Flexible Tank Mixing Members Using Integrated Fluid Pathways

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for mixing fluids in flexible tanks are expensive, logistically challenging, and increase the risk of contamination or spoilage due to the need for external mixing apparatuses that require pressurized air and rigid piping, which can damage the tank.

Innovation Solution

A flexible tank with integrated mixing members that allow a mixing fluid, such as air, to be pumped through a fluid pathway and apertures to create currents for agitation, eliminating the need for external equipment and reducing the risk of contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external mixing apparatuses are used to mix fluids in flexible tanks, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but the risk of contamination and spoilage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing apparatus is merged with the flexible tank by integrating mixing members directly into the tank structure. The mixing members include fluid pathways and apertures that are built into the tank walls, eliminating the need for separate external mixing equipment and reducing contamination risks from external apparatus insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A mixing fluid acts as an intermediary substance to transfer the mixing action into the tank. The mixing fluid is pumped through the integrated fluid pathways and discharged through apertures to create currents that agitate and mix the tank contents, avoiding direct insertion of external mechanical mixing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If rigid piping is inserted into flexible tanks to supply pressurized air, then mixing capability is improved, but the risk of damage and leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing capabilityVSAvoidtank integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing members are constructed as flexible components that are integrated into the flexible tank structure. Instead of inserting rigid piping that could damage the flexible tank, the fluid pathways are formed as flexible channels within the tank walls, maintaining tank integrity while enabling mixing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If external mixing equipment is inserted into flexible tanks, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but logistical complexity and discharge time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoiddischarge time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing members and fluid pathways are pre-integrated into the flexible tank structure during manufacturing. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for complex insertion operations during discharge, allowing mixing equipment to be ready for immediate use and significantly reducing discharge time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If pressurized air systems are used for mixing, then mixing capability is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing capabilityVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pneumatic principles by pumping a mixing fluid through integrated fluid pathways and discharging it through apertures to create mixing currents. This approach provides effective mixing capability while being more cost-effective than traditional pressurized air systems, as the mixing fluid can be readily available and requires less complex compression and sterilization infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution provides efficient mixing within the flexible tank without external apparatuses, reducing costs and logistical challenges while ensuring homogeneous discharge of fluids.

Implementation Method 1

The movement of the mixing fluid from the fluid pathway and into the tank volume creates currents inside of the tank volume, these currents agitate and mix the contents of the flexible tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow and convection currents: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12448205B2Flexible tank with a mixing member

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 TRANS OCEAN BULK LOGISTICS LTD

AI summary

A flexible tank (10, 110) for transporting fluids in a transportation container (12) is described, the flexible tank (10, 110) defining a tank (10) volume for containing a fluid. The flexible tank (10, 110) comprises at least one mixing member (146, 46) enclosing a fluid pathway (160, 60) extending across an interior surface (144, 44) of the flexible tank (10, 110), the flexible tank (10, 110) further comprising at least one inlet valve (140, 40) configured to allow the passage of fluid from outside said flexible tank (10, 110) into said fluid pathway (160, 60). The mixing member (146, 46) further comprises at least one aperture (154) such that the inlet valve (140, 40) is in fluid communication with the tank (10) volume via the fluid pathway (160, 60). An intermodal container (12) comprising the flexible tank (10, 110) and a method of mixing a fluid with the tank (10) are also disclosed.