Torque Arm Restraint for Liquid Storage Tank Fittings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tank fittings, especially outlet fittings, face significant stress and deformation due to torque applied by heavy pipes and liquid contents, leading to potential leaks or stress fractures, as external support measures are often overlooked or inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A torque arm restraint is provided that can be mounted to or integrated with tank fittings, featuring a tubular body with an extending arm that presses against the tank wall to counteract torque, distributing and offsetting stress, and is made from materials like stainless steel or glass-filled polypropylene to be compatible and non-damaging to synthetic resin tanks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If external support is provided for extended pipes, then torque stress on tank wall is reduced, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque stress resistanceVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the torque counteracting function from external support structures and relocates it to an internal component. The arm is positioned inside the tank to press against the inner surface of the tank wall, eliminating the need for complex external support structures while maintaining torque resistance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing support from the outside of the tank, the invention inverts the approach by placing the support arm inside the tank. The arm presses against the inner surface of the tank wall to counteract torque, reversing the traditional external support configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Length of moving object

If pipe length is increased to extend discharge outlet, then discharge capability is improved, but torque arm stress on tank wall increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe lengthVSAvoidtorque arm stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a counteracting force principle by using the arm to press against the tank wall in the opposite direction of the torque generated by the extended pipe. This counterforce balances the torque stress, allowing longer pipes to be used without proportionally increasing stress on the tank wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If additional external support structures are added, then fitting stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the torque counteracting function with the existing fitting structure by integrating the arm as an internal component of the fitting assembly. This eliminates the need for separate external support structures, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying installation while maintaining fitting stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If tank wall thickness is increased to resist torque, then stress resistance is improved, but tank weight and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque stress resistanceVSAvoidtank weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary component (the arm) that mediates between the pipe assembly and the tank wall. The arm transfers and distributes the torque load to a broader area of the tank wall's inner surface, reducing the need for increased wall thickness and thereby reducing tank weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 torque arm restraint effectively reduces stress concentrations around tank fittings, preventing deformation and leaks, while being lightweight and economically viable for various tank configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a torque arm restraint which can be mounted to a fitting and positioned interiorly of a fluid tank in order to avoid damage to the sealing integrity between the outlet assembly and the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

an arm which extends from the body... configured and positioned to press against the tank wall under conditions of excessive torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS8276780B2Fitting torque arm restraint

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 TANK HLDG CORP

AI summary

A torque arm restraint is provided with a body having a bore including an axis and an arm extending from said body transversely to the axis and is adapted for resisting torque applied to the fitting of a liquid storage tank, and is configured either for mounting on a fitting or as a component of the fitting such as an outlet fitting mounting a pipe and extending from the wall of the tank. A tubular body permits passage of instrumentation or liquid therethrough and the arm may have an abutment surface positioned proximate the inside surface of the tank wall, either in engagement or in spaced relationship, whereby the arm resists torque applied to the fitting exteriorly of the tank. The body may include an attachment member which is adapted for mounting to a tank fitting, and may be coupled to a pipe within the tank.