Leg Cover Geometry for Stable, Corrosion-Resistant Tank Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal tanks with metal legs are prone to corrosion and instability due to inadequate ground support, especially in moist environments, and face challenges in stable transportation and stacking for multiple tanks.
Innovation Solution
A leg cover with planar and curved surfaces that provide increased ground contact area, drainage holes, and recesses for airflow, allowing for stable stacking and transportation of cylindrical tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal legs are used to support the tank, then the tank can be supported above the ground, but the legs are prone to corrosion and water damage in moist environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base plate as an intermediary component between the metal legs and the ground. This base plate serves as a mediator that protects the metal legs from direct contact with moisture and water on the ground, thereby preventing corrosion and water damage while still providing structural support for the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate creates a protective environment around the metal legs by preventing direct exposure to corrosive elements in the ground environment. This inert barrier effect isolates the metal legs from harmful factors such as moisture, salt, and other corrosive substances present in the ground.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the contact surface area between legs and ground is small, then the structure remains simple, but the tank becomes unstable on uneven or poorly drained ground
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into multiple segments including planar ground contact surfaces and curved surfaces. This segmentation allows different portions of the base plate to serve different functions: planar surfaces provide stable ground contact for stability, while curved surfaces conform to the tank's geometry. The segmented design increases the effective ground contact area without creating a single large complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate transitions from a simple one-dimensional leg support to a two-dimensional extended structure with both planar and curved surfaces. This dimensional expansion increases the ground contact area significantly, providing better stability on uneven ground while maintaining structural efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple tanks are transported without stacking capability, then each tank can be handled independently, but transportation efficiency decreases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both the support structure for the tank and as a stacking interface. The planar ground contact surfaces and curved surfaces can function as contact points when tanks are stacked vertically during transportation. This multi-functionality allows tanks to be stacked without adding separate stacking mechanisms, improving transportation efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Reliability
If drainage is not provided in the support structure, then the structure remains simple, but water accumulation leads to increased corrosion and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate incorporates drainage holes that create a porous structure allowing water to pass through. This porous design enables water accumulation to be prevented while maintaining the structural integrity and simplicity of the base plate. The drainage holes are integrated into the existing base plate structure rather than requiring separate drainage systems.
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
Enhances stability and reduces corrosion by improving ground contact and drainage, facilitating efficient stacking and transport of multiple tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a base of the body comprising a plurality of cavities formed at least in the two opposing planar ground contact surfaces, and wherein one or more of the cavities have drainage holes for drainage of liquid from one or more of the cavities
Implementation Method 2
a side of the body opposite the base for contacting a bottom surface of one of the cylindrical tanks comprises one or more recesses, which recesses form vented areas that allow for airflow between the bottom surface of one of the cylindrical tanks and the body of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a leg cover for stacking cylindrical tanks comprising: a body for fitting over and accommodating a pair of legs supporting one of the cylindrical tanks, the body having a base with two opposing planar ground contact surfaces capable of contact with a ground surface on which the cylindrical tank rests when the cover is in use and two opposing curved surfaces disposed inwardly from each of the ground contact surfaces thereof, the two opposing curved surfaces each having curvatures for conforming with the curvature of a top surface of another of the cylindrical tanks. Further provided is a leg cover having planar ground contact surfaces and comprising a plurality of cavities formed in a base of the cover so that a series of grooves are formed in the ground contact surfaces, thereby providing traction to the contact surfaces.