Propane Tank Support Block Structure for Strength Without Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propane tank supports, such as concrete blocks, are cumbersome, fragile, and difficult to move, making them inefficient for supporting propane tanks above the ground due to their weight and fragility.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight yet strong support block system comprising an elongated support pad with a platform, base plate, and internal supports, featuring upper and lower retainer rings, handles, and internal ribbing, made from weatherproof rigid plastic to securely hold propane tanks and facilitate easy transportation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If concrete blocks are used to support propane tanks, then the support structure provides sufficient strength and stability, but the blocks become heavy and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The support block is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer shell providing structural integrity, internal supports for strength distribution, retainer rings for tank securing, and integrated handles for mobility. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to either strength or mobility without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition is changed from traditional concrete to a composite structure with an outer shell, internal supports, and retainer rings made from materials that provide both strength and reduced weight. The internal supports are positioned to optimize load distribution, maintaining structural integrity while reducing overall density compared to solid concrete blocks.
2Strength
If concrete blocks are used to support propane tanks, then the support structure provides sufficient strength, but the blocks are fragile and may crack when dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is designed with reinforced corners and edges that act as cushioning elements before impact occurs. These pre-positioned protective features absorb and distribute impact forces, preventing crack propagation that would occur in traditional concrete blocks when dropped on hard surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block employs a composite construction with an outer shell, internal supports, and retainer rings made from materials that combine strength with impact resistance. This composite structure provides toughness and durability, preventing the fragility and cracking issues associated with traditional concrete blocks while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
3Strength
If traditional support blocks are used, then the structure provides basic support, but the blocks are cumbersome to carry and move
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated structure: the outer shell provides structural strength, internal supports distribute loads, retainer rings secure the tank, and handles enable mobility. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, making the block easy to carry and position while maintaining full support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is designed with integrated handles that enable dynamic movement and repositioning. The handles are positioned for ergonomic gripping, allowing users to easily lift and move the block throughout the working area, transforming a static, cumbersome object into a dynamically movable support solution.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple support blocks are used, then the structure is easy to manufacture, but the blocks lack features for secure tank holding and easy movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support block is designed as a universal solution with multiple integrated functions: the outer shell provides structural support, internal supports distribute loads, retainer rings secure various tank sizes, and handles enable mobility. This multi-functionality allows a single manufactured component to adapt to different propane tank configurations and usage scenarios without requiring multiple specialized blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank support system for providing a lightweight yet strong structure for supporting propane tanks above a ground surface. The tank support generally includes an elongated support pad having a platform, a base plate connected to the support pad, and a plurality of internal supports connected between the support pad and the base plate. A plurality of pairs of upper retainer rings extends from an underside of the platform to define upper receiver slots, and a plurality of pairs of lower retainer rings extends from an upper side of the base plate to define lower receiver slots. An upper end of each of the internal supports is received by the upper receiver slots and a lower end of each of the internal supports is received by the lower receiver slots. Handles, bottom grooves, and internal ribbing are also used with the tank support.