EP4547529A1

EP4547529A1 - An anti-sloshing mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP4547529A1
Application number: EP23761632.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fahri Bugra CAMLICA
Original assignee: Tusas Turk Havacilik Ve Uzay Sanayii AS
Current assignee: Tusas Turk Havacilik Ve Uzay Sanayii AS
Priority date: 2022-06-30
Filing date: 2023-06-22
Publication date: 2025-05-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tank (T) that allows a liquid to be contained therein; a plurality of anti-sloshing elements (2), which are positioned in the tank (T) by the user and reduce the sloshing severity of the liquid in the tank (T); at least one joint (3) on which the anti-sloshing elements (2) are mounted.

Description

AN ANTI-SLOSHING MECHANISM

The present invention relates to an anti-sloshing mechanism for moving and/or accelerating the liquids contained in a tank of a vehicle.

If a liquid is provided in a tank or a similar chamber subject to movement, such a liquid tends to move according to the movement of the tank. Each time the acceleration affects the tank, the liquid in the tank creates agitation when it hits the walls of the tank. This complies with the laws of motion. Different vehicles may have very large volume liquid tanks for various reasons. Internal and external fuel tanks are the most important tanks in use. These chambers can contain a large amount of liquid fuel due to their mission needs, and can be used wherever required, especially under the wings. Depending on power and dimensions of the vehicle, the liquid agitation in the tank with the effect of the acceleration due to the dynamic movement can create a force sufficient to affect the dynamics of the vehicles, depending on the volume of the liquid. In order to prevent agitation and effects thereof, anti-sloshing units are used in various geometries and numbers in the tank/reservoir. Anti-sloshing units, which have edges on the surface that allow liquid flow, have a surface in contact with the inner wall of the tank, or they can be produced in one piece with the inner wall.

US10480668, which is included in the known-state of the art, discloses a device for restricting liquid backflow through a line on a tank containing a liquid, and a method for using said device. The first claim of the patent document discloses a device for restricting the backflow of liquid through an overhead line on a tank. Said device has a tubular housing with spaced internal baffle plates.

TR2021019293, which is included in the known-state of the art, discloses a fuel tank used in heavy commercial vehicles. Said patent document discloses a fuel tank that prevents sound and pressure caused by the movement and shaking of the fuel by using flat, inclined or different geometrically shaped wave breaker that can move in the Z axis inside the body. Said application states that the wave breakers used in fuel tanks to prevent shaking of the fuel are manufactured by a sheet metal that is fixed inside the fuel tank body by welding along its perimeter.

Thanks to the anti-sloshing mechanism according to the present invention, the severity of sloshing that may occur in different parts of the tanks containing liquids can be significantly reduced.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the assembly process of the anti-sloshing units to the tanks provided in vehicles for storing a liquid.

A further object of the invention is to provide an anti-sloshing mechanism that is simple to maintain, easy to use and effective.

The anti-sloshing mechanism realized to achieve the object of the invention, which is defined in the first claim and other claims dependent thereon, comprises a tank for storing a liquid; a plurality of anti-sloshing elements placed in the tank by a user and allowing the severity of sloshing created by liquids in the tank as a result of the movement of the tank, to be reduced. The anti-sloshing mechanism comprises at least one joint that allows the anti-sloshing elements to be positioned together inside the tank. The anti-sloshing elements are provided on the joint such that each of them is in a row and/or in contact with each other.

