An underwater flexible gas storage device

Abstract

The application discloses an underwater flexible gas storage device, and belongs to the technical field of electric power storage. The device comprises a flexible gas bag, a first constraint assembly and a second constraint assembly. The flexible gas bag is composed of a fixed bag body and a movable bag body which are connected with each other. The first constraint assembly is arranged on the fixed bag body to keep the fixed bag body in a predetermined shape. The second constraint assembly is arranged on the movable bag body to constrain the radial deformation amount of the movable bag body. In a contraction state, the movable bag body is contracted in the direction of the fixed bag body under the constraint of the second constraint assembly and is accommodated in the first constraint assembly. In an inflation state, the movable bag body is expanded away from the fixed bag body under the constraint of the second constraint assembly and is inflated, and the movable bag body and the fixed bag body jointly enclose a gas storage space. The application enables the flexible gas bag to reversibly contract and expand along a determined path in a gas inflation and deflation cycle, the fold distribution is uniform and the local curvature is gentle, stress concentration and material fatigue damage are effectively avoided, and the service life and the air tightness reliability of the gas storage device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power energy storage technology, and in particular to an underwater flexible gas storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Compressed air energy storage systems utilize electricity to drive a compressor during off-peak hours to compress atmospheric air into high-pressure air, which is then stored in a gas storage device. During peak hours, the high-pressure air in the storage device is released to drive an expander to generate electricity, thus achieving the spatial and temporal transfer of electrical energy. In underwater isobaric energy storage solutions, the gas storage device is placed at a certain depth underwater, utilizing the hydrostatic pressure of the surrounding water to maintain pressure balance inside and outside the device. This eliminates the need for thick-walled pressure vessels, thereby reducing structural weight and manufacturing costs.

[0003] Currently, flexible, foldable airbags are commonly used as gas storage containers in underwater gas storage devices. These foldable airbags are made of materials with flexible and foldable properties. Their working principle is similar to that of a common plastic bag: during inflation, the airbag gradually inflates to its designed volume under internal gas pressure; during deflation, as the internal gas is released, the airbag gradually deflates and folds under external water pressure. This type of flexible airbag solution has been applied in relevant engineering practices due to its advantages such as simple structure, small foldable size, and ease of deployment and recovery.

[0004] However, in actual operation, the gas storage device needs to be repeatedly inflated and deflated underwater during the energy storage system's charging and discharging process. In each cycle, the airbag undergoes a complete deformation process from expansion to contraction. Furthermore, its folding shape and deployment path are affected by various factors such as material nonlinearity, uneven water pressure distribution, and processing errors. This results in significant randomness and unpredictability in the folding position and crease direction after deflation, leading to chaotic crease distribution and drastic local curvature changes. These irregular crease areas will generate stress concentration during subsequent inflation and deployment. Long-term accumulation can cause irreversible mechanical damage to the flexible material in these areas, such as coating peeling, base fabric fatigue, and even microcrack propagation, thereby shortening the airbag's service life and increasing the risk of gas leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an underwater flexible gas storage device to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, such as uncontrollable deformation, disordered crease distribution, and drastic local curvature changes in underwater flexible airbags during inflation and deflation, which lead to stress concentration and mechanical damage to the airbags.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An underwater flexible gas storage device, comprising: A flexible airbag, comprising a fixed airbag and a movable airbag connected to each other; A first constraint component is disposed on the fixed capsule to keep the fixed capsule in a predetermined shape; A second constraint component is disposed on the movable capsule to constrain the radial deformation of the movable capsule. The flexible airbag has an inflated state and a deflated state; In the contracted state, the movable capsule contracts toward the fixed capsule and is housed within the first constraint component under the constraint of the second constraint component. In the inflated state, the movable bladder expands and inflates away from the fixed bladder under the constraint of the second constraint component, so that the fixed bladder and the movable bladder together form an air storage space.

[0007] Preferably, the first restraint assembly includes an outer shell and an inner shell, the outer shell covering the outer wall of the fixing bladder, the inner shell being disposed on the inner wall of the fixing bladder, and the fixing bladder being clamped and fixed between the outer shell and the inner shell.

[0008] Preferably, both the outer shell and the inner shell are hemispherical shell structures, and the outer diameter of the inner shell is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shell.

[0009] Preferably, the end of the inner shell is provided with a protective ring, which is arranged along the periphery of the inner shell and bent outward to form an arc-shaped transition surface. The movable bladder fits against the arc-shaped transition surface in the contracted state.

