Curvature-Adjustable Magnetic Strut for Fuel Tank Pipe Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a quick and easy method to install piping on fuel tanks without welding or drilling, which is unsafe when the tanks are full of flammable fuel or gas.
Innovation Solution
A curvature-adjustable magnetic strut system that uses a variable length strut member with securing base plates and multiple magnets attached to a base plate, allowing for toolless installation and adjustment to fit various tank curvatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding or drilling is used to install piping on fuel tanks, then secure installation is achieved, but safety is compromised when tanks are full of flammable fuel or gas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical welding and drilling systems with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic strut assembly uses magnetic force to securely attach piping to the fuel tank surface without any mechanical penetration or heat generation, eliminating the safety hazards of welding sparks and drilling operations on flammable tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the piping support structure and the fuel tank. This magnetic intermediary provides secure attachment while maintaining a non-contact relationship that avoids direct mechanical interaction, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with traditional mechanical fastening methods.
2Strength
If traditional strut channels are used for pipe support, then structural support is provided, but adaptability to curved tank surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the strut assembly adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed and rigid. The magnetic attachment system allows the strut to be positioned and oriented to accommodate various curvature radii of different fuel tank surfaces, providing both structural support and adaptability through adjustable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the support system by using adjustable magnetic attachment points and configurable strut orientations. This allows the same basic strut design to be adapted to different curvature radii, lengths, and installation positions, providing versatility while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom fabrication is used to create curved adapters for tank surfaces, then curvature matching is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal magnetic strut assembly that can function on various fuel tank curvatures without requiring custom fabrication for each specific application. The same basic design with adjustable parameters serves multiple functions across different tank sizes and curvature radii, simplifying installation while maintaining curvature matching.
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
Enables secure and tool-free installation of pipes, conduits, and tubing on fuel and gas tanks, ensuring safety by avoiding welding or drilling on full tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic strut assembly to be secured to an outer surface of a fuel tank by a magnetic force generated by a plurality of magnets attached to a base plate of the magnetic strut assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter is directed to a curvature-adjustable magnetic strut for securing pipe, conduit and tubing to a curved structure for storing liquids and gases, such as large fuel tanks. More particularly, several variants of a curvature-adjustable magnetic strut are disclosed which enables varying curved or flat surfaces to be accommodated in securing pipe, conduit and tubing to a cylindrical tank, whether that tank be in a vertical or a horizontal orientation or position. The curvature-adjustable magnetic strut comprises a strut affixed to a base plate having three or more magnets attached. In operation, the base plate is operably curvature-adjusted using one or more curvature-adjustment screw components. In related embodiments, varying length struts with varying length single-and double-hinged bracket assemblies are secured to the securing strut plates and magnet base plates including two or more magnets are used to adjust for varying tank curvature.