Segmented Insulated Storage Container for Easier On-Site Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers for fluid media, such as water, face challenges with inadequate thermal insulation and mechanical resistance, and their on-site assembly is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design featuring a fiber-reinforced plastic inner container with cylindrical covers and an outer insulating jacket composed of polymer foam segments, where the inner covers protect pipelines and limit heat loss, and the insulating segments are easily assembled on-site to provide excellent thermal insulation and mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a multi-part thermal insulation structure with tongues and grooves is used, then thermal insulation is provided, but the assembly structure becomes complex and assembly is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into separate modules: an inner container for the fluid medium and an outer insulating jacket comprising multiple insulating segments. These segments can be assembled independently at the installation site, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining effective thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex tongue-and-groove connection system is removed from the design. Instead, the insulating segments are designed to be assembled in a simpler manner at the installation site, extracting the complicated joining mechanism while preserving the insulating function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the storage container is transported as a whole, then complete assembly is achieved, but transport becomes expensive and difficult due to high volume
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container system is segmented into transportable components: the inner container and the outer insulating jacket with its multiple segments. These can be transported separately to the installation site and assembled locally, reducing transport volume and cost while ensuring complete assembly upon installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for dimensional flexibility in assembly. The insulating segments can be assembled in different sequences and orientations at the installation site, providing freedom in the assembly process while achieving the complete enclosed structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If on-site assembly from components is performed, then transport volume is reduced, but assembly becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The outer insulating jacket is divided into multiple segments that can be transported efficiently and assembled at the installation site. The segmentation enables compact transport while the simple assembly process, free from complex tongues and grooves, maintains ease of operation during on-site installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating segments are designed to be self-assembling at the installation site without requiring complex joining mechanisms. The segments fit together in a straightforward manner, enabling simple on-site assembly that does not require specialized equipment or expertise.
4Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is enhanced, then heat loss is reduced, but mechanical resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outer insulating jacket is constructed from insulating segments made of materials that provide both thermal insulation and mechanical strength. This composite structure maintains excellent thermal insulation to reduce heat loss while the material properties and structural design ensure adequate mechanical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented structure of the outer insulating jacket allows for both thermal insulation and mechanical strength. The segments can be designed with appropriate thickness and material properties to provide insulation while their collective structure maintains mechanical resistance against external influences.
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
The design achieves superior thermal insulation and mechanical resistance while simplifying transportation and on-site assembly, reducing costs, and ensuring optimal strength and stability, even for larger volumes.
Implementation Method 1
an outer insulating jacket surrounding the inner container being provided and with this outer insulating jacket having a plurality of insulating segments adjoining one another or placed one on top of the other in the longitudinal direction of the storage container
Implementation Method 2
The inner container or the wall of the inner container preferably consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic or essentially of a fiber-reinforced plastic
Implementation Method 3
the outer insulating jacket and the lower inner cover - surrounds - preferably also the upper inner cover
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The storage vessel has a plastic inner container (2) for storing fluid medium. A pipe line for loading and/or discharging fluid medium with respect to storage vessel, is connected to upper end and lower end of inner container. The lower inner lid and upper inner lid (7) are arranged on the lower and upper ends of the inner container respectively. An outer damming cladding is provided with damming segments (14) arranged along the longitudinal direction of storage vessel, so as to cover the inner container, and lower and upper inner lids. An independent claim is included for method for assembling storage vessel.