Tank Partition Embedded in Composite Sandwich Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tank partitions, especially those in composite material tanks, lack sufficient solidity when under pressure, leading to insecure fixing to the tank wall, particularly during the transport of gaseous, liquid, or powdery products.

Innovation Solution

A tank design featuring a partition embedded only in the first skin of the side wall, with a sandwich structure comprising an inner and outer coating, and additional intermediate materials between the skins, providing enhanced resistance to pressure and movement, and reinforced by both internal and external plastic welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If partitions are welded inside the tank, then different products can be stored and water hammer effects are limited, but the fixing solidity is insufficient especially when compartments are under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartition fixing solidityVSAvoidpartition resistance to pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is embedded within the sandwich structure of the tank wall, specifically positioned between the inner coating and the first intermediate material. This nesting approach integrates the partition into the wall structure itself, allowing it to resist pressure forces more effectively while maintaining secure fixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The tank wall employs a sandwich structure with inner coating, outer coating, and intermediate materials (such as foam or honeycomb). The partition is embedded within this composite structure, utilizing the multi-layer construction to provide both secure fixing and enhanced pressure resistance through the distributed structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If partitions are embedded in the side wall, then resistance to liquid movements and pressure is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartition resistance to pressure and movementVSAvoidtank wall structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sandwich structure is divided into distinct functional layers: inner coating, outer coating, and intermediate materials. The partition is specifically positioned in the inner coating layer, creating a segmented arrangement that simplifies the embedding process while maintaining structural integrity and pressure resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the partition is made of composite material, then it resists pressure better, but the welding process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartition pressure resistanceVSAvoidwelding difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional welding processes with mechanical embedding of the partition into the sandwich structure. The partition is secured through its integration into the multi-layer wall construction, eliminating the need for complex welding operations on composite materials while maintaining secure fixing and pressure resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution significantly increases the solidity and resistance of the partition to pressure and movement within the tank, ensuring secure fixing and effective compartmentalization, even under pressure or when acting as a breakwater.

Implementation Method 1

the partition comprising two walls, the two walls of the partition being embedded in the first skin only

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical embedding:

Implementation Method 2

the side wall of the tank body having a sandwich structure comprising an inner coating and an outer coating, on either side of a first intermediate material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSandwich structure:

Implementation Method 3

The welding performed is preferably plastic welding, since the first skin and the two walls of the partition are preferably made of plastic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2554493B1Tank with recessed partition

Publication Date: 2014.07.30 ETAB MAGYAR

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AI summary

The tank has a tank body formed by a side wall (1) having a sandwich structure including an inner lining (3) and an outer coating (4) on either side of an intermediate material (5), and a partition (8). The inner lining includes a skin (7) located between another skin (6) and the intermediate material. The partition includes two plastic walls (9, 10) embedded in the latter skin. The sandwich structure of the side wall is made out of composite material, where the intermediate material is a foamed material, or wood, or a honeycomb structure. The former skin is made of composite material, and the latter skin is made of plastic.