Patent Application
20250164072
In general, the present invention relates to a tank system, and in particular, various improvements to tank system and its components.
Many well and expansion tanks use a diaphragm or bladder to separate air from water. An air charge pressure on one side keeps the diaphragm/bladder at a distance away from the inside wall of the tank in the air dome. When the tank is installed onto a water system, the water system pressure pushes back against the diaphragm/bladder, compressing the air. One type of such tank is a Type IV fiberwound tank. The industry defines this tank as having a plastic liner with fiberwinding around the liner.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, a tank assembly is provided that includes a tank comprising a polymeric body having a first end and second end, a neck proximate the first or the second end of the polymeric body defining a through passage in communication with a cavity of the tank, and a connection attached to the polymeric body in the through passage of the neck, the connection having a through passage extending from a first end to a second end of the connection, the through passage comprising threads along an inner surface thereof for connection of at least one attachment, wherein the connection comprises a radially inwardly extending flange proximate the first end, the flange extending radially inward beyond a surface of the threads, and an attachment connected to the connection, the attachment comprising radially outwardly extending threads to engage the threads of the connection, wherein the attachment further comprises a lip proximate a first end of the attachment, the lip abuts a surface of the flange when the attachment is fully connected to the connection to prevent any further movement of the attachment towards the connection.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the connection comprises a groove proximate the second end of the connection.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a seal is held in the groove of the connection between a surface of the connection and a surface of the attachment.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the attachment comprises an annular groove extending around a perimeter of the first end, the annular groove forming a void between a surface of the attachment and a surface of the connection.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a seal is held in the annular groove of the attachment to form a seal between the attachment and the connection.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the polymeric body comprises a polymeric lower dome, a polymeric upper dome, and a polymeric shell, wherein the polymeric upper dome, the polymeric lower dome, and the polymeric shell define a cavity of the tank.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the tank further comprises a flexible diaphragm disposed in the cavity of the tank, the diaphragm being connected to an inner wall of the polymeric shell.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the polymeric lower dome comprises a plurality of radial ribs configured to mitigate adhesion of the diaphragm to an inner surface of the lower dome.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, a tank assembly is provided that includes a tank including a polymeric body defining a cavity and a lower neck defining a through passage in communication with the cavity, a water attachment rotatably attached to the lower neck, and a support stand for supporting the tank and the water attachment is removeably attached to the support stand, wherein the support stand comprises at least two snap features located at a first end of the support stand proximate the lower neck of the polymeric body, the at least two snap features configured to engage a corresponding at least two flats of the polymeric body such that the snap features allow the support stand to rotate about the polymeric body in a first direction, but hinder rotation a second direction.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the support stand is installed to a first end of the polymeric body by rotating the support stand in the first direction to screw the support stand onto the tank.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the water attachment and support stand are installed to a first end of the polymeric body by rotating the support stand in the first direction to screw the support stand onto the tank and to screw the water attachment to the lower neck.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the at least two snap features engage the at least two flats to prevent rotation of the support stand in the second direction with respect to the tank.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the at least two snap features are flexible with respect to the at least to flats when the support stand is rotated in the first direction such that the support stand can be rotated with respect to the tank.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a greater rotational force is required to rotate the support stand in the second direction than the first direction.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the polymeric body includes a polymeric upper dome having an upper neck, a polymeric lower dome having the lower neck, and a polymeric shell having a first end connected to the upper dome and a second end connected to the lower dome.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the tank further comprises a flexible diaphragm disposed in the cavity of the tank, the diaphragm being connected to an inner wall of the polymeric shell.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the polymeric lower dome comprises a plurality of radial ribs configured to mitigate adhesion of the diaphragm to an inner surface of the lower dome.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, a tank is provided that includes a polymeric upper dome, a polymeric lower dome including a neck defining a through passage in communication with a cavity of the tank, and a plurality of radial ribs extending around the neck at an inner surface of the lower down, a polymeric shell having a first end connected to the upper dome and a second end connected to the lower dome and forming with the upper and lower dome the cavity, and a flexible diaphragm connected to an inner wall of the polymeric shell in the cavity, the flexible diaphragm expands under pressure toward the radial ribs of the lower dome, wherein the plurality radial ribs are raised with respect to the inner surface of the lower dome and are configured to mitigate adhesion of the flexible diaphragm to the inner surface of the lower dome.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the plurality of radial ribs are evenly spaced and extend outward from a center of the lower dome, the plurality of radial ribs forming a plurality of gaps between the radial ribs.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the polymeric lower dome comprises at least one pass through located between a first and a second radial rib of the plurality of radial ribs, the at least one pass through configured to allow liquid to flow from the through passage of the neck to the cavity of the tank.
