Inflatable Unit Stabilizing Liquid Sloshing in Tank Inliners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sloshing of liquids in tank containers during transportation causes instability and fatigue, which is exacerbated when an inliner is used, as existing solutions like baffles cannot be applied effectively with an inliner due to practical and damage concerns.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-stabilizing inliner with an inflatable unit connected to the inliner, which can be inflated to reduce sloshing and serve as a handle for easy removal and liquid discharge, addressing the issues of instability, handling, and liquid recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If baffles or rigid structures are placed in the tank container to reduce sloshing, then liquid stability is improved, but the inliner cannot reach its required unfolding and volume, and the inliner may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using an inflatable unit that can change its volume and shape dynamically. The inflatable unit is inflated to a first volume during liquid storage to stabilize the liquid, and deflated to a second, smaller volume during handling and removal. This dynamic volume change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without permanently compromising the inliner's full unfolding capability or risking damage from rigid structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If baffles or rigid structures are placed around the inliner to reduce sloshing, then liquid stability is improved, but the inliner obstructs the baffles and cannot reach its desired volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sloshing stabilization function and the handling function into a single integrated component - the inflatable unit. This unit is connected to the inliner and can be inflated to provide stabilization during liquid storage, and deflated to serve as a handle for removal. This merging eliminates the need for separate baffles and handling mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both stabilization and ease of handling.
3Reliability
If the inliner is used to protect the tank container, then contamination is reduced, but the inliner is at risk from high and repetitive mechanical forces during sloshing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by inflating the inflatable unit before liquid storage begins. The inflated unit acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the high and repetitive mechanical forces generated during liquid sloshing. This protective cushioning is established in advance, protecting the inliner from damage during the entire storage period without compromising the inliner's protective function against contamination.
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
The inflatable unit effectively reduces sloshing, facilitates the removal of the inliner from the tank container, and enhances liquid recovery by acting as a handle, thus stabilizing the liquid and simplifying the handling and discharge processes.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable unit connected to the inliner, wherein the inflatable unit is present in the interior space or in the exterior environment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid-stabilizing inliner for use in a tank container, comprising an inliner having an inliner wall made of a film material, wherein the inliner wall 1) is configured as a bag to define an interior space for storing a liquid, 2) has an opening for the entrance of the liquid into the interior space, 3) has an inner surface facing the interior space and an outer surface facing an exterior environment; characterized in that an inflatable unit is connected to the inliner, the inflatable unit comprising a film material that is configured as a bag to define an interior space for containing a gas. The inflatable unit reduces sloshing of the liquid when a tank container with the inliner is partly filled with liquid. The inflatable unit may also function as a handle for removing the liquid-stabilizing after use.