Tank Closure Membrane for Hygienic One-Way Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank systems in motorhomes and caravans face issues with vermin and dirt particles entering through riser pipes, leading to hygiene problems, and mechanical check valves are complex and prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a base portion and a membrane portion that forms a one-way valve, allowing fluid exchange only in one direction, using an elastically deformable membrane that transitions between blocking and passage states based on pressure differences, ensuring sealing and easy ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanical check valve is installed in the riser pipe to prevent vermin and dirt particles from entering the tank, then tank hygiene is improved, but the device complexity increases and the check valve becomes susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful function of mechanical check valves by replacing them with a membrane-based closure system. The closure comprises a base portion with a jacket-shaped wall portion that seals against the riser pipe inner wall, and a membrane portion that protrudes into the riser pipe to prevent vermin and dirt entry without requiring complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a membrane portion made of flexible material that can deform elastically in response to pressure differences. This thin film structure allows fluid passage when needed while maintaining a sealed configuration that prevents vermin and dirt particles from entering the tank, eliminating the need for complex mechanical check valve mechanisms
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the riser pipe is sealed to prevent contamination, then tank hygiene is improved, but ventilation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the membrane portion elastically deformable rather than fixed. The membrane can dynamically change its state between blocking and passage configurations based on pressure differences across it, allowing the sealed closure to automatically provide ventilation when pressure conditions require it while maintaining hygiene protection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a closure system is installed in the riser pipe to prevent contamination, then tank hygiene is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the closure into two functional parts: a base portion with a jacket-shaped wall portion for sealing against the riser pipe, and a membrane portion for active contamination prevention and pressure-responsive ventilation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes compared to complex mechanical check valves
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 closure system provides a cost-effective, hygienic solution that prevents dirt and vermin entry while allowing efficient ventilation and overflow of fluids, maintaining tank integrity and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference is applied in a selected direction
Implementation Method 2
the membrane portion is designed to be brought into a blocking state or into a passage state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tank system and a closure, comprising a base portion and a membrane portion, wherein the base portion has a jacket-shaped wall portion and a transition region adjacent thereto, wherein the membrane portion is adjacent to the transition region and protrudes from the transition region along a central axis, wherein the membrane portion is designed to be brought into a blocking state or into a passage state, wherein the membrane portion is substantially fluid-impermeable in the blocking state, and wherein the membrane portion is fluid-permeable along the central axis in the passage state.