These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for a tank that includes a polymeric upper dome having a neck portion, a polymeric lower dome having a neck portion, and a connection attached to each of the upper and lower domes in through passages of the necks, the connections being the same as one another, wherein the upper dome and lower dome form a cavity. The systems and methods described herein can provide an improved connection to a water system, improved diaphragm design, and improved vent design. The benefits of the features and improvements are described in detail herein.
In an example implementation, the tank assembly can include at least one stop feature to prevent over tightening or over-torqueing of the water system connection to the tank. The tank assembly can also include features to lock or secure a tank stand and the water system connection in place to mitigate movement of the connection or stand with respect to the tank. Additionally, the tank can include various features on the inside of the tank wall to prevent a diaphragm of the tank from sticking to the inside of the tank wall. The tank can also include an improved vent or agitator design to provide an efficient flow of liquid to the tank or from the tank.
With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.
Turning now to
The neck 46 of each dome 12, 14 defines a through passage 54 into the cavity 22 and includes a radially inwardly extending annular rib 56 serving as a seat for a seal to ensure a seal is made between the neck 46 and a respective connection 58 to prevent leakage, for example from water and/or air. The neck also includes a radially outwardly extending annular rib 60 along its outer surface configured to capture composite material in a manner that will support the connection attached to the neck 46 and keep the connection in position when under high burst pressures. The radially outwardly extending annular ribs 60 each include a plurality of circumferentially spaced flats 62.
The connections 58 are received in the through passage 54 of the respective dome 12, 14 and attached to the respective dome 12, 14 in a suitable manner, such as by insert molding. The connections 58 may be made of a suitable material, such as a polymer, such as a polypropylene copolymer, such as a glass-filled polypropylene. The connections 58 each have a through passage 64 with threads 66 along an inner surface thereof and a flange portion 68 received in a corresponding area in the domes 12 and 14. The threads 66 may be a suitable thread, such as a two and one half inch NPSM thread utilized in the water treatment industry. The connections 58 on the upper and lower domes 12 and 14 can be the same to allow the tank 10 to receive various attachments interchangeably to be used in various industries.
Referring to
Turning now to
As shown in
Referring now to the conduit 134, the conduit 134 includes a molded-in hex 160 with threads 162 adjacent thereto for connection to another conduit. The threads 162 may be a suitable thread, such as one and one quarter inch NPT threads or one-inch NPT threads. In an embodiment, the hex 160 and threads 162 could be removed by a user, for example cut off by a plumber, and a suitable conduit could be glued to the conduit 134. The length of the conduit 134 is sized such that the conduit can extend through and beyond a sidewall of the support stand a sufficient distance allowing the hex 160 and threads 162 to be removed and the end of the conduit still extend past the sidewall as shown in
Turning now to
Also defined in the upper wall 174 is a locking aperture 182 that permits passage of components of the tank 10. As shown in
The sidewall 176 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced concave recesses 200 that enhance the rigidity of the support body 172 and provide for increased strength when rolling the tank 10, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced access apertures 202 through which the conduit 134 of the connector 130 may extend. In an embodiment, four access apertures 202 may be provided for utilization in the water treatment industry. The sidewall 176 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced standoffs 204 that can alternate with the recesses to facilitate air circulation below the underside of the tank, for example to help prevent buildup of condensation, and a plurality of openings 206 in the lower wall to allow the support stand 170 to be attached a floor or other component as described below.
Turning now to
The tank 210 may include various features to improve the method of attachment between the connector 330 to the connection 258. As described above, the attachment 330 may serve as a water connection for the tank 210. Therefore, the connector 330 may be referred to as a water attachment 330, attachment 330, or a water connection 330. The attachment 330 may be secured into the connection 258 by way of threads 340 and threads 266. In other words, the attachment 330 can be screwed into the connection 258 to secure the attachment 330 to the tank 210. It can be important to maintain a secure connection between the water attachment 330 and the connection 258 of the tank 210 to prevent leaks or malfunctions. For example, issues may arise when the attachment 330 is overtightened or if the attachment 330 becomes lose. In either of these situations, a leak may occur and can cause damage to the tank 210 and its surroundings. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a robust fit between the attachment 330 and the tank 210.
