Underground Tank Anchor Assembly With Adjustable Strap Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of underground storage tanks (USTs) is challenging due to inefficiencies in anchoring structures, particularly with deadman anchors, which are difficult to lower and connect efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly featuring a lightweight anchor base with a retention mechanism that includes a transverse component and locking components to securely hold straps in place, allowing for easier installation and multiple strap connections along the anchor base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional deadman anchors are used for anchoring underground tanks, then the anchoring strength is sufficient, but the installation process becomes difficult and inefficient requiring heavy lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor base is divided into multiple segments or sections, allowing it to be lowered in parts or with reduced weight requirements. The retention mechanisms are also modular components that can be independently installed or adjusted, reducing the overall complexity and weight of the anchoring system while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of lowering heavy anchors into position and then attaching straps, the patent inverts the approach by providing multiple retention mechanisms along the anchor base that can sequentially engage with straps as they are lowered. This allows the anchoring process to proceed more easily without requiring heavy lifting equipment to position the entire anchor at once.
2Productivity
If multiple straps are connected to traditional deadman anchors, then the tank can be securely anchored, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor base incorporates multiple discrete retention mechanisms positioned at different locations along its length. Each retention mechanism is independently configured to receive and secure a separate strap, allowing multiple straps to be connected simultaneously or in sequence without complex interconnections, thereby improving installation speed and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanisms are designed with universal characteristics, where each mechanism can accommodate different strap configurations and connection types. This multi-functionality allows the same anchor base design to securely hold multiple straps with varying requirements, simplifying the overall connection process and reducing the need for specialized components for each strap.
3Device complexity
If straps are connected to anchors in traditional manner, then the tank is anchored securely, but the process requires heavy lifting equipment and multiple installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional anchoring sequence by providing retention mechanisms that passively engage with straps as they are lowered into position, rather than requiring the anchor to be positioned first and then having straps attached. This inversion eliminates the need for heavy lifting equipment to position heavy anchors and reduces the number of installation steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and secure straps without requiring additional equipment or complex procedures. As straps are lowered onto the anchor base, the retention mechanisms self-engage to hold the straps in place, eliminating the need for heavy lifting equipment and simplifying the installation procedure to basic positioning and engagement actions.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor assembly and related system for holding an underground tank below a ground level, including a lightweight anchor base defining a slot, and a retention mechanism that is locatable at multiple locations along the slot of the anchor base to securely maintain a strap assembly in place. The system can include the anchor assembly and the strap assembly, with the retention mechanism of the anchor assembly being movable along the slot of the anchor base to facilitate placement and adjustment of the strap assembly with respect to the anchor base.