[0010] Preferably, the end edge of the outer casing is provided with a plurality of connecting structures spaced apart circumferentially, the connecting structures being used to connect external devices.

[0011] Preferably, the second constraint component includes a limiting ring that surrounds the inner wall of the movable bladder and is fixedly connected to the movable bladder.

[0012] Preferably, multiple limiting rings are provided, and the multiple limiting rings are arranged at intervals along the expansion and contraction direction of the movable bladder, and the radial dimension of each limiting ring gradually increases from the end closer to the fixed bladder to the end farther away from the fixed bladder.

[0013] Preferably, the radial dimension of the limiting ring is smaller than the radial dimension of the protective ring.

[0014] Preferably, the fixed bladder forms a first hemispherical structure under the constraint of the first constraint component, and the movable bladder unfolds in the inflated state to form a second hemispherical structure adapted to the first hemispherical structure. The fixed bladder and the movable bladder together form a spherical air storage space.

[0015] Preferably, the first constraint component has an air inlet that communicates with the gas storage space, and the air inlet is used to fill or release a gaseous medium into the gas storage space.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The underwater flexible air storage device proposed in this invention divides the flexible airbag into a fixed airbag and a movable airbag, and equips each with a first constraint component and a second constraint component, so that the entire flexible airbag can obtain a definite and controllable deformation path during repeated inflation and deflation. Specifically, the first constraint component is set on the fixed airbag, so that the fixed airbag always maintains a predetermined shape, thereby constructing a reference region with a constant shape. This reference region does not participate in the folding and unfolding deformation of the flexible airbag, and can provide a spatial positioning reference for the contraction and unfolding of the movable airbag in each inflation and deflation cycle. The second constraint component is installed on the movable bladder and constrains the radial deformation of the movable bladder. When the device is deflating, the movable bladder gradually discharges the internal gas under the action of external water pressure. Since the second constraint component restricts the concavity or bulge of the movable bladder in the radial direction, the movable bladder cannot undergo random and irregular deformation in the radial direction. Instead, it contracts in a controlled manner towards the direction of the fixed bladder and is eventually housed inside the first constraint component. During the contraction of the movable bladder, since the deformation is guided to be completed along a fixed path, the folding area of ​​the movable bladder is limited to a specific range. Therefore, the folding shape formed each time it contracts has good consistency, reproducibility and gentleness. When the device enters the inflation state, high-pressure gas enters the flexible airbag. Under the action of air pressure, the movable airbag gradually unfolds and expands outward in a direction away from the fixed airbag. Similarly, under the radial constraint of the second constraint component, the expansion of the movable airbag is limited to a preset direction. The radial cross-sectional shape of the movable airbag is regularized by the second constraint component, avoiding local over-expansion or tortuous deformation. This allows the movable airbag to unfold smoothly along a determined trajectory opposite to the contraction path and together with the fixed airbag that always maintains a predetermined shape, form a gas storage space. As can be seen, with the coordinated operation of the first and second constraint components, the fixed bladder provides a stable morphological reference and storage space, while the movable bladder reversibly contracts and expands along the axial direction under the premise of radial constraint. During the entire inflation and deflation cycle, the deformation of the flexible airbag is restricted to a predetermined movement path, effectively reducing the randomness and unpredictability of folding position and crease direction. The local curvature changes tend to be gentle and evenly distributed, thereby effectively reducing the stress concentration phenomenon caused by messy creases and drastic changes in local curvature. This reduces the risk of coating peeling, base fabric fatigue and microcrack propagation during repeated deformation of the flexible airbag, extends the service life of the flexible airbag and ensures its long-term airtight reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the flexible airbag in the inflated state of the underwater flexible air storage device provided in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible airbag in the contracted state of the underwater flexible air storage device provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the picture: 1. Flexible airbag; 11. Fixed airbag body; 12. Movable airbag body; 13. Air storage space; 2. First constraint assembly; 21. Outer housing; 22. Inner housing; 23. Protective ring; 24. Connection structure; 3. Second constraint component; 31. Limiting ring; 4. Air intake section. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] See Figure 1 and Figure 2The underwater flexible gas storage device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a flexible airbag 1, a first constraint component 2, and a second constraint component 3. The flexible airbag 1 includes a fixed airbag 11 and a movable airbag 12 connected to each other. The first constraint component 2 is disposed on the fixed airbag 11 to maintain the fixed airbag 11 in a predetermined shape. The second constraint component 3 is disposed on the movable airbag 12 to constrain the radial deformation of the movable airbag 12. The flexible airbag 1 has an inflated state and a deflated state. In the deflated state, the movable airbag 12, constrained by the second constraint component 3, contracts towards the fixed airbag 11 and is housed within the first constraint component 2. In the inflated state, the movable airbag 12, constrained by the second constraint component 3, expands and inflates away from the fixed airbag 11, so that the fixed airbag 11 and the movable airbag 12 together form a gas storage space 13.

