Tank Container Discharge Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tank containers face challenges in efficiently discharging liquids while ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing damage during transportation, particularly due to the positioning and design of discharge valves and adaptors.
Innovation Solution
The tank container design incorporates a discharge valve assembly with an adaptor that positions the discharge valve below the internal bottom valve, featuring a curved body that narrows in diameter and includes a unique flange configuration for secure fastening, allowing for efficient liquid discharge and compliance with regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge valve is positioned at the rear end of the tank container, then the liquid discharge efficiency is improved, but the valve is exposed to external damage during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge valve assembly is nested within the frame structure of the tank container. The discharge valve is positioned inside the frame at the rear end, protected by the frame's structural enclosure, while still maintaining functional access for liquid discharge operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge valve is offset from the rear plane of the frame into the interior space of the frame, creating a multi-dimensional positioning solution. This internal positioning protects the valve while maintaining discharge functionality through the frame structure.
2Productivity
If the adaptor is designed with a curved body that narrows in diameter, then the liquid flow is directed efficiently, but the adaptor complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor features a curved body with a streamlined, narrowing diameter that efficiently directs liquid flow from the internal bottom valve to the discharge valve. The curved geometry reduces turbulence and improves flow characteristics compared to straight or angular connections.
3Reliability
If the discharge valve is positioned entirely within the frame offset from the rear plane, then the valve is protected from damage, but the discharge operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tank container, protects the discharge valve during transportation, and facilitates discharge operations through integrated access points and connections at the rear end.
4Reliability
If the adaptor includes a unique flange configuration with multiple apertures and tabs, then the fastening security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor flange is segmented into multiple apertures and tabs that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This modular approach to the flange design allows for standardized manufacturing of individual features while achieving enhanced fastening security through their combination.
Data Source
AI summary
A tank container includes a frame having a front end opposite a rear end that defines a rear plane, a vessel extending between the front end and the rear end of the frame, and a discharge valve assembly. The discharge valve assembly comprises an internal bottom valve, an adaptor, and a discharge valve. The internal bottom valve is positioned within an interior volume of the vessel and the discharge valve is positioned entirely within the frame and offset at least one inch from the rear plane. The adaptor curves downwardly between the internal bottom valve and the discharge valve.