Segmented Plastic Fluid Vessels on Platform Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid containment systems, typically made of metal, face challenges such as weight constraints, corrosion, stress points leading to leaks, and difficulty in maintenance due to their large size and welded construction, especially when mounted on service utility vehicles or used in construction and mining fields.
Innovation Solution
A portable fluid containment assembly comprising a plurality of rectilinear fluid vessels made of plastic, such as polyethylene, arranged contiguously on a horizontal platform with a framework that secures them for easy transportation and maintenance, eliminating stress points and reducing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tanks are used for fluid containment, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid containment system is divided into multiple separate fluid vessels (55-gallon drums) instead of a single large tank. Each vessel is independently contained and secured to the platform, allowing for modular weight distribution and easier handling while maintaining overall structural strength through the framework and mounting system.
2Strength
If metal tanks are used for fluid containment, then strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines metal framework (for structural strength) with non-corrosive fluid vessels (for corrosion resistance). The metal platform and support structure provide the necessary mechanical strength, while the fluid vessels themselves are protected from corrosion through material selection, creating a composite system that achieves both strength and corrosion resistance simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If welded joints are used in tank construction, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to stress points and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of welding a single large tank (which creates stress concentration points), the system segments the fluid containment into multiple separate vessels. Each vessel maintains its own intact structure without welded joints, eliminating the stress points and leak risks associated with welding while still achieving the required total fluid containment capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If large capacity tanks are used, then fluid storage capacity is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The large fluid storage capacity is achieved through multiple separate 55-gallon vessels arranged on the platform rather than one large tank. This segmentation allows each individual vessel to be easily accessed, removed, and maintained independently, dramatically improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining the required total storage capacity.
5Speed
If service utility vehicles are used for fluid transport, then mobility is improved, but weight capacity deteriorates due to constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid containment is segmented into multiple 55-gallon vessels that are distributed across the platform. This segmentation optimizes weight distribution within the vehicle's payload capacity, allowing the service utility vehicle to transport the required total fluid volume without exceeding weight constraints, thereby maintaining both mobility and adequate carrying capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable fluid containment assembly capable of holding and transporting oils, water, engine antifreeze, and the like and/or used fluids of the same types. The assembly includes multiple fluid tanks that are mounted in a tubular structure integrated into a platform. The tubular structure includes multiple support members and reinforcement bars. The tubular structure includes lift tip members and forklift pockets to facilitate movement of the portable fluid containment assembly.