In an embodiment, the tank 210 may include at least one feature to prevent an overtightening or over torqueing of the attachment 330. For example, the attachment 330 can include a lip 504 proximate a first end 502 of the attachment 330. The lip 504 may abut against a flange 506 of the connection 258 when the attachment 330 is fully screwed into the connection 258. The abutment of the lip 504 against the flange 506 may prevent the attachment 330 from being overtightened or over torqued within the connection 258. This can be accomplished by restricting the upward motion of the attachment 330 with respect to the connection 258. Although the example described is with respect to the connection 258 on the lower dome 214, it should be appreciated that the same overtightening or over-torqueing features can be utilized for a connection at the top of the tank 210. In some situations, the features described herein can be utilized for both the upper and lower connections of the tank 210.
In an exemplary embodiment, the flange 506 can be radially and inwardly extending from the connection 258 proximate a first end 508 of the connection 258. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 506 extends radially inward beyond the surface of the threads 266. In this way, the lip 504 of the attachment 330 abuts the flange 506 when the attachment 330 is fully installed or fully screwed into the connection 258. Fully installed or fully screwed into the connection 258 can refer to a position in which the attachment 330 creates an adequate seal with the connection 258 such that no leaks occur. It can also refer to a condition is which the attachment 330 is torqued to a specific rotational torque and in which the attachment 330 cannot be rotated or tightened further with respect to the tank 210 or connection 258.
To prevent leaks and to ensure a proper seal, the tank 210 can include a first seal 510 received in a groove 516 proximate a second end 514 of the connection 258. The first seal 510 can engage a surface or a radially outwardly extending flange 512 of the attachment 330 to form a seal between the attachment 330 and the connection 258. It should be appreciate that the further the attachment 330 is screwed into the connection 258, the more pressure will be applied to the first seal 510. Therefore, the configuration or spacing of the lip 504 and the flange 506 can determine the maximum pressure applied to the seal 510. In this manner, the lip 504 and the flange 506 can prevent the attachment 330 from being overtightened or from applying more pressure to the first seal 510 than is desired. Preventing overtightening of the attachment 330 can improve the life and functionality of the first seal 510.
It should also be appreciated that, when the attachment 330 is installed to the tank 210, a gap 518 may be observed between the second end 514 of the connection 258 and the flange 512 of the attachment 330. In this regard, the first seal 510 can form a seal between the attachment 330 and the connection 258 even though there may be a gap 518 between the attachment 330 and the connection 258. In some embodiments, it can be desired to maintain a small gap 518 between the attachment 330 and the connection 258 to ensure that proper force is applied to the first seal 510 (e.g., to ensure that a proper seal is formed or that the seal is not deformed or crushed). The lip 504 and the flange 506, collectively referred to as stop features, can be configured to ensure a proper gap 518 is achieved between the attachment 330 and the connection 258. In other embodiments, the lip 504 and the flange 506 can be configured such that the flange 512 of the attachment 330 abuts the second end 514 of the connection 258 and that no gap 518 is present. Configuration of the lip 504 and the flange 506 can ensure that proper force is applied to the first seal 510 and surrounding features. The first seal 510 can be any suitable seal such as a radial seal, an O-ring, gasket, or other seal.
The tank 210 can further include a second seal (not shown) that is received within the groove 520 of the attachment 330. The second seal can engage the connection 258 to provide a seal between the attachment 330 and the connection 258. The second seal can be any suitable seal such as a radial seal, an O-ring, gasket, or other seal.
As illustrated in
Turning to
The snap features 602a-d can engage with the corresponding flats 604a-d to allow rotation of the tank stand 470 in a first direction 610 (e.g., clockwise) while preventing rotation in a second direction 612 (counterclockwise). Although the example provided herein relates to rotation in the clockwise direction, it should be appreciated that the stand 470 can be configured for counter clockwise rotation if desired. Moreover, once the attachment 330 and the stand 470 have been assembled (rotated) into position, they may only be able to be rotated in the second direction until the snap features 602a-d lock into the flats 604a-d. There may be a distance between the snap features 602a-d and the flats 604a-d such that rotation in either direction is possible without interaction between the snap features 602a-d and the flats 604a-d. For example, depending on the spacing and configurations of the snap features 602a-d and the flats 604a-d, the stand 470 may be able to be rotated 90 degrees in the second direction before engaging the flats 604a-d. This can allow for slight modifications with the rotation, spacing, and installation of the stand 470 or attachment 330 to the tank 210.
