Uplift Prevention Device for Soil-Covered Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buoyancy safety devices for underground containers, such as liquid gas tanks, are cumbersome to handle and require complex stabilization and adjustment processes, often necessitating strong frames and multiple steps for anchor plate deployment, which complicates transportation and installation.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy safeguard system featuring two spaced pedestals with connection means and guide channels allows for easy adjustment of anchor plates, enabling them to be translated from a non-use to a use position without deforming the frame, and can be modularly designed for different container lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If anchor plates are connected to base plate via hinges and pivoted from upright non-use position to use position, then space required for transporting container is reduced, but anchor plates may be folded back up due to excessively narrow excavation making buoyancy control insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor plates are designed to be translationally adjustable relative to the container support, allowing them to dynamically change position between a retracted state (reducing transport volume) and an extended state (providing buoyancy control). This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between compact transport and reliable buoyancy prevention.
2Volume of moving object
If anchor plates are made translationally adjustable to reduce transport space, then device complexity increases due to adjustment mechanisms, but this enables compact transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor plates are designed to nest within or alongside the container support structure during transport, with guide channels providing the adjustment mechanism. This nesting approach reduces transport volume while minimizing the complexity of the adjustment system, as the guide channels integrate with the existing support structure rather than requiring separate complex mechanisms.
3Strength
If robust frame is used to prevent bending due to strap tension in buoyancy restraint, then strength is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the container from the frame structure, supporting it instead on blocks that are separate from the anchor plate adjustment mechanism. This separation allows the frame to be simpler and lighter, as it no longer needs to bear the full load of preventing container buoyancy - that function is transferred to the soil-engaging anchor plates.
4Reliability
If anchor plates are pulled outwards to extended position during installation, then buoyancy control is achieved, but handling becomes more difficult and requires lifting container
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor plates are designed to be self-adjusting through the guide channels, allowing them to be extended or retracted without requiring the container to be lifted or complex external mechanisms. The translation along guide channels enables easy manual adjustment while maintaining reliable buoyancy control when extended.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A buoyancy control device 3 for an underground container, in particular a liquid gas container 1, is described. The buoyancy control device 3 has a container support and, connected to it longitudinally with respect to a container 1 to be placed on the container support, at least one anchor plate 6, 6.1. Each anchor plate 6, 6.1 is translationally adjustable relative to the container support from a non-use position to a use position, in which such an anchor plate 6, 6.1 projects laterally, partially or with its entire surface, over a width 17 of the base area of the container 1 projected onto a horizontal surface. The buoyancy control device 3 has, as container supports, at least two support brackets 5, 5.1 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the container 1, which are equipped with connection means for clamping a container 1 located on the support brackets 5, 5.1. The support brackets 5, 5.1. The anchor plates have at least one guide channel 14, 14.1 on their underside and a bottom-side support 18. Each anchor plate 6, 6.1 carries at least two rails 7, 7.1; 7.2, 7.3 projecting transversely to the other anchor plate 6, 6.1, one of which engages in a guide channel 14, 14.1 of a support block 5, 5.1.