The anti-sloshing mechanism according to the invention comprises a plurality of displacement elements that allow the anti-sloshing elements in the tank to be moved to a position predetermined by the user. The displacement elements are mounted on the joint. The displacement elements are located on the joint almost completely surrounding the joint in a radial direction along which the anti-sloshing elements are moved. Alternatively, the displacement elements can be mounted on the joint in a removable manner. By sliding the anti-sloshing elements on the displacement element and bringing them to the position predetermined by the user, the severity of sloshing created by liquids in the tank along the direction and/or width or diameter of the tank is reduced.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises a first position (I) in which the anti-sloshing elements are positioned on the joint, each at a distance of its own thickness from each other and facing each other. The anti-sloshing mechanism comprises a second position (II) in which the anti-sloshing elements are triggered by the user to be moved on the joint in a radial or a nearly circular direction by means of the displacement element, so as to be brought to the second position (II). There is a plurality of channels with a displacement element thereon, which allow the anti-sloshing elements to make radial movements on the joint. The anti-sloshing elements are connected, at their at least partially curved end, to the displacement elements. In the second position (II), the corners of each anti-sloshing element, which are almost perpendicular to the surface, are located to overlap with the corners of another anti-sloshing element, which are almost perpendicular to the surface. Alternatively, since the anti-sloshing elements are viewed from the front in the second position (II), the anti-sloshing elements can be positioned by the user on the joint with at least a partial distance predetermined by the user between them.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises at least one surface which is an interior wall of the tank and is located to almost completely surround the interior surface of the tank. There is a plurality of flanges, each of which is located on top of the other at a distance of its own thickness in the first position (I), and which are located to remain opposite and in contact with the surface in the second position (II), wherein the flanges are integral with each anti-sloshing element on the joint.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises a first antisloshing element and a second anti-sloshing element which are located on the joint along the direction that the joint extends, and between which a predetermined number of antisloshing elements by the user are provided. In the first position (I), the first anti-sloshing element and the second anti-sloshing element are located on the joint to be aligned with each other, with a plurality of anti-sloshing elements therebetween. The anti-sloshing mechanism comprises flanges, wherein in the first position (I), surface area of the flanges decreases from each anti-sloshing element to the next from the first anti-sloshing element to the second anti-sloshing element, wherein the flanges are located on the anti-sloshing elements in a monolithic manner, with each of the anti-sloshing elements overlapping and intertwined with each other. In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises the joint for which the diameter increases in each anti-sloshing element from the first anti-sloshing element to the second anti-sloshing element. In this way, when the flanges, which are located on top of each other in the first position (I), are brought to the second position (II) on the joint which is almost in the form of a truncated cone, they can contact the surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises a plurality of fixing elements that allow the anti-sloshing elements to be fixed in a position they were brought in so as to be moveable if desired, after the flanges brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II) contact the surface at the position predetermined by the user. In this way, the severity of sloshing that can be created by the liquids in the tank is reduced. Fixing elements are located on the channel, displacement element and/or antisloshing elements.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises flanges integral with anti-sloshing elements. The flanges are located in the first position (I) such that each one is on top of the other and each touches the other or is at a distance predetermined by the user. Flanges have an oval concave form.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises at least one lid that allows the joint and/or anti-sloshing elements to be received into the tank by the user. Thanks to the lid, the user can reach the anti-sloshing elements and/or the joint in the tank and position the anti-sloshing elements to show the anti-sloshing feature.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises at least one opening which will reduce the severity of the sloshing that may be caused by the liquids in the tank, and enable liquids to be directed in the tank as predetermined by the user. The openings are produced in geometric forms predetermined by the user, to be placed on the anti-sloshing elements.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises anti-sloshing elements in eccentric form, which are positioned on the joint. In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises the flange made of a metallic, composite and/or polymer material or any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises the antisloshing element made of a metallic, composite and/or polymer material or any combinations thereof. Therefore, the anti-sloshing element with higher resistance against the sloshing that may occur in the tank, can be used.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism comprises anti-sloshing elements that can be used in tanks for containing a liquid in air, space, land and/or sea vehicles.

The anti-sloshing mechanism realized to achieve the object of the present invention is illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the anti-sloshing mechanism in the second position (II).

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tank.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the anti-sloshing elements in the first position (I).

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the anti-sloshing elements and the joint.

Figure 5 is a front view of the joint, anti-sloshing elements, flange and tank in the second position (II).

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the anti-sloshing elements, joint and flange in the second position (II).

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

1. Anti-sloshing Mechanism

2. Anti-sloshing Element

201. First Anti-sloshing Element

202. Second Anti-sloshing Element

3. Joint

4. Displacement Element

5. Channel 6. Flange

7. Fixing Element

8. Lid

9. Opening

(T) Tank

(Z) Surface

(I) First Position

(II) Second Position

The anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises a tank (T) that allows a liquid to be contained therein; a plurality of anti-sloshing elements (2), which are positioned in the tank (T) by the user and reduce the sloshing severity of the liquid in the tank (T); at least one joint (3) on which the anti-sloshing elements (2) are mounted.

The anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to the invention comprises a plurality of displacement elements (4) which are located on the joint (3) to almost completely surround the joint (3), wherein the displacement elements (4) allow the anti-sloshing elements (2) to be triggered by the user to move radially on the joint (3), thereby reducing the severity of the sloshing that may be caused by the liquids in the tank (T).

As a result of the movement of the tank (T) carrying the liquid therein, it can cause the liquids to form a sloshing movement. Thus, there are anti-sloshing elements (2) inside the tank (T) in order to prevent sloshing or to reduce their severity. The anti-sloshing elements (2) are positioned on the joint (3) so that they can be kept together in the tank (T). Thanks to the positioning of the anti-sloshing elements (2) on the joint (3), their attachment in the tank (T) is ensured (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3).

The anti-sloshing elements (2) can be moved on the joint (3) and brought to the positions predetermined by the user. In this way, the sloshing that the liquid may create at different locations in the tank (T) can be prevented or their severity can be reduced. In order to enable the anti-sloshing elements (2) to be moved in the radial direction on the joint (3), there is a plurality of displacement elements (4) located on the joint (3) so as to surround the joint (3) almost circularly along the direction it extends. The anti-sloshing elements (2), which are positioned on the joint (3) to contact the displacement elements (4), can be moved in the radial direction towards the positions predetermined by the user.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises the antisloshing elements (2) located on the joint (3); a first position (I) in which the anti-sloshing elements (2) are located opposite each other and at a distance predetermined by the user; a second position (II), wherein the anti-sloshing elements (2) are triggered by the user over the joint (3) and moved in the radial direction so as to be brought to the second position (II); a plurality of channels (5) on which the displacement elements (4) are located and which allow the anti-sloshing elements (2) to be brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II). In the first position (I), the anti-sloshing elements (2) are located on the joint (3), with each of them being opposite to each other. In the first position (I), the anti-sloshing elements (2) are placed in contact with each other or at a distance at least as much as their own thickness. The anti-sloshing elements (2) are triggered by the user and moved in the radial direction by means of the displacement elements (4) in the channel (5) located above the joint (3), so that they are brought to the second position (II). The anti-sloshing elements (2) are brought to the second position (II) determined by the user based on the amount and/or type of the liquid in the tank (T). Thus, the anti-sloshing elements (2), which are brought to the second position (II) by moving over the joint (3) in the radial direction, reduce the severity of the sloshing that can be created by liquids in the direction that the joint (3) extends in the tank (T) (Figure 1, Figure 5).

