Non-Spherical Tank Baffles for Liquid Sloshing Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid sloshing in tanks during transportation can affect vehicle maneuverability and safety, as existing solutions like spherical ball baffles do not effectively interrupt fluid flow and movement within the tank.
Innovation Solution
Non-spherical fluid baffles with recessed regions and convex surfaces, designed to interfere with each other, are placed inside the tank to impede sloshing by creating a connected mass that interrupts liquid flow, comprising two pieces that can be easily assembled and are configured to promote interference and reduce relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spherical ball baffles are used to impede liquid sloshing, then the baffle structure is simple and easy to install, but the baffles do not effectively interrupt liquid flow and relative movement between baffles is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the baffle shape from spherical to non-spherical (such as cylindrical, cuboidal, or irregular polyhedral shapes). This asymmetric geometry creates interference between adjacent baffles, reducing relative movement and improving effectiveness in interrupting liquid flow during vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the curvature characteristics by using non-spherical shapes with specific geometric features. Instead of a complete sphere, the baffles use shapes like cylinders, cuboids, or irregular polyhedra that create better interference patterns with adjacent baffles, reducing sloshing effectiveness while maintaining ease of installation.
2Reliability
If fixed permanent baffles are formed inside the tank, then sloshing is effectively interrupted, but the tank's liquid storage capacity is significantly reduced and installation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple individual baffle units distributed throughout the tank rather than one large fixed structure. Each baffle is a separate component that can be independently positioned, allowing the tank to maintain most of its storage capacity while still achieving effective sloshing interruption through the collective action of multiple segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using movable, non-fixed baffle units that can move with the liquid but interfere with sloshing motion. These dynamic baffles are not permanently fixed to the tank structure, allowing them to adapt to liquid movement while still providing sloshing interruption, thus preserving tank storage capacity.
3Reliability
If multiple ball baffles are placed inside the tank, then sloshing is impeded, but the complexity of baffle interaction and relative movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry to simplify baffle interactions by using non-spherical shapes with flat surfaces or specific geometric features. This asymmetric design creates predictable interference patterns between adjacent baffles, reducing the complexity of their interactions compared to spherical baffles that can rotate and move more freely relative to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to fluid baffles and parts and kits for making such baffles. For example, some embodiments relate to a fluid baffle for use in a tank, where the baffle comprises: a body defining an interior volume and defining a plurality of fluid passage apertures at spaced positions around the body to allow fluid to easily pass into and out of the interior volume; wherein the body comprises a continuous wall that defines a plurality of convex regions spaced from each other around the body and defines concave regions between the convex regions.