[0024] The flexible airbag 1 includes a fixed airbag body 11 and a movable airbag body 12 connected to each other. In this embodiment, the fixed airbag body 11 and the movable airbag body 12 adopt an integral molding structure, that is, the entire flexible airbag 1 is formed into a complete airbag structure by cutting and welding or bonding the same flexible material. There is no need to set additional connecting parts between the fixed airbag body 11 and the movable airbag body 12, thereby ensuring the airtightness and structural continuity at the connection between the two, which helps to reduce the risk of gas leakage, and also simplifies the manufacturing process and assembly process.

[0025] It is understood that in other embodiments, the fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12 can also be manufactured independently and then connected. In this case, a sealing structure is provided at the connection point. The sealing structure can be achieved by means of hot melt welding, high frequency welding or adhesive sealing, as long as it can ensure that the fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12 maintain good airtightness at the connection point.

[0026] Specifically, the flexible airbag 1 has an inflated state and a deflated state.

[0027] The term "inflated state" refers to the stable shape of the flexible airbag 1 when high-pressure air is supplied to it, gradually expanding under gas pressure until it reaches its designed working volume. In the inflated state, the movable airbag 12, guided by the second constraint component 3, fully unfolds and expands outwards in a direction away from the fixed airbag 11. The radial deformation of the movable airbag 12 is limited within a predetermined range by the second constraint component 3, ensuring a smooth and controllable unfolding process. Simultaneously, the fixed airbag 11 remains in its predetermined shape under the constraint of the first constraint component 2, preventing additional deformation or displacement due to changes in internal air pressure. When the movable airbag 12 is fully unfolded, the fixed airbag 11 and the movable airbag 12 together form a closed, geometrically regular air storage space 13. The air storage space 13 is filled with high-pressure air and maintained at the working pressure. At this point, the entire underwater flexible air storage device is in the fully inflated working state.

[0028] The term "contraction state" refers to the state in which the flexible airbag 1 shrinks to its minimum size under the hydrostatic pressure of the external water body after the high-pressure air in the air storage space 13 is expelled. In the contraction state, the gas inside the movable airbag 12 has been basically emptied, and the movable airbag 12 is no longer supported by the internal air pressure. Instead, it folds and contracts under the pressure of the surrounding water. Since the second constraint component 3 restricts the radial deformation of the movable airbag 12, the movable airbag 12 cannot produce random bulges or wrinkles in the radial direction. Instead, it contracts in a controlled manner in the direction of the fixed airbag 11 and is eventually completely contained within the internal space defined by the first constraint component 2.

[0029] It should be noted that, in the contracted state, the fixed bladder 11 also maintains its predetermined shape under the constraint of the first constraint component 2. During the contraction process, the movable bladder 12 continuously moves closer to the fixed bladder 11 and eventually overlaps within the space occupied by the fixed bladder 11, so that the volume occupied by the entire flexible airbag 1 is reduced after deflation.

[0030] Specifically, the fixed bladder 11 forms a first hemispherical structure under the constraint of the first constraint component 2. The movable bladder 12, when inflated, unfolds to form a second hemispherical structure that matches the first hemispherical structure. The fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12 together form a spherical air storage space 13. Since the fixed bladder 11 maintains a hemispherical shape under the constraint of the first constraint component 2, and the movable bladder 12 also forms a hemispherical shape after unfolding under the constraint of the second constraint component 3, the two are joined together to form a complete spherical shell when inflated, giving the air storage space 13 a regular spherical geometry. The spherical structure has the characteristic of having the smallest surface area to volume ratio, requiring the smallest bladder material area for the same air storage volume, which is beneficial for reducing material costs. At the same time, the spherical structure has a uniform membrane stress distribution when subjected to uniform internal pressure, with no obvious stress concentration areas, which is beneficial for improving the pressure-bearing capacity and structural reliability of the flexible airbag 1.

