Deployable Spill Containment System with Deformable Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spill containment devices are easily damaged, difficult to store, transport, and assemble, and often fail to effectively contain spills over large areas while allowing vehicle traffic.
Innovation Solution
A deployable spill containment system featuring a pan with deformable walls, including an elastic entrance berm and side support berms made of spill-proof materials, allowing vehicles to drive over and facilitating easy assembly, disassembly, and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional spill containment devices use rigid structures like metal frames or inflatable stoppers, then they can provide structural support and containment, but they are easily damaged and difficult to store, transport, or assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible polymer sheets as the primary containment structure, replacing rigid metal frames and inflatable stoppers. These flexible sheets can be easily folded, rolled, and stored in compact forms while providing sufficient containment strength when deployed. The flexibility allows the structure to adapt to various ground conditions and vehicle traffic without requiring complex support frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system is divided into modular segments that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the structure to be broken down into manageable pieces for easy storage and transport, while reassembling into a complete containment barrier when needed. The modular design facilitates both structural integrity and operational convenience.
2Area of stationary object
If the containment device covers a large area, then it can effectively contain spills over extensive regions, but it becomes more difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer sheets can be folded or rolled into compact configurations for transport and storage, then deployed to cover large areas when needed. This flexibility allows the containment system to transition between a compact stored state and an expanded operational state, resolving the contradiction between large coverage area and ease of transport.
3Strength
If the containment walls are rigid and tall, then they can effectively contain spills, but they prevent vehicle traffic over the containment area
Solution Approach 1:
The containment walls are designed with dynamic, deformable characteristics that allow them to flex and deform under vehicle loads. The flexible polymer material can temporarily deform to accommodate vehicle passage, then return to its original containment configuration. This dynamic behavior enables both effective spill containment and vehicle traffic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the containment walls, particularly their height and rigidity, are optimized to balance containment effectiveness with vehicle passage capability. The walls are tall enough to contain spills but constructed from flexible materials that allow temporary deformation under vehicle loads, enabling parameter changes that satisfy both requirements.
4Reliability
If the containment device is made from durable materials, then it can withstand vehicle traffic and spills, but it becomes more difficult to repair and modify
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is designed as modular segments that can be independently replaced if damaged. This segmentation improves repairability because damaged portions can be removed and replaced without affecting the entire structure, while the durable polymer materials ensure the segments withstand vehicle traffic and spills during operation.
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 system effectively contains spills over large areas, withstands vehicle traffic, and is easily transportable and storable, with replaceable components for maintenance, ensuring efficient spill management.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic entrance berm is configured to be compressed to allow passage of a vehicle and to return to the original shape when unloaded
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure presents a deployable spill containment system and method. In one embodiment, the spill containment device forms a shallow container covering a large area. The coverage area and depth may vary. The spill containment device may have deformable walls that allow vehicles to drive over and into the protection area during deployment. Furthermore, the spill containment device may be rolled, folded, or both, for storage and transportation, such as fitting in a bed of a pickup truck. The spill containment system includes replaceable components for easy repair, exchange, and modification when needed.