In-tank Fastening Device for Plastic Tanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fastening tank installation components in plastics-material tanks, such as welding or riveting, are limited by effective radius and increase emissions, necessitating a more efficient and emission-free solution.

Innovation Solution

A device with a holding element and elastically deformable clamping installations that can be push-fitted onto the tank wall without welding, utilizing a force-fit mechanism for secure and cost-effective attachment of components like valves and sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If in-tank welding is used to fasten tank installation components, then reliable fastening is achieved, but the effective radius is limited due to welding device constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidwelding device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding mechanical system with a clamping installation that uses elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking. The clamping legs with spacing areas engage with protrusions on the tank wall through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for welding devices and their associated complexity while maintaining fastening reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping installation acts as an intermediary element between the tank installation component and the tank wall. Instead of directly welding the component to the tank wall, the clamping installation mediates the connection through its elastic clamping legs that engage with tank wall protrusions, simplifying the overall fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If on-tank welding is used to fasten tank installation components, then fastening is achieved, but emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidemissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the thermal welding process with a purely mechanical clamping system. The clamping installation uses elastic deformation of its legs to create a force-fit connection with the tank wall, completely eliminating emissions associated with welding processes while maintaining reliable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping installation is self-contained and self-actuating through elastic deformation. The elastic legs automatically generate clamping force when engaged with the tank wall protrusions, eliminating the need for external welding energy sources and the harmful emissions they produce.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If direct welding or riveting is used to fasten tank installation components, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional technical auxiliary means are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidauxiliary means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the holding element and clamping installation into a single integrated device. The clamping legs are directly connected to the holding element, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary means such as welding equipment or riveting tools, while maintaining secure attachment through the elastic clamping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fastening function from external auxiliary means (welding devices, riveting tools) and integrates it directly into the holding element itself. The clamping installation is built into the holding element, eliminating the need for separate technical auxiliary means while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If welding methods are used to fasten tank installation components, then reliable fastening is achieved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive welding processes with a simpler mechanical clamping system. The clamping installation uses elastic deformation and force-fit connections that can be assembled without expensive welding equipment, skilled welders, or complex process control, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining fastening reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping installation is self-actuating through elastic deformation, requiring no external energy sources, specialized equipment, or highly skilled operators. This self-service capability eliminates the need for expensive welding infrastructure and reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables reliable and easy fastening of tank installation components without additional technical means, reducing emissions and production costs while maintaining the structural integrity of the tank.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of said two clamping legs is elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11691501B2In-tank fastening device
Publication Date: 2023.07.04 KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO KG
  • US11691501B2 patent drawing
  • US11691501B2 patent drawing
  • US11691501B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for fastening tank insert parts, wherein the device has a holding element for holding the tank insert part and at least one elastically deformable clamping device which is connected to the holding element and by means of which a fastening structure can be received. Furthermore, a plastic tank having a fastening structure which is arranged in the interior thereof, and having a device according to the invention which is arranged thereon for fastening tank insert parts.