Self-Supporting Dome Cover for Manure Pits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for covering open-topped structures like septic tanks and biogas plants are inadequate in addressing odor nuisance, rainwater ingress, safety, and ease of emptying and mixing, with central support systems requiring emptying of tanks and additional construction costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting roof structure with a dome-shaped framework and fabric-reinforced film that can be assembled on-site using a crane, eliminating the need for central supports and allowing for easy transportation and installation without emptying the container, featuring a kinked design for tensioning the film and minimizing noise and damage from wind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central support system is used to cover open-topped structures, then safety and odor control are improved, but the tank must be emptied during construction and additional foundation reinforcement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple longitudinal and transverse beams that form a distributed framework rather than a single central support. This segmentation allows the roof to be self-supporting without requiring tank emptying or foundation reinforcement, as the load is distributed across the entire perimeter of the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional dome-shaped framework. This spatial configuration enables the roof to arch over the tank contents, providing structural strength and self-support while maintaining clearance from the tank interior, thus avoiding the need for central supports or foundation modifications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a central support is installed in the middle of the container, then the roof structure is stabilized, but mixing tasks are impeded and construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central support element is completely removed from the system. Instead, the stability function is achieved through a perimeter-based distributed beam framework that forms a self-supporting dome structure, eliminating obstructions in the tank interior and allowing unrestricted mixing operations.
3Shape
If the covering film is stretched tight without kinks, then the surface is smooth, but wind causes flapping and noise and the film damages prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The covering film is stretched over a dome-shaped framework formed by longitudinal and transverse beams. This curved geometry allows the film to be taut and stable while accommodating wind loads through the three-dimensional form, preventing flapping and premature damage while maintaining a smooth appearance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover (14) for containers (10), such as manure pits, that can be assembled on-site. The assembled cover, consisting of at least longitudinal (24) and transverse profiles (26) and at least one cover film (18), can be lifted onto the container (10) and installed in one piece. For installation, the container does not need to be emptied, nor are any structural modifications, such as reinforcing the base plate, necessary. This makes the cover ideal for retrofitting existing containers as well as for new construction. The cover provides protection against odor nuisance to the surrounding area, the accumulation of rainwater, and accidental falls into the container.