elevated positions and in engagement with the braces forming the containment area.