Flexible Liquid Bladder Storage in Trailers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid product storage and delivery systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing internal space and ensuring secure, flexible storage and distribution of liquids, particularly in trailers, where traditional methods may not adequately support flexible bladders or allow for efficient use of rigid inserts.

Innovation Solution

A liquid product storage and delivery system that incorporates a flexible liquid bladder or a rigid insert tank within a storage tank, with optional support platforms and outlets for fluid communication, allowing for flexible storage and distribution configurations, including the use of platforms to elevate bladders and secure them with support members, and the option to use multiple bladders or rigid inserts that fit together.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional storage methods are used in trailers, then the structure is simple, but the internal space utilization is poor and flexible bladder support is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal space utilizationVSAvoidstorage system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing a rigid insert tank inside a storage tank, which itself is positioned within a trailer. This nested configuration allows multiple storage components to occupy hierarchical spatial relationships, maximizing the use of available internal volume while maintaining structural organization and support for flexible bladders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible bladders are used for liquid storage, then storage flexibility is improved, but secure positioning and support become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidbladder positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid insert tank serves as an intermediary structure between the flexible bladder and the storage tank. It provides a stable, rigid framework that secures the flexible bladder in position, preventing displacement while allowing the bladder to maintain its flexible storage capabilities. The insert tank acts as a mediator that combines the advantages of both rigid and flexible storage solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple bladders or rigid inserts are used to optimize space, then storage efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is segmented into distinct functional components: the storage tank, rigid insert tank, flexible bladder, and support platform. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently configured or replaced. This segmentation allows for optimized space utilization through modular assembly while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11479405B2Liquid product storage and delivery systems, methods and apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.10.25 360 YIELD CENT LLC
  • US11479405B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid product storage and delivery system is provided. The liquid product storage and delivery system includes a storage tank and a liquid bladder supported inside of the storage tank.