IBC Support Structure Using Interlocking Polymer Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) face issues with incomplete shielding due to gaps in metal structures, susceptibility to corrosion, and laborious assembly processes, particularly when handling aggressive substances or complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base and upper support structure with interconnected columns that form a cage-like configuration, reinforced with internal profiles to support the tank, allowing for reduced assembly steps and enhanced structural integrity, made from plastic materials for improved recyclability and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal supporting structures are used, then strength and shielding are provided, but gaps between wires/tubes create incomplete shielding and corrosion susceptibility occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a continuous polymer support structure that forms complete enclosing walls without gaps, replacing the wire mesh or bar frame structures. The polymer material provides both strength and complete shielding in a single integrated component, eliminating the corrosion susceptibility associated with metal structures.
2Strength
If metal supporting structures are used, then structural support is provided, but laborious assembly is required due to piecing together numerous single metal bars or tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate metal bars or tubes into a single integrated polymer support structure. This monolithic design eliminates the need to piece together numerous individual components, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polymer materials that can be manufactured more economically and assembled more quickly than metal structures. The support structure is designed as a single-piece component that can be rapidly installed, reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly time compared to traditional metal constructions.
3Ease of manufacture
If foldable IBCs made of polymer are used, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but a large number of single parts (multiple foldable walls) result in high number of necessary assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate foldable walls into a single integrated polymer support structure. This monolithic design maintains the ease of manufacture associated with polymer materials while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple individual foldable wall components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece polymer support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, forms complete shielding walls, and enables easy assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate foldable wall components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Device complexity
If reduced components are used in support structure, then assembly steps are reduced and assembly complexity is minimized, but structural integrity and shielding effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polymer composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent structural integrity in a single component. This allows the support structure to be simplified into fewer parts while maintaining or even improving structural performance compared to traditional metal constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges support and shielding functions into a single integrated polymer structure, eliminating the need for separate components. This consolidation reduces assembly complexity while the inherent strength of the polymer material ensures structural integrity is maintained.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container (1) for the transport and storage of, especially liquid or granulated, goods, more particular an intermediate bulk container, comprising an internal fillable tank (2) and an external support structure (4, 6) surrounding the tank (2), which has a base structure (4) arranged below the tank (2), such that a base of the tank (2) is supported thereon; and an upper support structure (6) arranged above the tank (2) for absorbing loads exerted on the tank (2) from above. According to the invention the abovementioned base structure (4) comprises a plurality of lower column portions (8) and the upper support structure (6) comprises a plurality of corresponding upper column portions (10), which each project from opposing faces of the base structure (4) and the upper support structure (6) respectively and which meet somewhere along the height of the tank (2), thereby forming a number of columns (12) for laterally supporting the tank (2).