Storage Tank Lever Locking Above Scale for Transportation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerant recovery and delivery units' storage tanks and scale systems are prone to damage during transportation due to vibration, movement, and jostling, which can cause the storage tank to impact the load cell, leading to damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize hand-operated levers to lift the storage tank above and out of contact with the scale system, preventing damage by moving the tank into a locked position where it is raised and no longer in contact with the scale system during transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the storage tank is positioned on the scale system for weighing, then the weighing function is enabled, but the scale system is vulnerable to damage during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is designed with movable positioning capability, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted between two positions: resting on the scale system for weighing operations and elevated away from the scale system for transportation protection. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the tank to adapt its position based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure or lifting mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the storage tank and the scale system. This intermediary enables the tank to be elevated away from the scale during transportation while still allowing contact for weighing operations, thus protecting the scale system without permanently disabling the weighing function.
2Reliability
If the storage tank is elevated above the scale system, then damage is prevented during transportation, but the weighing function becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank incorporates a movable positioning mechanism that allows it to be dynamically repositioned between an elevated protected position and a lowered weighing position. This dynamic capability ensures that the tank can be elevated to protect the scale system during transportation while remaining easily accessible for weighing operations when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the storage tank can be preliminarily positioned in the elevated protected state during transportation, and then quickly lowered to the weighing position when weighing operations are required. This preliminary positioning approach ensures protection during transit while maintaining ready accessibility for weighing when the vehicle arrives at its destination.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the storage tank is secured in a fixed position, then movement is reduced during transportation, but the ability to perform weighing operations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is designed with a movable positioning system that provides stable fixed positions for both transportation and weighing operations. During transportation, the tank can be secured in a fixed elevated position to minimize movement and vibration. For weighing operations, the tank can be moved to a fixed lowered position that enables accurate weighing, thus providing stability in both states without compromising operational ease.
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
Prevents damage to the scale system by keeping the storage tank out of contact with it during transportation, ensuring the system remains functional and accurate for weighing purposes.
Implementation Method 1
an end of the lever exerts a force on a bottom of the storage tank to move the storage tank into the second, locked position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a first storage tank, a frame positioned at least partially beneath the first storage tank, a first lever having a first end and a second end, and the first lever is pivotally mounted to the frame; and a first scale system positioned beneath the first storage tank, wherein in a first position, the first storage tank exerts a force against the first scale system, and wherein in a second position, the second end of the lever exerts a force on a bottom surface of the first storage tank such that the first storage tank is positioned above, and out of contact with, the first scale system, when the first storage tank is in the second position.