[0031] Preferably, the first hemispherical structure and the second hemispherical structure have the same shape and volume, that is, the fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12 each occupy half of the spherical gas storage space 13 when inflated, so that the spherical gas storage space 13 is symmetrical when inflated, and the fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12 are under the same stress state, which is beneficial to further improve the deformation symmetry and structural stability of the entire gas storage device in the inflation and deflation cycle.

[0032] The flexible airbag 1 is made of a material with flexible and foldable properties, and its material must simultaneously meet requirements for airtightness, flexibility, water resistance, and fatigue resistance. In this embodiment, the flexible airbag 1 can be made of polymer composite materials, such as polyvinyl chloride mesh fabric, thermoplastic polyurethane mesh fabric, or rubber-coated fabric. Polymer composite materials have excellent airtightness, which can effectively prevent the leakage of internal high-pressure gas during long-term use. At the same time, they have good flexibility and folding resistance, which can adapt to repeated deformation of the airbag between inflation and deflation without cracking. In addition, polymer composite materials also have the characteristics of seawater corrosion resistance and aging resistance, which can resist the erosion of seawater, sunlight, temperature changes, and chemicals during long-term underwater service.

[0033] It is understandable that the materials of the fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12 can be the same or different. Since the fixed bladder 11 always maintains its predetermined shape under the constraint of the first constraint component 2 and does not participate in the repeated deformation process of folding and unfolding, the fixed bladder 11 can be made of a material with high structural strength and creep resistance to ensure its shape stability under long-term pressure. On the other hand, the movable bladder 12 repeatedly undergoes unfolding and contraction deformation during the inflation and deflation cycle. Therefore, the movable bladder 12 can be made of a material with higher flexibility and fatigue resistance to better adapt to the working conditions of repeated folding and deformation.

[0034] For example, the fixed capsule 11 can be made of a mesh fabric material with relatively high rigidity, while the movable capsule 12 can be made of a thin film composite material with better flexibility. The two are bonded together at the connection to form a complete capsule structure.

[0035] The first constraint component 2 is used to maintain the fixed bladder 11 in a predetermined shape. Specifically, the first constraint component 2 includes an outer shell 21 and an inner shell 22. The outer shell 21 covers the outer wall surface of the fixed bladder 11, and the inner shell 22 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the fixed bladder 11. The fixed bladder 11 is clamped and fixed between the outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22. Through the clamping structure of the double shell of the outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22, the fixed bladder 11 is confined within the predetermined space formed between the outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22, thereby ensuring that the fixed bladder 11 maintains the set shape without displacement or deformation throughout the entire inflation and deflation process.

[0036] The outer shell 21 and inner shell 22 can be connected to the fixing bladder 11 by adhesive bonding. The adhesive layer can not only adhere the fixing bladder 11 to the corresponding surfaces of the outer shell 21 and inner shell 22 to prevent the fixing bladder 11 from slipping or detaching from the outer shell 21 or inner shell 22 during use, but also has a certain sealing and reinforcing effect, which can enhance the gas penetration resistance of the fixing bladder 11 in this area.

[0037] In this embodiment, both the outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22 are hemispherical shell structures, and the outer diameter of the inner shell 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shell 21. The fixing bladder 11 is clamped between the inner spherical surface of the outer shell 21 and the outer spherical surface of the inner shell 22. Since the inner diameter of the outer shell 21 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner shell 22, a clamping gap of uniform thickness is formed between the two. The clamping gap just accommodates the wall thickness of the fixing bladder 11, so that the fixing bladder 11 is subjected to uniform clamping force in the clamping area without causing local compression that is too tight or too loose. This ensures the reliable positioning of the fixing bladder 11 in the shell and avoids damage to the flexible material due to local stress concentration.

[0038] It is understandable that both the outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22 adopt a hemispherical structure, so that the fixed bladder 11 sandwiched between the two maintains a spherical shape as a whole. When the fixed bladder 11 is subjected to internal air pressure, the outer surface of the fixed bladder 11 is supported by the outer shell 21, and the inner surface is limited by the inner shell 22. Therefore, it will not bulge outward or dent inward when inflated, and always maintains the stability of its shape. In addition, the outer shell 21 covers the outer wall of the fixed bladder 11, that is, it covers the upper and side areas of the entire device. Since the outer shell 21 is a hemispherical shell, it has a certain structural strength and impact resistance. During underwater operation, when it encounters falling rocks, anchor chains or other floating objects in the water, the outer shell 21 can first withstand and resist the external impact load, preventing the falling objects from directly contacting and puncturing or damaging the internal flexible airbag 1. This provides effective physical protection for the fixed bladder 11 and even the entire flexible airbag 1, further improving the device's survivability and operational safety in complex underwater environments.

