Holding Tank Pump Subassembly With Leak-Free Sealed Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding tanks for recreational vehicles and caravans face challenges in maintaining a leak-free interface with pumps and subcomponents, leading to potential fluid leakage, increased manufacturing complexity, and difficult servicing due to numerous connections and high leakage risks.

Innovation Solution

A subassembly comprising a bucket-shaped part with a seal and pump arrangement is integrated into the holding tank, providing a leak-free interface through a single connection point, minimizing production steps and enhancing serviceability by allowing vertical assembly and easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connections and subcomponents are attached to the holding tank, then the holding tank can perform multiple functions, but the risk of fluid leakage increases and the interface becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidleak-free interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump arrangement, seal, and connection interfaces are merged into a single integrated subassembly that attaches to the holding tank through one unified connection. This combines multiple functional components (pump, seal, conduits) into one unit, maintaining versatility while eliminating multiple potential leak points and simplifying the interface between the tank and subcomponents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connections and subcomponents are attached to the holding tank, then the holding tank can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components (pump arrangement, seal, inflow conduit, outflow conduit, and support structures) are merged into a single integrated subassembly. This reduces the number of separate parts and connection points, thereby reducing interface complexity while preserving all necessary functional capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated subassembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the pump arrangement for fluid transfer, incorporates seals for leak-free operation, includes conduits for fluid flow, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality in a single unit reduces overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connections and subcomponents are attached to the holding tank, then the holding tank can perform multiple functions, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex with more secondary production steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidproduction steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pump arrangement, seal, and conduits are merged into a single subassembly that can be manufactured as one integrated unit or pre-assembled module. This reduces the number of secondary production steps required during holding tank manufacturing, as the entire multi-functional interface is installed through a single attachment operation rather than multiple separate connection steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connections and subcomponents are attached to the holding tank, then the holding tank can perform multiple functions, but the servicing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pump arrangement, seal, and conduits are merged into a single removable subassembly. This design allows the entire multi-functional unit to be serviced, repaired, or replaced as one module, making maintenance easier compared to servicing multiple separate connections and components individually

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12049174B2Subassembly for a holding tank with integrated leak free interface to the holding tank

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 THETFORD BV

AI summary

A subassembly (200) for a holding tank (202) in combination with a holding tank (202). The subassembly (200) includes a bucket shaped part (206), a seal (214), and a pump arrangement (32). The bucket shaped part (206) defines an inner cavity (212) plus an outer wall (208) and extends through an aperture on the top of the holding tank (202). The seal (214) is disposed at a top portion of the bucket shaped part (206) and enables a leak free seal between the outer wall (208) of the bucket shaped part (206) and the holding tank (202). The pump arrangement (32) is located at a lowest portion of the bucket shaped part (206).