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises at least one surface (Z) located in the tank (T) to almost completely surround the tank (T); a plurality of flanges (6) extending outward from the anti-sloshing elements (2), each one above the other in the first position (I) and facing the surface (Z) in the second position (II), wherein the flanges (6) are integral with the anti-sloshing elements (2). The surface (Z) forms the inner wall of the tank (T). The flanges (6), which are integral with the antisloshing elements (2), extend outward from the anti-sloshing elements (2) in the first position (I) such that each of them remains on top of the other. When the anti-sloshing elements (2) are moved in the radial direction by the user by means of the displacement element (4) and brought to the second position (II), the flanges (6), which are monolithic with the anti-sloshing elements (2) and extend outward from the anti-sloshing elements (2), remain facing the surface (Z) (Figure 5, Figure 6). In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises a first antisloshing element (201) and a second anti-sloshing element (202) positioned on the joint (3) such that in the first position (I) they are opposite each other and a number of antisloshing elements (2) predetermined by the user are provided therebetween; the flanges (6) whose surface area decreases from each anti-sloshing element (2) to the next, from the first anti-sloshing element (201) to the second anti-sloshing element (202). The first anti-sloshing element (201) and the second anti-sloshing element (202) are located at the end regions of the direction that the joint (3) extends. There is a plurality of anti-sloshing elements (2) between the first anti-sloshing element (201) and the second anti-sloshing element (202). In the first position (I), the first anti-sloshing element (201), the second antisloshing element (202) and the anti-sloshing elements (2) remaining therebetween are positioned opposite each other on the joint (3), such that they face each other. The surface areas of the flanges (6), which are integral with the anti-sloshing elements (2), decrease from the first anti-sloshing element (201) to the second anti-sloshing element (202). In this way, in the first position (I), the flanges (6) are located on top of each other and their surfaces are opposite each other.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises the joint (3) which is almost in the form of a truncated cone, wherein a diameter of the joint (3) increases in each anti-sloshing element (2) towards the next anti-sloshing element (2) from the first anti-sloshing element (201) to the second anti-sloshing element (202), thus allowing the flanges (6), which are triggered by the user from the first position (I) to the second position (II), to contact the surface (Z) of the tank (T). Thanks to the joint (3), which is almost in a truncated cone form, the diameter of the joint (3) increases from the first anti-sloshing element (201) to the second anti-sloshing element (202). In the first position (I), the displacement elements (4), on which the anti-sloshing elements are mounted on the joint (3), are located from the first anti-sloshing element (201) towards the second anti-sloshing element (202) in the same direction, opposite each other. While the anti-sloshing elements (2) are brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II), diameter of the joint (3) increases from the first anti-sloshing element (201) to the second anti-sloshing element (202), and the circumferential lengths of the channels (5) on which the anti-sloshing elements (2) are moved, increase. Therefore, the flanges (6), which are located in the first position (I) under one another, can contact the surface (Z) thanks to the increased joint (3) diameter when they are brought to the second position (II) determined by the user by means of the displacement elements (4). In the second position (II), when the tank (T) is viewed from the front, the anti-sloshing elements (2) are almost in spiral form (Figure 1).

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises a plurality of fixing elements (7) located on the channel (5), the displacement element (4) and/or the anti-sloshing elements (2), which enable the anti-sloshing elements (2) to be fixed in a position predetermined by the user as a result of the flanges (6) coming into contact with the surface (Z), thus reducing the sloshing severity of the liquids in the tank (T). When the anti-sloshing elements (2) are brought to the second position (II) by means of the displacement element (4), the flanges (6) contact the surface (Z) and stop the radial movement of the anti-sloshing elements (2). In order to keep the anti-sloshing elements (2) in the second position (II) for a period desired by the user, the fixing elements (8) located on the channel (5), the displacement element (4) and/or the anti-sloshing elements (2) are used. In this way, the anti-sloshing elements (2) can remain fixed against the sloshing that may be created by the liquid in the tank (T) (Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6).

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises the flanges (6) which are monolithic with the anti-sloshing elements (2) and are oval concave in shape, thus positioned in the first position (I) so that each one is on top of the other. When the anti-sloshing elements (2) are brought to the second position (II) predetermined by the user, the oval concave flanges (6) contact the surface (Z) and stop the radial movement of the anti-sloshing elements (2).

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises at least one lid (8) on the tank (T) that provides access to the tank (T), thus allowing the joint (3) and/or the anti-sloshing element (2) to be received into the tank (T) and brought to a position predetermined by the user. By means of the lid (8), the joint (3) and the antisloshing elements (2) can be received into the tank (T) in the first position (I), and then brought to a position predetermined by the user. Therefore, the anti-sloshing elements (2) can be received into the tank (T) after production and brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II). The anti-sloshing elements (2) can be kept fixed by being supported by the user accessing the tank (T) through the lid (8) until it is brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II) and the flanges (6) contact the surface (Z).

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises at least one opening (9) on the anti-sloshing elements (2), which is provided in geometric forms predetermined by the user, thus reducing the sloshing severity of the liquids in the tank (T) and allowing them to be directed in a way predetermined by the user. Thanks to the openings (9) on the anti-sloshing elements (2), the liquid in the tank (T) can move in the tank (T) without causing sloshing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises the antisloshing elements in eccentric form (2). Thanks to their eccentric forms, the anti-sloshing elements (2) produced in dimensions predetermined by the user, can be positioned opposite to each other, in contact with each other in the first position (I) or at a distance predetermined by the user.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises the flange (6) made of a metallic, composite and/or polymer material. When the anti-sloshing elements (2) are brought to the second position (II) by the user, it is aimed that the flanges (6) have a strength to ensure that the anti-sloshing element (2) does not move while contacting the surface (Z).