[0039] A protective ring 23 is provided at the end of the inner cover 22. The protective ring 23 is arranged along the periphery of the inner cover 22 and bends outward to form an arc-shaped transition surface. Specifically, the protective ring 23 is located at the end edge of the inner cover 22 near the movable bladder 12, that is, at the junction of the fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12, which is also the part where the movable bladder 12 bends and deforms at the connection with the fixed bladder 11 during the contraction process. After the protective ring 23 bends outward, it forms a smooth arc-shaped transition surface on the surface. When the movable bladder 12 contracts in the direction of the fixed bladder 11 after deflation, the part of the movable bladder 12 near the connection gradually fits against the arc-shaped transition surface. Since the arc-shaped transition surface has no sharp edges or abrupt corners, the bending radius of the movable bladder 12 at this point is determined by the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped transition surface. This allows the movable bladder 12 to form a smooth arc-shaped bending shape at this point when it contracts and folds, avoiding the problem of local curvature abrupt changes and stress concentration caused by fitting against sharp edges.

[0040] Understandably, the radius of curvature of the arc transition surface can be set according to actual needs. Under the premise of meeting the requirements of structural compactness, a larger radius of curvature is beneficial to further reduce the bending stress of the movable capsule 12 during folding, thereby improving the fatigue resistance of the movable capsule 12 during repeated folding.

[0041] The end edge of the outer casing 21 is provided with multiple connecting structures 24 spaced circumferentially, which are used to connect external equipment. In the actual engineering application of underwater gas storage devices, the device needs to maintain a stable spatial position at a predetermined underwater depth to prevent drifting or overturning due to water flow impact or buoyancy changes.

[0042] Specifically, the connecting structure 24 can be in the form of pull rings, that is, several pull rings are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference at the lower edge of the outer shell 21. The pull rings are used to connect external equipment such as mooring chains or mooring cables, and the entire underwater flexible gas storage device is fixed to the seabed or a predetermined anchor point underwater by the mooring chains or cables. The pull rings are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference at the edge of the outer shell 21, so that the restraining force exerted by the mooring chains and cables on the device is evenly distributed along the circumference, avoiding the device from tilting or becoming unstable due to uneven loading underwater.

[0043] It is understandable that the specific form of the connection structure 24 is not limited to a pull ring. It can also take the form of a lifting lug, hook, bolt hole or flange connection seat, as long as it can achieve a reliable connection with external mooring equipment or underwater support.

[0044] Furthermore, the number of connecting structures 24 arranged around the outer casing 21 can be set according to underwater environmental conditions and mooring requirements. In cases of strong currents or deep water, the number of connecting structures 24 can be appropriately increased to improve mooring reliability.

[0045] In order to realize gas exchange between the internal air storage space 13 of the flexible airbag 1 and the external compressed air system, the first constraint component 2 is provided with an air inlet 4 that communicates with the air storage space 13. The air inlet 4 is used to fill or release gas medium into the air storage space 13.

[0046] Specifically, the air inlet 4 can be configured as an air hole on the first constraint component 2. The air hole penetrates the shell wall of the outer cover 21, the shell wall of the fixed bladder 11, and the shell wall of the inner cover 22, thereby forming a gas flow channel from the outside to the inside of the gas storage space 13. The air hole is preferably located in the top region of the outer cover 21 and the inner cover 22, that is, near the apex of the hemispherical structure. This position is at the top when the device is in the underwater working posture, which is conducive to the smooth entry of gas during inflation and the full discharge during deflation. At the same time, the top region is far away from the junction of the fixed bladder 11 and the movable bladder 12, so it will not interfere with the contraction and expansion movement of the movable bladder 12.

[0047] Understandably, the specific size and number of vents can be set according to the actual ventilation flow rate and system working pressure requirements. When a larger inflation / deflation flow rate is required, the vent radius can be increased or multiple vents can be opened on the first constraint component 2 and connected to multiple gas supply pipelines respectively to increase the gas flow cross-sectional area and improve inflation / deflation efficiency.

