Medially Stabilized Surge Suppressor With Flow Orifices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medially stabilized surge suppressors for liquid-filled tanks face challenges in ease of assembly and fluid flow management, which can affect their efficiency in stabilizing the tank during transit and reducing wear on the tank's interior.
Innovation Solution
The surge suppressor features modified attachment structures with tabs and slots, flow orifices in the longitudinal members for enhanced fluid flow, and fastening washers for secure and visual confirmation of assembly, allowing for quicker assembly and improved eddy formation for better damping of surges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional attachment structures (retainers and clips) are used to fasten longitudinal members to the medial disk, then the surge suppressor provides adequate structural stability, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into discrete tabs on the medial disk that interface with corresponding slots in the longitudinal members. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where each tab-slot connection can be independently engaged, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are pre-formed on the medial disk during manufacturing, and the slots are pre-cut in the longitudinal members. This preliminary preparation of attachment features eliminates the need for complex fastening operations during assembly, as components simply need to be aligned and engaged.
2Reliability
If traditional solid longitudinal members are used, then the structure provides adequate strength, but fluid flow management and eddy formation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal members incorporate flow orifices that create a porous-like flow path through the solid structure. This allows fluid to pass through the members while maintaining the structural strength of solid components, enabling eddy formation and improved fluid flow management without compromising mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow orifices are strategically positioned and sized to create localized turbulence and eddy currents in specific regions of the surge suppressor. This local modification of fluid flow characteristics enhances surge damping efficiency without requiring changes to the entire structural design.
3Ease of operation
If pins are used to join longitudinal members without additional fastening elements, then the structure is simple, but assembly correctness cannot be visually confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening washers incorporate visual indicators (such as colored surfaces or patterns) that are visible when properly assembled. This allows operators to quickly confirm correct assembly by observing the visual indicator, eliminating the need for complex verification procedures while adding only a simple visual element to the fastening structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening washers are designed to automatically provide visual confirmation of proper assembly through their positioning and visual indicators. This self-verifying feature eliminates the need for additional inspection steps or complex fastening mechanisms, as the assembly state communicates itself through the visual indicator.
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 improved design facilitates easier assembly, enhances fluid flow and turbulence for more efficient surge damping, and provides a visual confirmation of proper assembly, leading to increased stability and reduced wear on the tank.
Implementation Method 1
enables the longitudinal members to induce eddying of the fluid within the surge suppressor, diffusing and dissipating surges in the fluid passing through the surge suppressor
Implementation Method 2
enhances fluid flow and turbulence for more efficient surge damping
Data Source
AI summary
A medially stabilized surge suppressor has longitudinal members joined together at opposite ends of the members and a medial disk supporting the members. The longitudinal members are fastened to the medial disks by tabs that pass through elongate slots located in the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members each include a number of flow orifices that enable fluid through the flow orifices as well as between the longitudinal members. The end portions of the longitudinal members are joined at each of first and second junctions by a pin and a washer forming a non-rotable connection between them.