UDC Sump Top Replacement Using Fiberglass Mounting Brackets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Under-dispenser containment (UDC) units at fuel dispensers are prone to rust damage, leading to weakened connections and safety hazards, and their replacement requires labor-intensive and costly excavation and removal of the entire unit.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for replacing the top portion of the UDC unit using a mounting structure with L-brackets made of fiberglass, which includes a dispenser sump top with a frame, splash lip, and support flanges, allowing attachment to the existing UDC unit without excavating the entire unit, using adhesive and sealant for secure bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire UDC unit is replaced, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the labor intensity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The UDC unit is divided into two separate components: a base portion that remains embedded in the concrete pad and a top portion that is replaced. This segmentation allows the reusable base to be retained while only the damaged top section is removed and replaced, significantly reducing labor and cost while maintaining the reliability of the connection between the fuel dispenser and the containment unit.
2Reliability
If the entire UDC unit is excavated and removed, then rust damage is eliminated, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the UDC unit into a permanent base portion and a replaceable top portion, the system eliminates the need for extensive excavation and removal of the entire unit. Only the damaged top portion needs to be removed and replaced, dramatically reducing the time and resources required while ensuring the connection integrity is restored.
3Strength
If fiberglass L-brackets are used for mounting, then the weight and corrosion resistance are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are constructed from fiberglass, a composite material that combines glass fibers with a polymer matrix. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and adequate structural strength while keeping the brackets lightweight. The use of this composite material eliminates rust issues associated with metal brackets while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for secure mounting.
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
Enables replacement of the UDC unit top without removing the entire unit, reducing labor and costs, while maintaining the integrity of the remaining UDC unit and ensuring the fuel dispenser's secure attachment to the concrete pad.
Implementation Method 1
using adhesive and sealant for secure bonding
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to replace a top portion of an under-dispenser containment unit embedded within a concrete island under a fuel dispenser. The system includes a mounting structure configured to be coupled to the top portion of the under-dispenser containment unit, and a dispenser sump top configured to be coupled to the mounting structure and the fuel dispenser. The mounting structure includes a series of angles and the dispenser sump top includes a frame having a pair of opposing end walls and a pair of opposing sidewalls, a central opening defined by the frame, a splash lip extending outward from a lower portion of each of the pair of opposing ends walls and the pair of opposing sidewalls, and a series of dispenser support flanges extending outward from an upper portion of the pair of opposing ends walls and the pair of opposing sidewalls.