Locking Sidewall Brace for Collapsible Fluid Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible fluid containment devices lack effective mechanisms to securely lock sidewalls in a vertical position, which can lead to fluid leakage during use and inefficient storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of rotating sidewall support braces with a locking tab mechanism that allows the sidewalls to pivot from a horizontal to a vertical position and lock in place, utilizing a base support leg, pivotably mounted sidewall support arm, and a locking tab with radial projection to engage with the base support leg, providing resistance to rotation and maintaining the sidewall in a raised configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sidewall braces are designed with locking mechanisms, then sidewall position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the existing support arm structure through the locking tab and radial projection features. Rather than adding a separate locking mechanism, the locking capability is integrated into the support arm itself, combining structural support and locking functions in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through hydrostatic pressure, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems. The radial projection automatically engages with the support leg when fluid pressure is applied, providing a simple yet effective locking solution.
2Ease of operation
If sidewalls are designed to be collapsible for easy entry/exit, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid leakage risk increases during use
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall brace is designed to be dynamic during operation (collapsible for entry/exit) and then self-lock into a fixed position when fluid is contained. The mechanism transitions from a movable state during loading to a locked stationary state during containment, accommodating both operational flexibility and containment integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace automatically locks into position when fluid pressure is applied, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The hydrostatic pressure from the contained fluid itself activates the locking mechanism, ensuring containment integrity without additional operational steps.
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
This solution ensures secure containment of fluids by maintaining sidewalls in a vertical position, facilitating easy entry and exit of equipment or vehicles while allowing for efficient storage and transport by minimizing initial rotational resistance and utilizing hydrostatic pressure to lock the sidewalls in place, thus preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a locking tab for holding the sidewall support arm in the generally vertical position
Implementation Method 2
a locking tab with radial projection to engage with the base support leg, providing resistance to rotation
Implementation Method 3
utilizing hydrostatic pressure to lock the sidewalls in place, thus preventing fluid leakage
Data Source
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AI summary
Portable collapsible fluid containment devices (5) are disclosed comprising sidewall support braces (10) that rotate from a collapsed generally horizontal position to a raised generally vertical position and lock into place. The sidewall braces (10) may be attached to at least one sidewall (7) of the containment device (5), and when raised support the sidewall (7) in a fluid containment configuration. The sidewall braces (10) comprise a base support leg (12), a sidewall support arm (20) rotatably mounted on the support leg (12), and a locking tab (25) for holding the sidewall support arm (20) in the generally vertical position.