Collapsible Wire Bracket Assembly for Containment Berm Sidewalls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment berms for liquid pollutants face challenges with rigid, bulky braces that are difficult to install, prone to misplacement, and require replacement of the entire berm when damaged, hindering compact storage and effective spill containment.
Innovation Solution
A containment berm with a flexible, impermeable polymer material and bracket assemblies featuring spring force leg segments that engage pockets on the ground section and sidewalls, allowing for easy installation, adjustment, and replacement of individual components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid, bulky braces are used to maintain sidewalls in a raised position, then the containment berm can effectively retain spilled liquids, but the braces become difficult to install and are prone to misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple segments (first leg segment, end segment, second leg segment) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the brace to collapse into a compact configuration for easy installation and storage, while expanding to provide the necessary structural support for containment when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, movable structure through the use of movable connections between segments. This allows the brace to adapt its configuration - collapsing for installation and expanding for containment - thereby improving both ease of operation and containment reliability.
2Reliability
If rigid, bulky braces are used to maintain sidewalls in a raised position, then the containment berm can effectively retain spilled liquids, but the braces are not easily stored when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple segments (first leg segment, end segment, second leg segment) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the brace to collapse into a compact configuration for easy installation and storage, while expanding to provide the necessary structural support for containment when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable brace segments nest within each other when collapsed, similar to a nested doll structure. The second leg segment can be positioned inside or alongside the first leg segment, and the end segment connects them in a compact arrangement, significantly reducing the storage volume compared to a rigid, non-collapsible brace.
3Stability of the object's composition
If braces are permanently attached to the berm material, then the braces remain in position during use, but the entire containment berm must be replaced when the braces become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached from the containment berm using the movable connections between segments. This allows the brace to maintain stable positioning during use through its structural design, while enabling easy removal and replacement of individual damaged braces without replacing the entire berm assembly.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid, bulky braces are used, then the sidewalls can be maintained in a raised position, but the containment berm cannot be compactly folded for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple segments (first leg segment, end segment, second leg segment) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the brace to collapse into a compact configuration for easy installation and storage, while expanding to provide the necessary structural support for containment when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, movable structure through the use of movable connections between segments. This allows the brace to adapt its configuration - collapsing for storage and expanding for containment - thereby enabling compact folding of the entire containment berm while maintaining sidewall stability during use.
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 solution provides a flexible and efficient containment system that allows for easy installation and replacement of braces, enhancing spill containment capabilities while simplifying storage and reducing waste by allowing for the replacement of only damaged components.
Implementation Method 1
bracket assemblies featuring spring force leg segments that engage pockets on the ground section and sidewalls
Implementation Method 2
spring force leg segments that engage pockets
Data Source
AI summary
A containment berm having a flexible, substantially impermeable polymer material forming a ground section with a plurality of sidewalls extending upward from the ground section. A plurality of bracket assemblies are positioned on an external surface of the containment berm. Each of the bracket assemblies includes (i) a pair of first leg segments having first and second ends, the pair of first leg segments being joined by an end segment at their second ends; (ii) a pair of second leg segments having first and second ends, the pair of second leg segments being configured to allow relative movement between their second ends; and (iii) the pair of first leg segments and the pair of second leg segments being joined at their first ends in a substantially perpendicular configuration. One of either the pair of first or second of leg segments engages pockets on the sidewalls.