Tank Container Bottom Connection Arrangement for Valve Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tank container connection arrangements do not efficiently accommodate large-volume valve arrangements for sterile transport, leading to space constraints and the need for container shortening or special valve development, which are economically and technically impractical, especially for small quantities, and do not guarantee complete emptying.

Innovation Solution

A container with a curved bottom and a connection arrangement featuring a cut-out contour in the edge zone and a flat flange body with a connection opening, where the nozzle collar connects to the cut-out contour, allowing the flange body to be offset into the container, creating additional space for large-volume valve arrangements without reducing container volume and ensuring complete emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the container is shortened at one end to increase available space for valve arrangements, then the space for valve arrangements is improved, but the container volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable space for valve arrangementsVSAvoidcontainer volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention relocates the connection arrangement from the traditional side-wall position to the bottom surface of the container. This dimensional change utilizes the previously underutilized bottom area, creating space for valve arrangements without affecting container length or volume. The bottom surface provides a new spatial dimension for accommodating connection elements and valve assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection arrangement is segmented into separate functional components: the connection element with connection opening, the flange body for mounting, and the valve arrangement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned and sized independently, enabling large-volume valve arrangements to be accommodated on the bottom surface without compromising container volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If special valve arrangements with reduced dimensions are developed to fit the limited space, then the space constraint is addressed, but the valve functionality is compromised and complete emptying cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable space for valve arrangementsVSAvoidcomplete emptying capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the connection arrangement to the bottom surface, the invention provides adequate space for full-sized, functionally complete valve arrangements. This eliminates the need for dimensionally reduced valves while ensuring complete emptying capability, as standard valve designs with proper discharge openings can be installed on the bottom surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve arrangement is extracted from the constrained side-wall location and placed on the bottom surface, where it can achieve its full functional potential. This extraction allows the valve to be designed and sized for complete emptying without space limitations, separating the valve functionality from the container's dimensional constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of stationary object

If the container dimensions are maintained at maximum to preserve transport volume, then the container volume is optimized, but the space for valve arrangements becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer volumeVSAvoidavailable space for valve arrangements
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention exploits the bottom surface area of the container as a dedicated zone for connection arrangements and valve mounting. This utilizes previously unused spatial capacity on the bottom, allowing maximum container volume to be maintained while providing sufficient area for valve arrangements through bottom surface utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If standard fittings are used in the bottom drainage area, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the space constraints and complete emptying requirement create design challenges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomplete emptying guarantee
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom surface connection arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides mounting for standard valve fittings, ensures complete emptying through proper gravitational alignment, and maintains structural integrity. The universal bottom-mounted flange design can accommodate various standard valve types while guaranteeing complete drainage functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3050822B1Container, tank container device
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 WELFIT ODDY
  • EP3050822B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3050822B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3050822B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (1) for a container (100) with a bottom (102), in particular a curved one, comprising: a bottom wall region (2) with a cutout contour (3) in an edge zone of the bottom (102), a flat flange body (5) with an inner side (6), an outer side (7) and a connection opening (8) connecting the inner and outer sides (6, 7), wherein a spigot collar (9) connects a region of the outer side (7) extending inside the bottom wall region (2) with the cutout contour (3), the edge zone of the bottom (102) comprising at least one of the following regions: a collar region (14); a rim region (4);a spherical region (15) and the inner surface (6) are connected to a section (3a) of the cutout contour (3) extending in a connection plane, such that the flange body (5) with its connection opening (8) is arranged within an outer contour of the base (102) and/or the container (100), wherein the connection opening (8) comprises an inner surface that is aligned along a common apex line with an inner surface of the flange region (14). The invention further relates to a base, a container, or a tank container arrangement with such a connection arrangement.