Trailer Tank with Rounded Corners and Baffles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel trailers have limited application due to their design, which restricts their ability to efficiently store and transport fluid, particularly fuel, and do not effectively manage fluid movement within the tank during transport, leading to potential damage and leaks.
Innovation Solution
A trailer design featuring a tank with rounded corners and edges, baffles to hinder fluid movement, and a fuel system with redundant lines and filters, along with a control system to manage fuel flow and maintenance, ensuring secure containment and efficient fuel distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tank with sharp corners is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but stress concentration occurs leading to potential damage and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding the corners of the tank where the sides meet. This eliminates sharp corners that would create stress concentration points during transport. The rounded corners distribute stress more evenly throughout the tank structure, preventing damage and leaks while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
2Reliability
If baffles are added to hinder fluid movement, then fluid containment and stress reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tank interior by installing baffles that divide the fluid space into separate compartments. These baffles hinder fluid movement during transport, reducing sloshing forces and stress on the tank walls. The segmentation approach effectively manages fluid dynamics while using simple, modular baffle structures that can be easily installed and maintained.
3Reliability
If redundant fuel lines and filters are implemented, then fuel system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by incorporating multiple filters in the fuel line that proactively remove contaminants before they can cause damage to the fuel system or engine. The redundant filtering system catches debris, water, and other contaminants in advance, preventing potential failures. This preventive approach enhances reliability while using standard fuel system components.
4Productivity
If a control system is added to manage fuel flow and maintenance, then fuel quality and distribution efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor fuel quality parameters such as water content, contaminant levels, and temperature. The control system receives this feedback information and automatically adjusts fuel flow rates, activates filtration systems, or triggers maintenance alerts. This closed-loop control ensures fuel quality standards are maintained while optimizing distribution efficiency through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer that includes a tank with an enclosed interior space configured to hold fluid. The trailer can include a chassis that supports the tank and wheels for moving to desired locations. The tank can include planar opposing sides with rounded corners. One or more baffles can be located within the interior space. The baffles restrict the movement of the fluid within the interior space while the trailer is being moved between locations. This restriction reduces the forces that the moving fluid exerts on the tank which could cause damage to the tank that could result in leaks and failure.