Remote Venting Plug for Tanker Cisterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing venting devices for tanks require users to climb on the tank to confirm the opening or closing of the cap, as the control mechanism is not accessible from a distance, leading to operational inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A venting device with a manual actuation element located at a distance from the cap, controlled by a rotatable lever and rod system, allowing the cap to be opened or closed without needing to access the tank, and incorporating a housing with a door for accessible operation and overpressure relief mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control mechanism is mounted close to the cap on the tank, then the cap can be controlled directly, but the user must climb on the tank to confirm the cap's position
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is relocated from the vertical dimension (mounted on the tank near the cap) to the horizontal dimension (mounted on the frame at ground level). The lever is mounted on the frame below the tank, and the rod transmits motion vertically upward to the cap, separating the operator's position from the cap position while maintaining control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the manual actuating element is located at a distance from the cap, then the user can operate it without climbing on the tank, but the mechanical linkage becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A rod acts as an intermediary element between the lever (on the frame) and the cap (on the tank). The rod transmits the rotational motion from the lever to the cap, enabling remote actuation while keeping the mechanical linkage simple and direct.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing with door is used to enclose the actuating element, then the operation is integrated with filling/emptying/cleaning access, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the actuating element, provides access during filling/emptying/cleaning operations, and integrates the door mechanism with the cap operation. The same door that provides access for maintenance also controls access to the actuating element, eliminating the need for separate access mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the compression means are added to the rod, then overpressure inside the tank can be relieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression means (spring) automatically activates when overpressure occurs inside the tank. The pressure differential causes the rod to compress the spring, opening the cap without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by using the overpressure itself to trigger the relief mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient operation by allowing users to confirm the cap's position without climbing, ensuring proper venting during filling, emptying, and cleaning, while preventing liquid loss during transport and managing overpressure scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the stopper being mounted on a lever movable in rotation
Implementation Method 2
the rod is provided with compression means so that the lever can compress the rod in the event of overpressure inside the tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device (1) has a proximal end (4) connected to an interior of a tanker (2), and a distal end (5) comprising a sealed cap (9) movable between an open position and a closed position. The cap is mounted on a lever (14) driven in rotation by a rod (13) connected to a manual actuating element (12) located remote from the cap. The element is rotatably mounted on a chassis of the tanker between the closed position corresponding to the closed position of the cap and the open position in which rotation of the element leads to the rotation of the lever so as to maintain the cap in the open position.