Collapsible Wheeled Water Storage Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water storage solutions are cumbersome, difficult to move, and prone to spillage or contamination, especially in emergency situations, and do not efficiently utilize common household water sources like faucets for rapid filling and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and wheeled water storage apparatus with a detachable hose for easy filling and dispensing, featuring a flexible bladder and modular design for compact storage and mobility, allowing for efficient transportation and distribution of potable water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large capacity water storage tank is used to hold sufficient emergency water supply, then the water storage capacity is improved, but the weight and mobility of the tank deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage system is divided into multiple detachable components including a collapsible bladder, frame structure, and wheel assembly. This segmentation allows the large capacity tank to be assembled only when needed and easily disassembled for storage or transport, resolving the contradiction between large water storage capacity and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder is designed to be collapsible rather than rigid, allowing it to be compressed to a small size when empty and expanded to large capacity when filled. This dynamic transformation enables the system to achieve both large water storage capacity and easy mobility by changing the bladder's physical state.
2Quantity of substance
If a large capacity water storage tank is used to hold sufficient emergency water supply, then the water storage capacity is improved, but the ease of moving the tank deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is segmented into detachable components including a collapsible bladder, frame, and wheel assembly that can be easily separated and reattached. This segmentation dramatically improves ease of moving by allowing the large capacity system to be broken down into manageable pieces for transport.
Solution Approach 2:
Wheels are introduced as an intermediary element to facilitate movement of the filled tank. The wheel assembly attaches to the frame and provides rolling capability, making it easy to move the heavy water supply without manual lifting or carrying.
3Quantity of substance
If water is stored in large quantities in fixed locations, then the water storage capacity is improved, but the risk of spillage and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible bladder design allows the water storage system to be dynamically positioned close to consumption areas rather than fixed in remote storage locations. The bladder can be easily moved and repositioned, reducing the risk of spillage and contamination by minimizing transport distance and improving monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bladder material provides a sealed, contained structure that prevents spillage while allowing the system to be easily moved and positioned. The flexible nature of the bladder also allows it to conform to various storage configurations and be easily collapsed when empty, reducing contamination risk.
4Volume of moving object
If a collapsible water storage apparatus is used to improve mobility, then the ease of storage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into modular components (bladder, frame, wheels, connectors) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation actually reduces overall complexity by allowing each component to be simple in design while the assembled system achieves the desired collapsible functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible design allows components to nest within each other when collapsed - the bladder folds within the frame structure, and wheels can be detached and stored. This nesting capability achieves compact storage profile without requiring complex mechanisms, as the nesting is achieved through simple geometric folding and stacking.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed invention provide for a wheeled apparatus suitable for storing liquids, such as water for consumption, when ordinary drinking water may be scarce or unavailable. Embodiments disclosed herein can be collapsed and stored in a small profile arrangement during periods when the apparatus is not in use. Embodiments may comprise wheels so that the apparatus may be assembled in one location and rolled to a water source, and rolled to shelter when full of water. Embodiments may provide a hose to connect the apparatus to a standard household faucets or spigots. Once the present invention is filled, it can be rolled to storage location while awaiting future needs. After an emergency situation passes, the apparatus may be drained and re-packed for storage.