Integral Tank Fitting Reduces Leak Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank fitting apparatuses for chemical storage tanks face challenges in minimizing fluid leaks during installation and operation, requiring efficient and leak-proof designs.
Innovation Solution
A tank fitting apparatus featuring a bottom plate with integral bolts and a deployment handle tool for easy installation, combined with a valve apparatus having an integral pipe and top plate, eliminating threaded connections to reduce leak points and facilitate efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tank fittings use separate components (pipe, valve, top plate) with threaded connections, then the assembly provides functional flexibility, but the number of leak points increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pipe, valve, and top plate into a single integrally formed valve apparatus. This merging of previously separate components eliminates the threaded connections between them, directly reducing the number of potential leak points while maintaining all necessary functions (fluid flow control, structural support, and tank wall attachment).
2Productivity
If traditional tank fittings require multiple separate components to be assembled, then the design allows for component replacement and maintenance, but the installation time and potential for installation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the pipe, valve, and top plate into one piece, the patent reduces the installation process to attaching a single component to the tank wall through the bottom plate apparatus, significantly reducing installation time and eliminating errors that could occur during multi-step assembly of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve apparatus is pre-assembled and integrally formed during manufacturing, so that when it is installed on the tank, all internal connections are already secured. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site threading and connection of multiple components, improving installation efficiency.
3Reliability
If traditional tank fittings use threaded connections between components, then the assembly allows for disassembly and reconfiguration, but the risk of thread damage and leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrally formed valve apparatus eliminates all threaded connections between the pipe, valve, and top plate. This merging removes the harmful factor of thread damage and leakage entirely, as there are no separate threading interfaces where leaks could occur, while the integral structure maintains connection integrity through continuous material.
4Ease of operation
If traditional tank fittings require insertion of multiple components through the tank wall, then the installation provides flexibility in component selection, but the complexity of positioning and securing each component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pipe, valve, and top plate into a single valve apparatus that is installed as one unit through the tank wall opening. This reduces the installation process from positioning and securing multiple separate components to simply installing one integrated component, greatly simplifying the operation while reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tank fitting apparatus and method is provided. The tank fitting apparatus includes a bottom plate apparatus. The bottom plate apparatus includes a bottom plate having a bottom surface, a top surface, and a bottom plate passageway. The bottom plate apparatus further includes a bolt connected to the bottom plate and extending from the top surface of the bottom plate. The tank fitting apparatus further includes a valve apparatus. The valve apparatus includes a pipe and a valve integrally formed with the pipe. The valve is movable between an open valve position and a closed valve position. A top plate integrally formed on the pipe and extends outwardly from the pipe. The valve apparatus has a connected tank fitting position where the bolt of the bottom plate apparatus extends through the top plate of the valve apparatus to connect the valve apparatus with the bottom plate apparatus.