Nested Plastic Tank Rings with Tapered Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylindrical molded plastic structures, such as risers for septic tanks and water storage tanks, face challenges in achieving efficient nesting for economical shipment and storage while maintaining a good seal, especially when varying lengths are required with the same opening diameter at both ends.
Innovation Solution
The design employs a multiplicity of rings with sloping walls (10 to 20 degrees) that can be nested for compact storage and shipment, featuring joint fittings with mutual engagement features to form a riser or tank with an undulating contour, and includes a seal like an O-ring to ensure a water-tight connection, allowing for adaptable assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rings are made with vertical walls for easy assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but nesting efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by giving the rings non-vertical, tapered walls that slope inward from bottom to top. This asymmetric geometry allows the rings to nest efficiently within each other while maintaining simple interlocking joint fittings at the ends. The tapered shape creates natural nesting clearance without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If rings are made with sloping walls for efficient nesting, then nesting efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the riser structure into multiple identical or varying ring sections that can be assembled in sequence. Each ring is a self-contained unit with standardized end fittings that interlock with adjacent rings. This segmentation allows the complex sloping wall geometry to be managed through simple, repetitive assembly operations rather than requiring complex integrated structures.
3Ease of operation
If joints between rings use simple connections for easy assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing element (such as an O-ring or gasket) that mediates between the simple interlocking joint fittings. This sealing intermediary fits within the joint connection between rings, providing reliable water-tight sealing while requiring no additional complex assembly steps beyond the basic interlocking mechanism.
4Strength
If risers are made as one-piece structures for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but storage and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the riser structure into multiple separate ring sections that can be stored and shipped in a compact nested configuration. The segments are connected through interlocking joint fittings that provide structural continuity when assembled. This segmentation dramatically reduces storage and shipping volume compared to one-piece structures while maintaining structural integrity through the joint connections.
5Adaptability or versatility
If rings are made with varying lengths for different tank volumes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal, standardized ring sections with consistent dimensions and interlocking joint fittings that can be used to construct risers of various heights and volumes. By using the same basic ring design repeatedly, the system achieves adaptability for different tank capacities without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each size. The universality of the ring components simplifies manufacturing while providing flexibility in assembly configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic article useful as a riser for a septic tank or as a water tank article is comprised of a multiplicity of plastic rings which are attached vertically to each other at joints. Ring pairs which alternately have inward and outward sloping conical walls nest within each other for shipment or storage. A lid is shaped for use with the topmost ring to cover the opening irrespective of which conical shape the ring has.