Modular Tank Segmentation for Unskilled Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular tanks in the prior art require skilled labor for assembly, are costly and time-consuming to produce, and often need qualified plumbers for installation, which can be challenging in remote locations with limited access.
Innovation Solution
A frameless modular tank design using square wall modules with self-tapped locking devices and liner bags that can be easily assembled by unskilled labor, made from high-impact HDPE or stainless steel, and can be scaled for various capacities, allowing for installation in confined spaces without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded steel or stainless steel frame with wall panels is used, then structural strength is improved, but assembly complexity and labor skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into separate modular components including a frame structure, wall panels, and liner bag that can be assembled independently. The frame is segmented into vertical and horizontal members that connect through simple joints rather than requiring welded construction, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A liner bag is introduced as an intermediary component between the frame structure and the stored liquid. This liner bag simplifies the overall assembly by providing a contained liquid storage solution that can be inserted into the frame without requiring complex welding or sealing operations, thereby reducing labor skill requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complicated metal assembly structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but production cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into standardized vertical and horizontal members that can be pre-fabricated and then quickly assembled on-site. This modular approach maintains structural stability through proper geometric configuration while significantly reducing installation time compared to monolithic metal assembly structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members and wall panels are designed to be pre-fabricated off-site, allowing for quality control and preparation before delivery to the installation location. This preliminary action reduces on-site assembly time and complexity, enabling faster installation while maintaining structural stability through pre-engineered connections.
3Reliability
If qualified plumber is required for installation, then liquid containment quality is improved, but installation accessibility and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank system is designed to be self-assembling with simple connection mechanisms that do not require specialized plumbing skills. The liner bag and frame structure are configured to allow end-users or general laborers to assemble and install the tank independently, improving installation accessibility while maintaining reliable liquid containment through proper design.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner bag serves as an intermediary that simplifies liquid containment requirements. Instead of requiring complex sealed connections and plumbing expertise, the liner bag provides a contained liquid storage solution that can be easily installed within the frame structure, allowing unskilled labor to achieve reliable liquid containment.
4Reliability
If rotational moulding as unitary structure is used, then liquid containment is improved, but manufacturing complexity and transport difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of producing a single unitary tank structure through rotational moulding, the system is segmented into separate frame components and a liner bag. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing individual components to be produced using less complex processes and enables easier transport and assembly, while the liner bag maintains reliable liquid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner bag is constructed as a flexible membrane or thin film structure that can be easily manufactured and installed. This flexible liner provides reliable liquid containment without requiring complex rigid structures, simplifying both manufacturing and transport compared to unitary rotational moulded tanks.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular tank comprises one or more wall modules coupled together and one or more liner bags supported by the one or more wall modules for the containment of liquid, in particular water. The wall modules can be planar or curved and the edges of the wall modules are coupled together via joining members. The modular tank comprises one or more layers of the wall modules. One or more of the wall modules comprise a hole and the one or more liner bags, which can be coupled together, comprise one or more parts that protrude through the holes in the wall modules to support the liner bags.