Thermally Insulated Tank Corner Piece Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealed and thermally insulated tanks face challenges in maintaining tightness and adapting to various tank shapes, particularly under thermal stresses, due to the complexity of corner piece manufacturing and stress distribution.
Innovation Solution
A corner piece design for thermally insulated tanks featuring a sheet metal corner angle with reinforcing wings and blocking parts, anchored in the insulating foam blocks, which absorbs stresses by favoring tensile work over shear and providing a flexible connection between adjacent vessel walls, ensuring effective sealing and thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional corner piece design is used for sealed and thermally insulated tanks, then the manufacturing process becomes complex and difficult to adapt to different tank shapes, but the structural strength and tightness under thermal stresses are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece is divided into multiple functional segments: a base element anchored in the insulating barrier, reinforcing wings extending along the edges, and blocking parts positioned at strategic locations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for manufacturing while collectively providing the necessary structural reliability under thermal stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the corner piece have different properties: the base element provides anchoring stability, the reinforcing wings provide tensile strength along the edges, and the blocking parts provide localized support. This local differentiation enables easy manufacturing of each part while ensuring overall tightness and structural integrity under thermal loading.
2Device complexity
If the corner piece structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the ability to withstand thermal stresses and maintain tightness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece incorporates flexible membrane sections that can deform dynamically under thermal stresses while maintaining the overall structural configuration. This dynamic capability allows the structure to absorb thermal expansion and contraction forces without compromising tightness, while the basic geometric form remains simple for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner piece combines different material properties: rigid metal or composite components for structural strength and anchoring, flexible membrane materials for stress absorption, and insulating materials for thermal protection. This composite approach provides high thermal stress resistance while keeping the overall structure manufacturable through standard processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the corner piece is designed to be flexible for adaptation to different tank shapes, then the structural strength under thermal loads is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The corner piece design serves multiple functions: the base element provides universal anchoring capability in insulating barriers, the reinforcing wings can be configured for different edge orientations and tank geometries, and the blocking parts provide adaptable support. This multi-functionality enables the same basic design to be manufactured for various tank shapes while maintaining adequate force distribution under thermal loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner piece allows parameter variations such as wing length, blocking part position, and membrane flexibility to be adjusted based on specific tank shape requirements. These parameter changes enable adaptation to different geometries while the fundamental structural principles maintain sufficient strength and force distribution under thermal loads.
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 corner piece design enhances the tank's ability to withstand thermal stresses and maintain tightness by distributing forces effectively, allowing for easier manufacturing and adaptation to different tank shapes while ensuring efficient insulation and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
each heat-insulating element comprising a block of insulating foam
Implementation Method 2
the corner piece... absorbs stresses by favoring tensile work over shear
Implementation Method 3
the membrane section of the first reinforcing wing develops in the plane of the sealing membrane... providing a flexible connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealed, thermally insulating vessel in which a first vessel wall (6) and a second adjacent vessel wall (7) form an edge (8), the vessel also comprising a sealed corner part (32) sealingly attached to the sealing membrane of the first vessel wall and of the second vessel wall, the corner part comprising a corner piece (37) made of sheet metal located on a line with the edge, a first reinforcement flange (35), a second reinforcement flange (36), a first locking part (33) and a second locking part (34), in which the locking parts are attached to the insulating barrier, the first reinforcement flange and the second reinforcement flange each including a tab (50, 57) attached to the inner surface of the first and second locking parts, respectively.