Inflatable Spill Containment Tank for Rapid Emergency Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spill containment tanks are not deployable quickly enough in emergency situations, such as vehicle fuel leaks, due to complex assembly requirements and lack of efficient deployment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable spill containment tank with a flexible base wall and sidewall, featuring an air chamber with tubular column portions that can be filled with compressed gas to rapidly inflate and lift the sidewall, supported by a self-contained compressed gas source for rapid deployment and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame with flexible liner is used, then structural support is provided, but deployment speed is reduced due to complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid frame members with an inflatable flexible sidewall that provides structural support through inflation pressure. The flexible sidewall and base cooperate to define the containment volume, eliminating the need for complex rigid frame assembly while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inflatable structure filled with gas or liquid to provide structural support and enable rapid deployment. The inflatable sidewall can be quickly inflated from a collapsed state to create the containment tank, avoiding time-consuming rigid frame assembly while providing necessary structural strength.
2Ease of operation
If spring steel rings and foldable sidewall supports are used, then portable containment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple components requiring assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sidewall and base into a single integrated flexible structure that can be collapsed for transport and inflated for use. This merging of components eliminates the need for multiple separate parts like spring steel rings and foldable supports, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic inflatable structure that transitions between collapsed and inflated states. The flexible sidewall and base can be rapidly deployed from a compact configuration to a functional containment shape, providing portability without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If floating collar design is used, then self-supporting capability is achieved, but vertical lift of the collar is insufficient without rigid sidewall structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable sidewall filled with gas or liquid to provide both self-supporting capability and vertical lift. The inflatable structure generates internal pressure that pushes the collar upward, combining the benefits of self-supporting design with adequate vertical lifting force without requiring rigid sidewalls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the sidewall material from rigid to inflatable flexible. By controlling the inflation pressure and volume of the flexible sidewall, the system achieves both self-supporting capability and sufficient vertical lift capability through adjustable parameters rather than fixed rigid structures.
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 rapid collection and containment of leaking liquids, with a compact deflated size that expands to a large volume, facilitating efficient spill management in emergency situations without the need for complex assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a self-contained compressed gas source coupled to the inflatable container and fluidly connected to the air chamber to selectively supply a compressed gas for inflating the inflatable container. The tubular column portions of the air chamber are fillable with the compressed gas to cause the sidewall to lift upwardly from the base wall
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid deployment containment tank includes an inflatable container and a self-contained compressed gas source. The container defines a liquid chamber and an open top through which a liquid passes into the liquid chamber. The container is shiftable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The container includes a flexible base wall and a flexible sidewall cooperating to define the liquid chamber. The sidewall projects from the base wall along an interface and includes an air chamber. The air chamber includes a plurality of tubular columns spaced apart along the interface. The compressed gas source is coupled to the container and is fluidly connected to the air chamber to supply a compressed gas for inflating the container. The tubular columns are fillable with the compressed gas to cause the sidewall to lift upwardly from the base wall, as the container shifts from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration.