Modular Plastic Tank With Segmented Partition Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment containers are costly to produce and assemble, particularly those using rotational molding, and face challenges in shipping and handling due to their large size and weight, with complex partition installation processes adding to the complexity.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container assembled from separately injection-molded parts with interchangeable partition walls, allowing for modular design and efficient production, assembly, and transportation, using identical parts for various applications and configurations, including partition-free designs with ribs and grooves for secure mounting and optional communication cutouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotational molding is used to produce water treatment containers, then the containers can be produced as monolithic structures, but the production cost increases and shipping becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple separately molded parts that are subsequently joined together. This allows each part to be produced independently using injection molding or injection compression molding, reducing production costs and facilitating easier shipping while maintaining structural integrity through proper joining mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple container parts are designed to nest within each other during shipping, with smaller parts fitting into larger ones. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces shipping volume and makes handling more efficient, while the parts are later assembled into the complete container structure.
2Reliability
If partitions are installed to fill the entire internal cross section of the container, then the chambers are completely separated, but the manufacture and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structure is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the container. These partition segments are designed to fit together and attach to the container walls, providing complete chamber separation while simplifying the overall manufacturing and assembly process compared to monolithic partitions.
3Strength
If large capacity containers are produced as single pieces, then the structural integrity is maintained, but shipping problems and high shipping costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
Large capacity containers are divided into multiple smaller parts that can be efficiently transported. These parts are designed with joining mechanisms that ensure structural integrity when assembled, eliminating shipping problems associated with monolithic large containers while maintaining the required strength for water treatment applications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple containers are used to create multiple chambers, then the water treatment requirements are met, but the number of containers and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with integrated partition structures that divide the internal space into multiple chambers within a single container unit. This segmentation allows different water treatment processes to occur in separate chambers while reducing the total number of containers needed and simplifying assembly compared to using multiple separate containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple water treatment functions simultaneously through its internal chamber configuration. The same container structure can be adapted for different water treatment applications by adjusting partition arrangements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized containers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tank has at least two open tank parts (1, 2) made from plastic material by injection molding or injection molding and embossing. The tank parts have opening edge structures (R) which are joined to each other in a joining plane (E) and of separately produced separation wall(s) (T) which extends in the tank crosswise to the joining plane. The separation wall is supported at the edge at walls of the tank parts such that at least some peripheral regions are watertight. It is made from two, preferably, identical separation wall parts (T1, T2), which are joined to each other in the joining plane. A tank comprises at least two open tank parts (1, 2) made from plastic material by injection molding or injection molding and embossing. The tank parts have opening edge structures (R) which fit on each other and which are joined to each other in a joining plane (E) and of separately produced separation wall(s) (T) which extends in the tank crosswise to the joining plane. The separation wall is supported at the edge at walls of the tank parts such that at least some peripheral regions are watertight. The separation wall is made from two, preferably, identical separation wall parts (T1, T2), which are joined to each other in the joining plane. The tank is formed cylindrical from the two identical tank parts having outwardly rounded end caps (7) by joining the tank parts in the joining plane containing a cylinder axis (X). The joining plane, preferably, is horizontal in the usage position of the tank. Ribs (6) and grooves (5) are oriented in the tank parts perpendicular to the joining plane and continue in one another over the joining plane. A round dome boss (3) having a flat covering disc (4) is formed into each tank part radially to the cylinder axis. The covering disc forms a flat portion of the cylinder, such that the ribs and the grooves are interrupted along the covering disc.