Modular Spill Containment System Using Flexible Interconnected Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable spill containment systems are limited in their ability to cover large areas and adapt to varying topographies, as they are not modular or interconnected, making them inefficient for widespread use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid containment system composed of flexible, impervious units and panel units with connectors that can be easily interlocked to form desired shapes and configurations, allowing for efficient storage, transportation, and deployment over large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If portable spill containment units are used to cover large areas, then the containment coverage area increases, but the system complexity and difficulty of interconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into multiple modular panel units that can be independently handled and connected. Each panel unit is a discrete component with standardized connectors, allowing the system to cover large areas while maintaining manageable complexity through modular assembly rather than handling a single large complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The panel units are designed with universal connectors that can interconnect panels in various configurations to form different shapes and sizes of containment systems. This standardized interface allows panels to be used in multiple arrangements (linear, angular, T-shaped, Y-shaped) without increasing connection complexity, as the same connector type works for all interconnections
2Strength
If containment units are made of rigid material to maintain structural integrity, then the structural strength increases, but the adaptability to varying topographies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel units are constructed from flexible impervious material that can conform to varying ground surfaces and topographies while maintaining containment integrity. The flexible nature allows the panels to adapt to uneven terrain, slopes, and different ground conditions without requiring rigid structural support, yet the impervious property ensures structural integrity for containment purposes
3Area of stationary object
If containment units are designed as single large units to cover large areas, then the containment effectiveness increases, but the ease of storage and transport decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The large containment system is segmented into multiple smaller panel units that can be individually stored and transported. Each panel can be handled separately, folded for compact storage, and transported more easily than a single large unit, yet when assembled together they form a large-area containment system that is equally effective
4Reliability
If connectors are designed to be permanently fixed to ensure reliability, then the connection reliability increases, but the ease of assembly and disassembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to provide reliable, secure connections during containment operation while enabling easy assembly and disassembly when needed. The connector mechanism transitions between a locked secure state during use and an easily engaged/disengaged state for assembly, balancing reliability with operational ease
Data Source
AI summary
A modular fluid containment system formed of a plurality of fluid containment units and interconnecting channels. The containment units and channels may be comprised of panel units made of flexible non-porous material.The system includes brace members along selected edges of the containment units and panel units which are operative between an operative position in which the edges of the flexible material forming the containment units and panel units are held in an upright position forming side walls defining a containment or channel area and an inoperative position in which the flexible material is allowed to lie along a single plane in flat or folded condition. Connectors are provided along selected edges of the panel units to interconnect the panel units into desired configurations forming the containment system of desired shape and size.