Modular Storage Tank Stacking with Integrated Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage tank arrangements for heating systems are complex, require additional space, and have stability issues, especially when stacked, making them difficult to install and inefficient in terms of space usage.
Innovation Solution
A storage tank design featuring latching elements on the upper and lower sides for a positive connection with another tank, allowing for secure stacking without additional housing or tools, and enabling easy alignment and locking through centering devices and locking elements, facilitating a space-saving and quick installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple storage tanks are arranged one above the other to save space, then space utilization is improved, but installation complexity and stability issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank system is divided into modular segments (first storage tank and second storage tank) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together through stacking, enabling space-saving vertical arrangement while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are integrated directly into the contact surfaces of the storage tank segments themselves, with no additional housing or external fastening components required, allowing one segment to be nested within the structural framework of another through direct positive connection
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional housing and intermediate floors are used to stabilize stacked storage tanks, then stability is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is merged directly into the contact surfaces of the storage tank segments themselves through integrated locking elements, eliminating the need for separate housing structures or intermediate floors while maintaining stacking stability
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank segments are designed with self-contained locking elements that automatically provide stabilization when stacked, without requiring external support structures or additional stabilization components
3Reliability
If complex intermediate floors and special equipment are added to casings for stacked tanks, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of installation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to be self-aligning through the centering device, allowing the storage tank segments to automatically find their correct relative position during stacking without requiring special alignment tools or complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The centering device acts as an intermediary element on the contact surfaces that facilitates proper alignment between stacked segments, ensuring reliable connection through the locking elements while maintaining simple installation through passive geometric guidance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A storage tank (1, 2) proposed here for a heating system can have at least one locking element (7, 8) arranged on a top (5) and/or a bottom (4) of the storage tank (1, 2), configured for a positive-locking connection with a further storage tank (2) arranged above or below the storage tank (1). The storage tank (1, 2) can be integrated into any heating system. The invention can significantly simplify the installation of storage tanks (1, 2) as well as the connection of at least one connecting element (3) to the storage tanks (1, 2) and eliminate the need for special tools.