Nested Liquid Reservoirs for Rigid Container Volume Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing and recovery systems in rigid containers are complex and inefficient, lacking in practicality and convenience during manufacturing and use, with limited storage volume and rigidity issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two reservoirs with casings that change configuration from inflated to contracted based on liquid volume, allowing nested storage without volume increase, featuring flexible panels for convexity reversal and maintaining overall rigidity, along with a pump and pipe system for efficient liquid distribution and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional expandable tanks with separation discs and springs are used, then liquid storage capacity is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the recovery tank inside the distribution tank when the distribution tank is empty. The contracted recovery tank fits within the expanded distribution tank volume, eliminating the need for separate tank compartments and complex separation mechanisms while maximizing space utilization in the rigid container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the liquid handling function into two separate tanks (distribution tank and recovery tank) that operate independently but share the same container space. This segmentation allows each tank to be optimized for its specific function while the nesting arrangement prevents the overall device complexity from increasing.
2Strength
If rigid container structure is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but storage volume efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility within the rigid container by using flexible tanks that can expand and contract based on their liquid content. The distribution tank expands when full and contracts when empty, allowing the rigid container to maintain its structural integrity while the internal tanks dynamically adjust their volume to maximize storage efficiency throughout the liquid distribution cycle.
3Quantity of substance
If tank volume increases to improve storage capacity, then more liquid can be stored, but the system occupies more space in the rigid container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the recovery tank inside the distribution tank when the distribution tank is empty. The contracted recovery tank fits within the expanded distribution tank volume, eliminating the need for separate tank compartments and complex separation mechanisms while maximizing space utilization in the rigid container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility within the rigid container by using flexible tanks that can expand and contract based on their liquid content. The distribution tank expands when full and contracts when empty, allowing the rigid container to maintain its structural integrity while the internal tanks dynamically adjust their volume to maximize storage efficiency throughout the liquid distribution cycle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible tank walls are used to enable configuration changes, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible tank walls made from elastomeric materials that can reversibly change their configuration between expanded and contracted states. These flexible shells are manufactured with consistent material properties and geometric features that enable reliable, repeatable deformation patterns, achieving the required adaptability while maintaining manufacturing precision through material selection and standardized design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies manufacturing and use, enhances storage volume, and ensures structural integrity by allowing the reservoirs to adapt to different configurations without volume change, facilitating efficient liquid distribution and recovery while being easy to install and remove.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic separation wall arranged at an angle in the tank
Implementation Method 2
a spring located around the perimeter of the upper tank, notably to distribute water under pressure
Implementation Method 3
a pump disposed inside said distribution reservoir and an electrical supply cable for said pump adapted to be connected to electrical supply means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention concerns a system for dispensing and recovering liquids designed to be arranged in a rigid container, comprising a liquid dispensing tank (16) and a tank (17) for recovering liquid after use, each tank (16, 17) including an envelope (18). Each envelope (18) includes two similar walls (19, 20) comprising each an outer surface and a peripheral edge (23). Each envelope (18) has a retracted configuration wherein said walls (19, 20) are deployed one proximate the other and in an inflated configuration wherein said outer surfaces of each said wall (19, 20) are convex. At least one envelope (18) is capable, in its inflated configuration, to be nested in the other envelope (18) in its retracted configuration.