[0048] The second constraint component 3 is used to constrain the radial deformation of the movable bladder 12. Specifically, the second constraint component 3 includes a limiting ring 31, which is disposed around the inner wall surface of the movable bladder 12 and fixedly connected to the movable bladder 12. When the movable bladder 12 is inflated and unfolded, the movable bladder 12 at the location of the limiting ring 31 is radially constrained by the limiting ring 31, maintaining a circular structure and preventing large concave-convex deformation in the radial direction. This limits the radial cross-sectional dimension of the movable bladder 12 to within the circumferential contour determined by the limiting ring 31.

[0049] Since the limiting ring 31 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the movable bladder 12, the two form a whole. The limiting ring 31 deforms together with the movable bladder 12. When the movable bladder 12 contracts, the limiting ring 31 also contracts and always remains in a fixed position on the movable bladder 12, ensuring that the restraint effect remains effective throughout the entire inflation and deflation cycle.

[0050] More specifically, multiple limiting rings 31 are provided, and the multiple limiting rings 31 are arranged at intervals along the expansion and contraction direction of the movable bladder 12, and the radial dimension of each limiting ring 31 gradually increases from the end closer to the fixed bladder 11 to the end farther away from the fixed bladder 11.

[0051] Specifically, the expansion and contraction direction of the movable bladder 12 is the same as the direction of movement of the movable bladder 12 when it expands during inflation and when it contracts during deflation, and this direction extends along the vertical axis of the movable bladder 12. Multiple limiting rings 31 are arranged sequentially at certain intervals along the expansion and contraction direction of the movable bladder 12, with the limiting ring 31 closest to the fixed bladder 11 having the smallest radial dimension, and the limiting ring 31 furthest from the fixed bladder 11 having the largest radial dimension. The radial dimensions of the intermediate limiting rings 31 increase sequentially according to their position.

[0052] Since the radial dimension of the limiting ring 31 determines the maximum radial deformation range of the movable bladder 12 at the radial section where the corresponding limiting ring 31 is located, by setting multiple limiting rings 31 with gradually increasing radial dimensions along the expansion and contraction direction, the radial cross-sectional dimension of the movable bladder 12 gradually increases from the end near the fixed bladder 11 to the end away from the fixed bladder 11 after inflation and expansion. This gradual constraint arrangement matches the hemispherical geometry formed by the movable bladder 12 in the inflated state.

[0053] Under the coordinated constraint of each limiting ring 31, the outer surface of the movable bladder 12 is defined as a hemispherical curved surface. The bladder material between adjacent limiting rings 31 bulges outward under the action of air pressure and forms a smooth transition arc surface. Since the spacing between the limiting rings 31 is limited and the size of the limiting rings 31 increases sequentially, the local expansion of the bladder between adjacent limiting rings 31 is controlled within a reasonable range, and there will be no excessive bulging or depression in the local area. This ensures that the overall shape of the movable bladder 12 is compatible with the first hemispherical structure formed by the fixed bladder 11, and the two together form a regular spherical gas storage space 13.

[0054] It is worth noting that the radial dimension of the limiting ring 31 is smaller than that of the protective ring 23, meaning the minimum radius of the protective ring 23 is greater than the maximum radius of the limiting ring 31, to prevent the limiting ring 31 from being stuck by the protective ring 23 when the movable bladder 12 contracts. Specifically, among the multiple limiting rings 31, the limiting ring 31 with the largest radial dimension, i.e., the limiting ring 31 furthest from the fixed bladder 11, also has a smaller radial dimension than the protective ring 23. The protective ring 23 is located at the end of the inner cover 22, and the radial outer contour of the protective ring 23 constitutes the radial boundary of the first constraint component 2 at the end. Since the radial dimensions of all the limiting rings 31 are smaller than that of the protective ring 23, when the movable bladder 12 contracts toward the fixed bladder 11 after deflation, the movable bladder 12, along with its multiple limiting rings 31, moves toward the fixed bladder 11, allowing the limiting rings 31 to enter the internal space of the inner cover 22 without being blocked by the protective ring 23. After the movable airbag 12 is fully retracted, the entire movable airbag 12 and its limiting ring 31 are housed inside the first restraint assembly 2, that is, inside the inner shell 22. In this state, the first restraint assembly 2 not only accommodates the fixed airbag 11, but also provides storage space for the retracted movable airbag 12, so that the volume of the entire flexible airbag 1 is reduced after retraction. The outer shell 21 provides external protection for the retracted movable airbag 12, preventing underwater debris or water flow impact from damaging the airbag in the folded state.

