Flexible Bladder Containment with Modular Support Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment systems face challenges with instability and transportation to remote sites, particularly when dealing with large volumes of fluids, and require efficient access and disassembly for fluid connections.
Innovation Solution
A containment system featuring a flexible balloon bladder supported by a modular, disassemblable support structure that can be transported in a compact state, with a skid system allowing for easy assembly and fluid connection, and a conduit system for external fluid access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large flexible bladder is used to contain large volumes of fluid, then the holding capacity is improved, but the stability of the bladder deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple panels that can be assembled together to form a stable enclosure around the bladder. This segmentation allows the structure to distribute forces evenly and maintain stability while accommodating large bladder volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the flexible bladder and the external environment, providing lateral support and stability to the bladder while allowing it to maintain its large volume for fluid containment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is made as a complete assembled unit, then the stability is improved, but the ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple panels that can be easily transported separately and then assembled on-site. This allows the structure to maintain stability when assembled while being convenient for transport in its disassembled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static assembled state (stable) to a dynamic disassembled state (easy to transport). The modular panel design enables this dynamic transformation between transport and operational configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the bladder is made accessible from inside the support structure, then the ease of access is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The skid serves multiple functions: it provides a base for the support structure, incorporates conduits for fluid access, and facilitates both internal and external connections. This multi-functionality improves ease of access without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduits incorporated into the skid act as intermediaries, providing fluid flow connections between the bladder and external sources. This intermediary system simplifies access to the bladder contents while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A containment system comprising a flexible bladder having at least one opening through which a liquid or other fluid or material can be pumped or transferred into or out of the bladder. The bladder has a contracted and an expanded or semi-expanded state. A support structure surrounds the side surfaces of the bladder and provides lateral support to the bladder when the bladder is in an expanded or semi-expanded state. The support structure comprises a plurality of panels that are seperably connected to one another to form an enclosed walled support structure. The at least one opening in the bladder is operatively connected to a point exterior to the support structure to permit the bladder to be filled or evacuated from a position exterior to the support structure.