Polymeric Auxiliary Water Tank Nesting Under Mixing Drum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary water supply systems for transit concrete mixing trucks are heavy, prone to corrosion, and occupy valuable space, necessitating a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and space-efficient solution for fluid supply and storage.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric auxiliary water tank designed to nest beneath the mixing drum, featuring a top discharge, bottom draw output system, and a clamp-down mounting system, compatible with pumped systems, eliminating the need for pressurization and allowing for easy installation and retrofitting on existing vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy metal water tanks are used for auxiliary water supply, then structural strength and durability are improved, but vehicle weight increases and corrosion problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymeric material, transforming the tank from heavy and corrosion-prone to lightweight and corrosion-resistant while maintaining sufficient structural strength for water storage and delivery operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polymeric composite materials that combine lightweight properties with adequate strength and corrosion resistance, replacing traditional metal constructions while meeting the mechanical requirements for auxiliary water tank applications
2Weight of moving object
If aluminum tanks are used to reduce weight and corrosion, then weight and corrosion resistance are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from aluminum to polymeric material, achieving comparable or superior weight reduction and corrosion resistance while significantly lowering manufacturing costs through easier fabrication processes and material availability
3Ease of operation
If auxiliary water tanks are mounted on traditional locations, then accessibility is improved, but available space is reduced due to vehicle constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the auxiliary water tank from traditional horizontal mounting positions to the vertical space beneath the mixing drum, utilizing previously unused three-dimensional space and freeing up horizontal vehicle space while maintaining operational accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the auxiliary water tank within the space under the mixing drum, effectively placing one functional component within the structural envelope of another component, thereby maximizing space utilization without compromising vehicle performance
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board auxiliary tank system for supplying makeup water and chemical additives to a transit concrete mixing vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a water tank having a sloped, generally concave upper section, spaced sides and a bottom designed for deployment nested beneath a mixing drum of a transit concrete mixing vehicle and defining a water compartment and a pair of elongate support block members for supporting the water tank situated beneath the sides of the tank and adapted to be attached thereto by removable latch fasteners. The block members include elements suitable for fastening the blocks to a concrete mixing vehicle.