Modular Tank Stand Sections for Heavy Load Support and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank stands are either permanently fixed, heavy, and difficult to transport, or lack the structural integrity to support large bulk storage containers without becoming structurally compromised, and may react adversely with certain chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A modular tank stand composed of interconnectable sections with integral support walls and a dovetail-type connection system, allowing for vertical support and resistance to shear forces, while being lightweight and transportable, and made from polymer materials resistant to chemical degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a poured and/or steel-reinforced concrete pedestal is used to support bulk storage containers, then the tank stand can support heavy loads (100,000+ lbs), but the structure becomes permanent and non-movable
Solution Approach 1:
The tank stand is divided into multiple discrete sections (typically 4-6 sections per stand) that can be independently handled, transported, and reconfigured. Each section contains integral support walls and interconnection features, allowing the overall structure to be segmented for mobility while maintaining load-bearing capacity when assembled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-piece steel frame is used to support bulk storage containers, then the tank stand can be moved and reconfigured, but the structure becomes heavy and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is segmented into multiple lighter sections that can be transported separately using standard material handling equipment. The sections are designed to interconnect when assembled, providing the necessary strength without requiring a single heavy piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The sections are formed from composite materials or composite construction (such as plastic-reinforced concrete or polymer-concrete composites) that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the structure to be both lightweight for transport and strong for load-bearing when assembled.
3Weight of moving object
If a modular tank stand design is used to enable easy transport, then the structure becomes lightweight and transportable, but the load support capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sections utilize composite materials or composite construction methods that achieve high strength-to-weight ratios, allowing the modular sections to be lightweight for transport while maintaining the structural integrity needed to support 100,000+ lbs when assembled into the complete stand.
Solution Approach 2:
The sections include integral vertically disposed support walls that provide three-dimensional structural reinforcement. The walls extend between the container support surface and ground contacting surface, creating a box-like structure that resists collapse under shear forces while keeping the overall section weight manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a steel frame is used to support bulk storage containers, then the structure can be moved, but steel reacts adversely with certain chemicals stored in the tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The sections are formed from chemically resistant composite materials such as polymer-concrete composites or plastic-reinforced concrete that do not react with stored chemicals, eliminating the corrosion and reactivity problems associated with steel frames while maintaining movability through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular tank stand is lightweight and easily transportable, but also capable of supporting the weight of a large bulk storage container filled with flowable material. The modular tank stand includes a plurality of individual tank stand sections which are interconnectable with one another to form a larger support surface sized to receive the bulk storage container. The individual sections include integral, vertically disposed support walls that provide both vertical support for the weight of the bulk storage container and resistance to collapse under shear forces arising from movement of the container. The interconnecting individual sections may be disconnected from one another and reconfigured to fit in a smaller space, such as onto a pallet or within a shipping container, thereby facilitating storage of the disassembled modular tank stand.