Tank Trap Sealing Design Reducing Leakage and Assembly Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal tank traps require multiple sealing rings for hermetic connection to drain pipes, increasing the risk of leaks and complicating assembly and maintenance, while grilles are often difficult to access and install correctly.

Innovation Solution

A trap design with a fixed connection between the external and internal walls, featuring a separate lid with retaining means for easy grille installation and a single transit opening for connection to the drain pipe, along with a connecting piece with a flange for secure sealing, reducing the need for multiple seals and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sealing rings are used to ensure hermetic connection to drain pipes, then sealing reliability is improved, but the risk of leaks increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated sealing ring that seals both the transit opening and the connection to the drain pipe. This merging of sealing functions reduces the number of separate sealing components from multiple rings to one unified ring, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining hermetic sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sealing ring is designed to perform multiple sealing functions simultaneously - it seals the transit opening in the common wall part and also ensures hermetic connection to the drain pipe. This multi-functional sealing ring eliminates the need for separate sealing rings at each connection point, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sealing rings are used for hermetic connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but the number of seals increases leading to higher leak risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidleak risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple sealing functions into a single sealing ring, the patent reduces the total number of seal interfaces. Fewer seals mean fewer potential failure points, thereby reducing leak risk while maintaining hermetic sealing through the unified sealing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the grille is mounted in the opening on the internal part, then it prevents oversized elements from flowing through, but the grille becomes difficult to access and install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow protectionVSAvoidgrille accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the trap into separable sections - the internal part containing the grille can be accessed independently by removing the external part. This segmentation allows the grille to remain protected in its functional position while enabling easy access for installation and maintenance by simply detaching the external section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows the external part to be dynamically removed or detached to provide access to the grille, then reattached to restore protection. This dynamic accessibility enables the grille to transition between a protected state during operation and an accessible state during maintenance, without compromising its protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the trap is connected to the drain pipe through multiple openings in external and internal walls, then connection flexibility is improved, but the number of sealing points increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of sealing points
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection openings into a single transit opening located in a common wall part where the external and internal walls meet. This unified opening consolidates multiple sealing points into one, reducing the number of seals required while maintaining the ability to connect to the drain pipe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single transit opening in the common wall part serves multiple functions - it provides the connection pathway from the tank through both wall layers to the drain pipe, eliminating the need for separate openings in each wall. This multi-functional opening reduces sealing complexity while maintaining connection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3401453B1trap
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 GRP NIVELLES
  • EP3401453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3401453B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3401453B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Trap (19) intended to be installed in a tank (3) and which contains an internal part (20) with a bottom (21), an internal wall (22) and an opening (23) opposite the bottom (21); an external part (25) with a covering part (26) that extends over the opening (23) at a certain distance (D) thereof and with an external wall (27) which surrounds part (29) of the internal wall (20); as well as a grille (24) that fits in the opening (23) and whereby the covering part (26) is made as a separate lid (33).