Positioning Wedge Anchoring for Insulating Block Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulating tanks for low-temperature liquids, such as LPG and LNG, face issues with insulating block displacement due to gravity and vessel movements, leading to damage, thermal bridges, and stress concentrations in the waterproof membrane.
Innovation Solution
The use of positioning wedges with different dimensions to securely anchor insulating blocks to the support wall, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and preventing sliding, thereby maintaining a precise and continuous insulation pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If insulating blocks are anchored solely by clamping against the non-horizontal support wall, then the anchoring device structure is simple, but the insulating blocks slide downwards due to gravity and vessel movements
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is segmented into multiple functional components: a clamping component for securing the insulating block, and a positioning component with positioning elements that prevent downward sliding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element acts as an intermediary between the insulating block and the support wall, providing a mechanical stop that prevents downward movement. This intermediary component enables the insulating block to remain stable without requiring complex anchoring mechanisms.
2Reliability
If insulating blocks are secured against sliding, then thermal insulation continuity is maintained, but the anchoring device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is integrated with the clamping component to form a unified anchoring device. This merging allows the device to provide both clamping and positioning functions simultaneously, maintaining thermal insulation continuity without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device is designed with multi-functionality, where the same structure performs both clamping (securing) and positioning (preventing sliding) functions. This universal design resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable thermal insulation continuity through a single integrated device rather than multiple separate components.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning wedges are used to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, then insulation pattern precision is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning wedges are pre-formed with specific geometric features that automatically compensate for manufacturing tolerances during assembly. This preliminary preparation of positioning elements allows for precise insulation patterns without requiring complex adjustment procedures during the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning wedge design incorporates adjustable parameters such as wedge angle and dimensions that can be modified to accommodate different manufacturing tolerances. By changing these parameters, the system achieves precise insulation patterns while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thermally insulating sealed tank which includes a plurality of tank walls defining an inside space of the tank. An anchoring and positioning member includes: a projecting element (62) arranged between a plurality of insulating blocks (8), a clamping element (39) attached to the projecting element in order to clamp said insulating blocks against the support wall, and a positioning wedge (64) inserted onto the projecting element (62) and arranged between the support wall and the clamping element (39), the positioning wedge including an abutment surface (5) facing a rising direction (100) of the support wall. A lateral surface (11) of at least one of the insulating blocks (8) abuts against the abutment surface (5) of the positioning wedge (64), so that the positioning wedge holds the lateral surface of the insulating block at a predetermined distance from the projecting element (62).