Polymeric Split Tank for Concrete Mixer Water and Additives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary water and chemical additive supply systems for transit concrete mixing trucks are heavy, prone to corrosion, and expensive, requiring separate facilities for storage and dispensing, which complicates on-board operations.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, composite two-chamber split tank system made of polymeric materials, with a nested design for water and chemical additive compartments, featuring top discharge, bottom draw output systems, and liquid level indicators, mounted on a polymer saddle with high-strength straps, allowing easy integration with external pumping systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tanks are used for auxiliary water supply, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and corrosion problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a polymeric outer tank with an internal support structure. The polymeric material provides corrosion resistance and weight reduction, while the internal support structure (ridges, ribs, or framework) provides the necessary structural strength. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between strength and weight/corrosion resistance.
2Quantity of substance
If separate facilities are provided for water and chemical additive storage, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges water storage and chemical additive storage into a single integrated tank system. The polymeric tank contains both substances in separate compartments or zones, eliminating the need for separate external facilities. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate storage capacity for both water and chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single polymeric tank performs multiple functions: storing water, storing chemical additives, and providing structural support. The tank design incorporates features for both liquid types, making it a universal storage solution that replaces multiple separate facilities and simplifies the overall system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aluminum tanks are used instead of metal tanks, then corrosion resistance is improved and weight is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal or aluminum to polymeric materials. This parameter change provides corrosion resistance and weight reduction similar to aluminum, but at lower manufacturing cost due to the ease of molding and fabrication of polymeric tanks. The polymeric material achieves the desired performance characteristics while improving manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board auxiliary split tank system for supplying makeup water and chemical additives to a transit concrete mixing vehicle is disclosed which includes a generally cylindrical water tank designed for generally horizontal deployment having a shaped recess therein and an additive tank configured to nest in said recess of said water tank and which, when nested in said recess, generally completes said cylindrical shape. The water tank and additive tank are formed from a non-metallic material comprising a polymeric component.