Double-Wall Tank Transition Area Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-walled tanks face issues with flexibility and tear resistance, particularly in the transition area between the tank floor and walls, leading to potential leaks under pressure loads, and are often costly due to high synthetic resin absorption by multi-layer glass fiber fabrics.
Innovation Solution
The use of a glass silk fabric with unequal warp and weft threads, combined with a hybrid glass-carbon fiber fabric, applied in the transition area to enhance tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, along with a spacer film and plastic layer, forms a leak protection lining that is more resistant to cracking and pressure, while reducing resin usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multi-layer glass fiber fabric is used to strengthen the leak protection lining, then the lining becomes stronger and more resistant to tearing, but it absorbs too much synthetic resin leading to increased manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different reinforcement strategies to different areas of the tank. The transition area between floor and walls receives enhanced reinforcement with glass mat and glass silk fabric, while other areas use standard spacing. This localized quality enhancement provides strength where needed most without unnecessarily increasing resin absorption across the entire tank surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials with different properties: spacer film for spacing, glass mat for reinforcement, glass silk fabric for additional strength in critical areas, and synthetic resin as the bonding matrix. This composite structure achieves optimal balance between strength and resin consumption by selecting materials that work together efficiently.
2Strength
If the leak protection lining is made rigid with high modulus of elasticity to withstand pressure loads, then it becomes more resistant to deformation, but it becomes less flexible and more prone to tearing in transition areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality enhancement by applying additional reinforcement layers (glass mat and glass silk fabric) specifically in the transition area between floor and walls. This area experiences the greatest stress and requires both strength and flexibility. The enhanced local structure provides the necessary modulus of elasticity to withstand pressure while maintaining enough flexibility to accommodate structural movements without tearing.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform spacing is maintained throughout the tank to ensure leak protection, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but it cannot adequately handle the greatest pressure occurring in transition areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from uniform spacing to variable spacing based on structural needs. The transition area between floor and walls receives reduced spacing (enhanced reinforcement) to handle the greatest pressure concentrations, while other areas maintain standard uniform spacing for cost-effective manufacturing. This approach optimizes both ease of manufacture and structural strength where needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides increased tear resistance and modulus of elasticity in the transition area, reducing the risk of leaks and manufacturing costs by optimizing the distribution and absorption of synthetic resin, allowing the tank to withstand large pressure loads without tearing.
Implementation Method 1
optimizing the distribution and absorption of synthetic resin
Implementation Method 2
The cut, tangled short glass fibers of the glass mat are held together by a binder that dissolves when it comes into contact with the polyester resin and serves, among other things, as an adhesion promoter between the fibers and the UP resin
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
Double-walled tank or container comprises a glass mat (31) and a fiberglass fabric (29) placed on a spacer foil in the transition region between the base and the side walls of a leakage protection lining. Preferred Features: The fiberglass fabric is arranged so that the amount of yarn running from the base to the side walls is larger than the amount of yarn running parallel to the side edges of the base.