Load-Decoupling Attachment System With Spherical Bearings

The patent introduces decoupling joints as intermediary elements between the baffle assembly and primary structure. These joints include spherical bearings that allow rotational movement and slots that permit linear translation, acting as mediators that transmit necessary support while isolating excessive loads from the primary structure.

The coupling system transitions from rigid direct coupling to dynamic decoupled coupling. The spherical bearings enable rotational degrees of freedom while the slots provide translational flexibility, allowing the structure to adapt to thermal expansion, inertial forces, and pressure-induced deflections without creating excessive loads.

The decoupling joints serve as intermediary components that bridge the baffle assembly and tank structure without requiring direct attachment to the tank wall. This eliminates the need for complex threaded inserts or bonded joints on the tank surface, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable liquid sloshing control through the decoupled connection system.

The attachment system is segmented into separate functional components: baffle tiers, beams, spherical bearings, and slots. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the joints providing the necessary connection functionality without requiring complex interfaces on the tank wall itself.

The system employs dynamic coupling elements that provide both stability and adaptability. The spherical bearings maintain structural stability through spherical contact while allowing rotational movement, and the slots provide guided linear translation, enabling the structure to adapt to thermal expansion and pressure-induced deflections without compromising overall stability.

The coupling system changes the mechanical parameters of the connection from rigid fixed-position to flexible multi-degree-of-freedom. The spherical bearings allow angular parameter changes while maintaining radial contact, and the slots permit linear displacement parameters, enabling the structure to accommodate dimensional changes under varying thermal and pressure conditions.