Tank Self-Sealing Plate Attachment With Conformable Strap Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching self-sealing plates to tank outer walls are cumbersome, difficult to remove, and impractical for vehicles due to weight and custom-made enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a conformable part with straps and connection means, including retaining and connecting bars with longitudinal guides, allows for flexible attachment and uniform tension distribution, facilitating easy installation and secure holding of self-sealing plates on various tank shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-sealing plates are glued to the tank outer wall, then the plates are securely held against the tank, but the tank becomes difficult and time-consuming to remove for recovery or reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: the conformable part with straps that can be independently removed from the tank, while the self-sealing plates remain intact. This segmentation allows the plates to be securely held during use but easily removed by simply detaching the strap system for tank recovery or reuse
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables easy recovery of the tank by allowing the attachment device to be discarded or reused separately. The self-sealing plates and tank can be recovered without damage by simply removing the strap-based attachment system, facilitating reuse of valuable tank materials
2Reliability
If a rigid enclosure is used to encase the self-sealing material, then the plates are securely held, but the device becomes heavy and impractical for vehicle tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a conformable part made of flexible material (canvas, plastic film, or tarpaulin) instead of rigid enclosure. This flexible shell can be tightened around the self-sealing plates using straps, providing secure retention while maintaining lightweight construction suitable for vehicle tanks
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device transitions from a static rigid enclosure to a dynamic system with adjustable straps. The straps can be tightened or loosened as needed, providing secure retention during operation while allowing easy removal when not needed, reducing overall weight requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made enclosures are used for each tank, then the plates fit securely to the specific tank shape, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conformable part made of flexible material can be adapted to different tank shapes and sizes without requiring custom-made enclosures. The same basic design with adjustable straps and conformable covering can serve multiple tank configurations, reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining secure fit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows adjustment of the attachment device parameters (strap length, conformable part dimensions) to match different tank specifications. This flexibility enables the same basic design to adapt to various tank shapes and sizes without requiring completely custom-made enclosures for each tank
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device (DA) for self-sealing plates against an external wall of a tank, said fastening device comprising: - a conformable part (PC) to the shape of said self-sealing plates; - a plurality of straps (S1, S2, S3); - a first connection means (PBM, PLQ, PBC) between the straps (S1, S2, S3) and the conformable part (PC); - a second connection means (DBM, DLQ) between the straps (S1, S2, S3) and the conformable part (PC).