Threaded Tank Neck Plug Sealing Without Counter-Flange Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage tank closure systems require tightening of a counter-flange to ensure sealing, leading to a bulky structure and dependence on the tightening parameter, which is not independent and occupies excessive space at the tank opening.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a circular cylindrical neck with internal threads and a complementary plug with pins that cooperate with the threads for sealing, allowing the seal to be pinched without reliance on tightening force, providing a compact and independent sealing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a counter-flange with tightening mechanism is used to seal the tank opening, then a watertight seal is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky and occupies excessive space at the tank opening
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: the cap provides the sealing surface with its peripheral face bearing against the neck, while the pins provide the locking function by engaging with the threads. This segmentation eliminates the need for a bulky tightening mechanism, achieving reliable sealing with compact dimensions at the tank opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening function is extracted from the sealing mechanism. Instead of using a counter-flange that requires tightening to achieve sealing, the invention uses a cap with pins that lock into threaded holes in the neck. The sealing is achieved by the bearing surface of the cap's peripheral face against the neck, independent of any tightening parameter, thus removing the bulky tightening component.
2Reliability
If a counter-flange with clamping mechanism is used to seal the tank opening, then a watertight seal is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing and locking functions are segmented into separate elements: the cap with its peripheral bearing face provides sealing, while the pins providing lateral engagement with the threaded holes provide locking. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure compared to a complex clamping mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex clamping mechanism is replaced by extracting only the essential locking function through pins engaging with simple threaded holes in the neck. The sealing function is achieved through the bearing surface of the cap, eliminating the need for complex clamping structures and reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If tightening force is applied to ensure sealing, then seal quality is improved, but the structure requires bulky components to apply and maintain this force
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening force application mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead of using a heavy counter-flange structure to apply and maintain tightening force, the invention uses pins that lock into threaded holes to provide mechanical retention. The seal quality is maintained through the bearing surface contact between the cap's peripheral face and the neck, without requiring any tightening force or heavy structural components to apply it.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a leak-proof closure device for an opening (11) of a storage tank (1) for contents that may be at high pressure, characterized in that the device comprises: - a circular cylindrical neck (12) positioned on the wall of the tank so that the inner surface of the neck surrounds the opening of the tank, the inner surface of the cylindrical neck comprising at least two threads (13) arranged through the thickness of the neck, - a circular cylindrical plug (2) of dimensions complementary to the neck, this plug incorporating at least one seal (21) on its peripheral face which is configured to bear against the inner surface of the neck when the plug is positioned in the neck, the peripheral surface of the plug comprising at least two lugs (23) positioned between them so as to cooperate individually with a respective thread (13) of the neck.