Remotely Operable Cap Assembly for Tanker Trailer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face safety risks when removing caps on tanker trailers, as they must climb ladders and apply torque, increasing the danger of slipping and falling while accessing caps for venting or cleaning, with no existing systems for remote operation of these caps.
Innovation Solution
Development of remotely operable cap assemblies that can be linked to a tanker trailer's hydraulic system, allowing the cap to be opened and closed without an operator needing to climb the tank, using a cam rod and actuator assembly for vertical and lateral movement, enabling safe operation from the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually remove caps using wrenches, then caps can be opened for venting and cleaning, but operators face safety risks of slipping and falling while climbing ladders and traversing catwalks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (operator climbing ladder with wrench) with a hydraulic actuation system. The cap assembly includes a cap actuator with a piston and rod that mechanically opens and closes the cap, eliminating the need for operators to physically access the tank top. The hydraulic system is controlled from ground level, substituting dangerous manual mechanical operations with remote hydraulic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic actuator as an intermediary device between the operator and the cap. Instead of the operator directly manipulating the cap with a wrench, the operator controls the hydraulic system from ground level, which then actuates the cap through the actuator mechanism. This intermediary eliminates direct exposure to hazardous conditions while maintaining operational capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators access caps on tank top, then caps can be opened for filling and draining operations, but operators are exposed to dangerous working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cap operation with a hydraulic actuation system that can be controlled from ground level. The actuator assembly includes a piston, rod, and cam mechanism that automatically opens and closes the cap in response to hydraulic pressure changes, eliminating the need for operators to physically access the tank top for filling, draining, or cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is equipped with its own hydraulic actuator that enables it to open and close automatically based on operational needs. The system serves itself by having the actuator perform the opening/closing function without external manual intervention, thereby eliminating operator exposure to dangerous working conditions while maintaining full operational versatility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote actuation system is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional actuator components
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the actuation mechanism and an integral part of the cap assembly structure. The actuator rod connects directly to the cap, and the entire assembly is mounted on the tank, allowing a single component to serve both structural and actuation purposes, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator components are nested within the cap assembly structure. The piston and rod are housed within the actuator body, which is mounted on the tank near the cap. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, reducing the apparent complexity and space requirements while maintaining the remote actuation capability.
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 allows for safe and efficient operation of tanker trailer caps, reducing the risk of accidents by enabling remote control of cap opening and closing, facilitating the filling, draining, and cleaning processes without the need for operators to access the tank top.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator assembly includes a cylinder and piston configured to move the cam rod from a first position in which the lid is in the closed position over to a second position in which the lid is in the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A cap assembly (40) for attachment to an external fixture (44) on a tank (52) of a tanker trailer (50), including: a collar (42) configured to secure the cap assembly to the tank external fixture and defining a collar opening (46) concentrically aligned with an opening (54) of the fixture; a lid (60) that is moveable between a closed position where the lid covers the collar opening and is in sealing engagement with the collar, and an open position where the lid is vertically raised from the collar and pivoted laterally away from the collar opening; and an actuator assembly (72) that is configured to move the lid from the closed position to the open position during a single stroke of the actuator assembly, and which is remotely operable from a location off of the tanker trailer.