Modular Anti-Sloshing Grid for Liquid Cargo Tanks
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-sloshing solutions for liquid cargo in various vessels, such as fuel tanks and cargo tanks, are inadequate in preventing sloshing and are often cumbersome to install and dismantle, leading to structural damage and operational restrictions.
Innovation Solution
An anti-sloshing apparatus comprising buoyant members with open-cell foam structures and adjustable connecting members, forming a grid structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled, effectively floating on the liquid surface to minimize sloshing and absorb impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid floats are arranged longitudinally in the container (as in DE-1 297 539), then sloshing is prevented, but the device becomes complex and difficult to install/dismantle
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-sloshing device is divided into multiple independent modular units, each comprising a buoyant element, foam member, and connecting members. These modules can be independently installed and removed, transforming a complex single-piece structure into simple interchangeable components that maintain effectiveness while reducing installation complexity
2Reliability
If foam balls occupy a large portion of container space (as in US-3 822 807), then pressure rise is prevented, but storage space is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly distributing foam balls throughout the container, the invention places foam members locally at strategic positions where they contact the liquid surface and connect to buoyant elements. This localized approach provides pressure control functionality only where needed, preserving the majority of storage space while maintaining safety
3Ease of operation
If the anti-sloshing apparatus is made removable and modular, then ease of installation/dismantle is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members integrally join the buoyant elements and foam members into a unified grid structure that functions as a single structural unit. This merging of modular components restores the structural integrity needed for effective sloshing prevention while preserving the advantage of modular installation and removal capabilities
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
The apparatus efficiently inhibits liquid cargo sloshing across various vessel types, reduces storage space requirements, and maintains structural integrity, allowing for smoother operations and reduced structural reinforcement needs, particularly in cryogenic environments.
Implementation Method 1
each including a buoyant member and a foam member surrounding the buoyant member
Implementation Method 2
a foam member having open cell structure to absorb the liquid and covering the buoyant member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An anti-sloshing apparatus has a plurality of anti-sloshing blocks (110), each including a buoyant member (111) and a foam member (112) surrounding the buoyant member, and a plurality of connecting members (120, 122) that removably connect the plurality of anti-sloshing blocks together to form a grid structure. Each one of the anti-sloshing blocks (110) is removably connected to adjacent ones of the anti-sloshing blocks by the connecting members (120, 122) and is detachable from the adjacent ones of the anti-sloshing blocks by detaching adjacent ones of the connecting members without affecting a structure formed by the other ones of the anti-sloshing blocks.