Propane Tank Stabilizer Base Ring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for stabilizing and transporting propane tanks are either complicated, unstable, or require permanent attachment or cumbersome tie-downs, failing to prevent sliding, tipping, or rolling during transport without additional securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical tank support base ring with a retention flange and collar system, made from materials like steel or composite materials, that securely holds the tank upright and prevents sliding or tipping by creating a pinch point when the tailgate is closed, allowing for easy installation and removal without additional straps or tie-downs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylindrical tank is placed upright on a horizontal surface, then the tank can be easily accessed and loaded, but the tank becomes unstable and may roll or tip over during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding a base ring that extends horizontally beneath the tank. This base ring increases the supporting surface area from a simple line contact to a distributed circular area, creating stability in the horizontal plane while maintaining vertical upright positioning. The base ring's diameter is specifically designed to be larger than the tank's diameter, providing a stable footprint that prevents rolling.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base ring for stability, a collar for retention, and optional tie-down points. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the base ring provides stability, the collar provides retention, and the tie-down points provide additional securing capability without interfering with the primary stabilization function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizing device is designed to securely hold the tank upright, then the tank stability is improved, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stabilizing functions into a single integrated base ring structure. Rather than using separate components for stability, retention, and securing, the base ring incorporates all these functions - it provides the stable base, integrates the collar for retention, and includes built-in tie-down points. This merging simplifies the overall device structure and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The base ring is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stabilizes the tank by providing a wide base, retains the tank upright through the integrated collar, and allows for additional securing via tie-down points. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device design.
3Reliability
If a stabilizing device is designed to prevent sliding and tipping, then the tank security is improved, but the device requires permanent attachment or cumbersome tie-downs
Solution Approach 1:
The base ring is designed with pre-integrated tie-down points and attachment features that are built into the structure before use. These preliminary incorporations allow for quick and easy installation of securing mechanisms without requiring permanent modifications to the tank or vehicle. The tie-down points are positioned and sized to accommodate standard securing hardware, enabling rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The base ring acts as an intermediary device between the tank and the vehicle bed or surrounding environment. Rather than requiring permanent attachment of the tank itself, the base ring provides a stable intermediate platform that can be easily positioned and secured. The integrated collar and tie-down points serve as mediation points that facilitate simple connection to securing mechanisms without complex installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder holder is provided for supporting a cylinder while the assembly rests on a generally horizontally oriented transport surface. A tank contacting area is provided which has a tank contacting surface radially disposed therein which contacts a lower tank outer surface of the cylindrical tank in close proximity to a sealed end. The tank contacting chamber also has an extension disposed therein to extend outward from a lower extent of the tank contacting surface. This extension contacts the transport surface while the cylindrical tank is positioned within the tank contacting chamber. Connection means are provided to position the support surface relative to the tank contacting chamber. Binding means are provided to produce a compression contact between at least a portion of the tank contacting surface of the tank contacting chamber and the lower tank outer surface of the cylindrical tank while the cylindrical tank is positioned within the tank contacting chamber. This combination provides for the cylinder holder to be transported on a vehicle while allowing for the cylindrical tank to be unattendedly positioned in a vertically oriented position on the vehicle surface.