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises the antisloshing element (2) made of a metallic, composite and/or polymer material. It is aimed that the anti-sloshing elements (2) have a strength to resist liquid sloshing that may occur in the tank (T) and to be resistant to the corrosive properties of the liquids.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprises the antisloshing elements (2) provided in tanks (T) used for containing a liquid in air, space, land and/or sea vehicles. Tanks (T) can be used as liquid storage and/or fuel tanks in air, space, land and/or sea vehicles. The anti-sloshing elements (2) located in the tanks (T) can be used to prevent possible sloshing that may be formed by liquids or to reduce their severity.

Claims

1. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) comprising a tank (T) that allows a liquid to be contained therein; a plurality of anti-sloshing elements (2), which are positioned in the tank (T) by the user and reduce the sloshing severity of the liquid in the tank (T); at least one joint (3) on which the anti-sloshing elements (2) are mounted, characterized by a plurality of displacement elements (4) which are located on the joint (3) to almost completely surround the joint (3), wherein the displacement elements (4) allow the anti-sloshing elements (2) to be triggered by the user to move radially on the joint (3), thereby reducing the severity of the sloshing that may be caused by the liquids in the tank (T).

2. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by the antisloshing elements (2) located on the joint (3); a first position (I) in which the antisloshing elements (2) are located opposite each other and at a distance predetermined by the user; a second position (II), wherein the anti-sloshing elements (2) are triggered by the user over the joint (3) and moved in the radial direction so as to be brought to the second position (II); a plurality of channels (5) on which the displacement elements (4) are located and which allow the antisloshing elements (2) to be brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II).

3. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to claim 2, characterized by at least one surface (Z) located in the tank (T) to almost completely surround the tank (T); a plurality of flanges (6) extending outward from the anti-sloshing elements (2), each one above the other in the first position (I) and facing the surface (Z) in the second position (II), wherein the flanges (6) are integral with the anti-sloshing elements (2).

4. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized by a first antisloshing element (201) and a second anti-sloshing element (202) positioned on the joint (3) such that in the first position (I) they are opposite each other and a number of anti-sloshing elements (2) predetermined by the user are provided therebetween; the flanges (6) whose surface area decreases from each anti- sloshing element (2) to the next, from the first anti-sloshing element (201) to the second anti-sloshing element (202). An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized by the joint (3) which is almost in the form of a truncated cone, wherein a diameter of the joint (3) increases in each anti-sloshing element (2) towards the next antisloshing element (2) from the first anti-sloshing element (201) to the second antisloshing element (202), thus allowing the flanges (6), which are triggered by the user from the first position (I) to the second position (II), to contact the surface (Z) of the tank (T). An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the claims 3 to 5, characterized by a plurality of fixing elements (7) located on the channel (5), the displacement element (4) and/or the anti-sloshing elements (2), which enable the anti-sloshing elements (2) to be fixed in a position predetermined by the user as a result of the flanges (6) coming into contact with the surface (Z), thus reducing the sloshing severity of the liquids in the tank (T). An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the claims 3 to 6, characterized by the flanges (6) which are monolithic with the anti-sloshing elements (2) and are oval concave in shape, thus positioned in the first position (I) so that each one is on top of the other. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by at least one lid (8) on the tank (T) that provides access to the tank (T), thus allowing the joint (3) and/or the anti-sloshing element (2) to be received into the tank (T) and brought to a position predetermined by the user. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by at least one opening (9) on the anti-sloshing elements (2), which is provided in geometric forms predetermined by the user, thus reducing the sloshing severity of the liquids in the tank (T) and allowing them to be directed in a way predetermined by the user. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by the anti-sloshing elements in eccentric form (2). An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the claims 3 to 7, characterized by the flange (6) made of a metallic, composite and/or polymer material. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by the anti-sloshing element (2) made of a metallic, composite and/or polymer material. An anti-sloshing mechanism (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by the anti-sloshing elements (2) provided in tanks (T) used for containing a liquid in air, space, land and/or sea vehicles.