Storage Tank Cover System With Concealed Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional geodesic dome-shaped cover systems for storage tanks are complex to fabricate, prone to leaks due to exposed fasteners and gaskets, and require numerous unique parts, leading to high manufacturing and assembly costs.

Innovation Solution

A dome-shaped cover system for storage tanks comprising a plurality of curved, radial subsections affixed to a common compression ring and an upper edge of the tank shell, with curved battens and structural members joining adjacent subsections, and fasteners secured from the concave surface to prevent exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional geodesic dome-shaped cover systems are used, then the storage tank is covered, but the system is complex to fabricate and requires numerous unique parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak preventionVSAvoidfabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dome is segmented into curved radial subsections that can be manufactured as standardized repeating units. Each subsection is defined by arcuate ribs spaced at regular intervals, creating modular segments that simplify fabrication while maintaining structural integrity and weather tightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define the curvature of the dome, create attachment points for subsections, and form channels for water drainage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of unique parts needed while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional geodesic dome-shaped cover systems are used, then the storage tank is covered, but exposed fasteners and gaskets are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design eliminates exposed fasteners and gaskets by embedding all connection elements within the rib structures. Fasteners are concealed within the rib channels, and gaskets are integrated into the rib-subsection interfaces, removing leak-prone exposed components while maintaining weather tightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved subsections act as flexible weather barriers that conform to the rib structure. The curved geometry of subsections allows them to flex and seal against the ribs without requiring extensive gasketing, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining leak prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If conventional geodesic dome-shaped cover systems are used, then the storage tank is covered, but assembly cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dome is divided into standardized curved radial subsections that can be pre-manufactured and then quickly assembled on-site. Each subsection is defined by arcuate ribs spaced at regular intervals, creating modular segments that simplify assembly while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into single components: the ribs provide structural support, define subsection boundaries, and create drainage channels. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly steps and unique parts, improving assembly efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional geodesic dome-shaped cover systems are used, then the storage tank is covered, but water leakage is prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidwater leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dome uses continuous curved surfaces defined by arcuate ribs rather than flat panels or angular geodesic triangles. This curvature naturally directs water flow along the smooth surfaces and into drainage channels formed by the ribs, eliminating water pooling and leakage paths while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib structures, which could be seen as potential leakage points, are designed to actively channel and direct water flow. The ribs create defined drainage paths that convert potential leakage risks into controlled water management, eliminating leakage while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250172000A1Cover System for Storage Tanks

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 ROUNDTABLE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a cover assembly for storage tanks. A cover may comprise a plurality of radial subsections/panels that may be joined using structural members and battens. For example, edges of adjacent radial subsections may be bent/curved into a slot of a structural member and affixed using a batten that may slid into the slot. Fasteners, that may be affixed from an inner surface of the cover, may be used to secure the batten against the structural member. A low profile of the batten combined with fasteners that do not protrude out of a top surface of the cover may prevent pooling of water on the surface of the cover and leakage of water into the tank.