Flexible Tank Rectangular Base Inner Support Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible tanks with circular bases are suboptimal due to increased material usage and reduced efficiency, particularly when used on inclines, as they are designed to prevent rolling but lack structural integrity and material efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tank design featuring a rectangular base with inner support members that are tensioned during filling and released as the tank fills, preventing rolling on inclines while minimizing material usage and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a circular base is used to prevent rolling on inclines, then stability is improved, but material usage increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into a base section and enclosing wall section that can be separately manufactured and assembled. The base is made from a rectangular piece of flexible material that is folded and sealed to form a three-dimensional base structure, separating the base fabrication from the wall fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tank utilizes the dynamic properties of flexible material that can deform and adapt to inclined surfaces. The material's flexibility allows the tank to conform to ground irregularities and inclines, providing stability through adaptation rather than through a fixed geometric shape like a circle.
2Loss of substance
If a rectangular base is used to reduce material usage, then material efficiency is improved, but structural integrity on inclines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material is folded and sealed to create a three-dimensional base structure with curved surfaces and rounded corners. This curvature distributes stresses more evenly across the base structure, enhancing its ability to withstand loads and maintain structural integrity on inclined surfaces while still using a rectangular footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is constructed from flexible material that combines the properties of flexibility for adaptation with sufficient strength for structural integrity. The material can be layered or复合 with other materials to enhance strength while maintaining the rectangular base configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If inner support members are tensioned during filling, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner support members are designed to be automatically tensioned by the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid being filled into the tank. As the liquid level rises, the pressure naturally tensions the support members, providing structural stability without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The system uses the filling process itself to activate the support mechanism.
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 design effectively prevents the flexible tank from rolling on inclines while reducing material usage and maintaining structural integrity, allowing for efficient filling and use on varying surfaces without damage.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one inner support member is placed in tension during filling with a liquid
Implementation Method 2
These materials are exemplary and not to be deemed limiting. Such woven fabrics have a number of different types, weights, configurations, and materials
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible tank fillable with a liquid having a base and at least one enclosing wall. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface, and defines a plurality of edges and a perimeter. The enclosing wall extends about the base and is attached thereto to, together with the base, define an enclosure. The inner brace assembly comprises at least one inner support member having a base wall attachment side and an encasing wall attachment side. The base wall attachment side is attached to the base spaced apart from the perimeter. The encasing wall attachment side is attached to the at least one enclosing wall spaced apart from the base fold.