Hinged Lid Oil Tank Containment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spill containment devices do not effectively address leakage from above-ground oil tanks, failing to minimize environmental impact and facilitate product reclamation.
Innovation Solution
A containment device with a container having a bottom and perimeter wall, a hinged lid, and vent apertures, made of plastic to resist environmental damage, which allows for air circulation and easy access while preventing gas accumulation and supporting the weight of the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing spill containment devices are used, then they can contain spills from pipes and connections, but they fail to effectively contain leakage from above-ground oil tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is designed with a versatile structure that can accommodate multiple types of oil storage containers including above-ground tanks, underground tanks, and portable containers. The device provides universal spill containment functionality across different tank types and configurations, resolving the limitation of existing devices that only work with specific pipe and connection scenarios
2Ease of operation
If a containment device is designed to be easily accessible for maintenance, then access is facilitated, but containment effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with a hinged connection that allows it to pivot between a closed position for containment and an open position for access. This dynamic mechanism enables the containment device to switch between maintaining spill containment integrity and providing easy access to the oil tank for maintenance operations, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and containment effectiveness
3Ease of manufacture
If the containment device structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture improves, but durability against environmental damage may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is constructed from high-density polyethylene or similar durable plastic materials that provide resistance to environmental elements including UV radiation, temperature variations, and chemical exposure. This material selection maintains structural integrity and durability while allowing for cost-effective manufacturing through processes like rotational molding, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and environmental durability
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
Effectively contains leaks from above-ground oil tanks, minimizing environmental impact and facilitating product reclamation by providing a durable and accessible containment solution.
Implementation Method 1
The perimeter wall has a plurality of vent apertures extending through a rear portion of the perimeter wall to permit air circulation between the interior space and the environment to inhibit gasses from collecting in the interior space
Implementation Method 2
The container comprises a plastic material to resist damage from exposure to environmental elements and petroleum products
Data Source
AI summary
A leakage containment device for containing leakage from an oil tank supplying oil to a heating system includes a container including a bottom wall and a perimeter wall being coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space. An upper edge of the perimeter wall defines an upper open end of the container to permit an oil tank to be placed in the interior space. A lid is hingedly coupled to the upper edge of the perimeter wall. The lid selectively closes the upper open end of the container when the lid is in a closed position over the upper open end. The lid is pivoted away from the upper open end to permit access to the upper open end.