Angled ramps 606a-d can also be provided to cause the snap features 602a-d to flex and snap into place as the stand 470 is rotated in the first direction. The ramps 606a-d can be molded into or can be manufactured as a part of the lower dome 214 of the tank 210 or may be attached to the tank 210 in a suitable manner. The ramps 606a-d can be angled such that the snap features 602a-d engage with the ramps 606a-d when the stand 470 is rotated in the first direction. When the snap features 602a-d engage the ramps 606a-d, the ramps can cause the snap features 602a-d to flex in direction 614 so that the stand 470 can be rotated in the first direction. When the snap features 602a-d are rotated past the ramps 606a-d, the snap features 602a-d may return to their original and un-flexed position.
The snap features 602a-d can be manufactured of any suitable material such as plastic, polymer, metal, or rubber such that a suitable flex is achieved. For example, a more rigid material can increase the amount of pressure needed to deform the snap features 602a-d such that torque required to rotate the stand 470 in the first direction is increased. Nonetheless, the torque required to rotate the stand 470 in the second direction can be substantially higher than the torque required for rotating the stand 470 in the first direction past the flats 604a-d. By way of example, it may take one to two (1-2) foot pounds to rotate the stand 470 in the first direction to attach the stand 470 to the tank 210. It may take one hundred (100) foot pounds to rotate the stand 470 in the second direction past the flats 604a-d (e.g., to break the snap features 602a-d and/or flats 604a-d). Said differently, it can require less force to install the tank stand 470 than is required to remove the tank stand 470. Similarly, it can require less force to install the attachment 330 than is required to remove the attachment 330.
Turning to
Similar to the diaphragm 24 of the tank 10, the diaphragm of tank 210 may be a flexible diaphragm made of a suitable material, such as butyl rubber, that is positioned within a cavity and connected to an inner diameter surface of a shell to separate the cavity into an upper portion and a lower portion. It should be appreciated that when the diaphragm is forced downward with pressure against the inner surface 710 of the lower dome 214 the diaphragm may have a tendency to stick to the lower dome 214. In some circumstances, the diaphragm may become damaged when it pulls or rips off the surface of the lower dome 214. If the diaphragm seals to the lower dome 214, it can also cause unwanted pressure spikes (e.g., upwards of 40-60 psi) which can cause damage to external devices such as pumps or piping. This can occur if the tank 210 has been sitting idle in storage, during initial installation, or if the tank 210 is unused or empty. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a tank 210 that prevents or mitigates unwanted sticking or sealing of the diaphragm to the lower dome 214. As shown, the radial rib features 700 can be provided to break up surface area on the lower dome 214 so that the diaphragm has less surface area to adhere to, thereby mitigating a seal between the diaphragm and the lower dome 214. In other words, the rib features 700 can reduce sticking of the diaphragm to the tank wall.
To provide a pathway for fluid to exit the output 704 of the tank 210, a plurality of pass-throughs 712a-d can be provided. The pass-throughs 712a-d can provide a pathway for fluid to exit the tank 210 when the diaphragm abuts a surface of the lower dome 214. Namely, when the diaphragm abuts the lower dome 214 and the radial rib features 700, fluid may be prevented from exiting the tank 210 without the pass-throughs 712a-d. Therefore, pass-throughs 712a-d can be beneficial to ensure proper flow during initial pressurization or filling of the tank 210. Although
A turbulator 748 can also be provided proximate the outlet 704. The turbulator 748 can be provided with smaller openings to ensure that the diaphragm does not extrude through the holes of the turbulator 748. The design of the turbulator 748 can also provide more directional fluid flow to ensure contact with the sidewall of the various tank or attachment components. This can be accomplished by slicing the water stream into multiple smaller streams or by maintaining a tighter vein flow pattern of the water. One skilled in the art will recognize that the turbulator 748 can include design modifications to change the flow of liquid through the turbulator 748 as desired.
The aforementioned systems, components, (e.g., tanks, stands, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and/or elements. It should be appreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.
While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the apparatus, systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein.
The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, wherein equivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms “first,” “second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.
As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”
The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
