Magnetically Locking Insulating Tank Casing for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-part insulating tank enclosures are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, lack sufficient thermal insulation, fail to meet eco-design and recycling principles, and do not provide flexibility in appearance or structural rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part insulating enclosure with magnetically locking assembly means on the lateral edges of side wall parts, incorporating vacuum insulation panels and compressible materials, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, optimized packaging, and enhanced thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mechanical fastening methods are used to join side wall sections, then structural strength is improved, but assembly and disassembly become cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, clips) with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in complementary joining edges of side wall sections provide automatic attraction and secure joining without mechanical fasteners, enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic joining system is self-aligning and self-securing. When side wall sections are brought near each other, the magnetic force automatically guides them into proper alignment and secures the joint without requiring manual fastening operations, making the assembly process intuitive and effortless
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are used to construct the insulating enclosure, then adaptability and ease of packaging are improved, but the number of assembly steps and potential leakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating enclosure is divided into a limited number of modular side wall sections that can be packaged efficiently and assembled systematically. This segmentation balances the benefits of compact packaging with the need to minimize the number of joints and assembly steps, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Strength
If the insulating enclosure is designed as a fixed permanent structure, then structural rigidity is improved, but maintenance access and recyclability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure transitions from a fixed permanent structure to a dynamic reversible structure. The magnetic joints provide stable, rigid connections during normal operation but allow for easy separation when needed, enabling maintenance access and recyclability without compromising structural integrity during use
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional insulation materials and loose wrapping are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to air circulation by convection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuous compressible material layer that forms a tight conformal barrier between the tank and insulating enclosure. This flexible membrane eliminates air gaps and prevents convective air circulation, significantly improving thermal insulation performance while maintaining ease of installation
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
Facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, provides superior thermal insulation, aligns with eco-design, and offers flexibility in appearance and structural rigidity while ensuring recyclability.
Implementation Method 1
each assembly edge of a side wall part comprises at least two magnetically locking assembly means cooperating respectively with at least two corresponding complementary magnetically locking assembly means
Implementation Method 2
which prevents air circulation by convection between the tank and the insulating enclosure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an insulating casing (1) for a tank (2) comprising at least two complementary side wall sections (3), joined together by butting their opposite lateral edges (31, 32) to form a hollow cylindrical body. The aforementioned sections (3) together constitute an insulating shell, with the lateral assembly edges (31, 32) of the side wall sections (3) extending along the longitudinal direction (DL) of the cylindrical body. The insulating casing (1) is characterized in that each assembly edge (31, 32) of a side wall section (3) has at least two magnetically locking assembly means (311 or 321) cooperating respectively with at least two corresponding complementary magnetically locking assembly means (321 or 311) present on the assembly edge (32, 31) of the other side wall section (3) with which it is butted together.