[0055] The limiting ring 31 can be made of a material with a certain rigidity, such as metal or engineering plastic. The limiting ring 31 can be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the movable bladder 12 by means of hot melt welding, bonding, or clamping, as long as reliable fixation between the limiting ring 31 and the movable bladder 12 can be achieved. The limiting ring 31 itself does not need to be foldable; its fixed ring structure can provide a clear and stable radial constraint boundary at the corresponding radial section of the movable bladder 12.

[0056] Understandably, the number of limiting rings 31 and the spacing between adjacent limiting rings 31 can be reasonably set according to the design dimensions of the movable airbag 12 and the gas storage volume requirements. The more limiting rings 31 there are and the denser their arrangement, the higher the constraint accuracy on the shape of the movable airbag 12, and the smoother the hemispherical outline after deployment. In addition, the radial cross-sectional shape of the limiting rings 31 is preferably circular or elliptical to avoid sharp contact with the airbag material at the edge of the ring, thereby reducing local wear on the inner wall of the movable airbag 12 caused by the limiting rings 31 and further extending the service life of the flexible airbag 1.

[0057] Preferably, a reinforcing layer is provided on the movable capsule 12 at the position corresponding to the limiting ring 31. The reinforcing layer can be made of the same or different flexible material as the main body of the movable capsule 12, and can be provided on the inner wall surface, outer wall surface, or embedded in the capsule material by means of pasting, composite, or clamping. When the limiting ring 31 deforms together with the movable capsule 12, the reinforcing layer shares the concentrated force on the capsule material at the edge of the limiting ring 31, effectively dispersing the local stress at the edge of the limiting ring 31 to a larger area of ​​material, thereby reducing the stress level per unit area of ​​the movable capsule 12. At the same time, when the movable capsule 12 is in a contracted and folded state, the limiting ring 31, as a component, will form a local support point as it folds. The presence of the reinforcing layer increases the wear resistance and tear resistance of the capsule material at this support point, avoiding premature material damage to the capsule material due to friction or compression with the edge of the limiting ring 31 during repeated folding.

[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater flexible gas storage device, characterized in that, include: The flexible airbag (1) includes a fixed airbag (11) and a movable airbag (12) that are connected to each other. A first constraint component (2) is disposed on the fixed capsule (11) to keep the fixed capsule (11) in a predetermined shape; The second constraint component (3) is disposed on the movable capsule (12) and is used to constrain the radial deformation of the movable capsule (12); The flexible airbag (1) has an inflated state and a deflated state; In the contracted state, the movable capsule (12) contracts toward the fixed capsule (11) and is housed within the first constraint component (2) under the constraint of the second constraint component (3). In the inflated state, the movable bladder (12) unfolds and expands away from the fixed bladder (11) under the constraint of the second constraint component (3), so that the fixed bladder (11) and the movable bladder (12) together form an air storage space (13).

2. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first constraint component (2) includes an outer shell (21) and an inner shell (22). The outer shell (21) covers the outer wall of the fixing bladder (11), and the inner shell (22) is disposed on the inner wall of the fixing bladder (11). The fixing bladder (11) is clamped and fixed between the outer shell (21) and the inner shell (22).

3. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the outer shell (21) and the inner shell (22) are hemispherical shell structures, and the outer diameter of the inner shell (22) is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shell (21).

4. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the inner shell (22) is provided with a protective ring (23). The protective ring (23) is arranged along the periphery of the inner shell (22) and bent outward to form an arc-shaped transition surface. The movable bladder (12) fits against the arc-shaped transition surface in the contracted state.

5. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end edge of the outer casing (21) is provided with a plurality of connecting structures (24) spaced circumferentially, and the connecting structures (24) are used to connect external devices.

6. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second constraint component (3) includes a limiting ring (31) which surrounds the inner wall of the movable capsule (12) and is fixedly connected to the movable capsule (12).

7. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple limiting rings (31) are provided, and the multiple limiting rings (31) are arranged at intervals along the expansion and contraction direction of the movable bladder (12), and the radial dimension of each limiting ring (31) gradually increases from the end closer to the fixed bladder (11) to the end farther away from the fixed bladder (11).

8. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The radial dimension of the limiting ring (31) is smaller than the radial dimension of the protective ring (23).

9. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed bladder (11) forms a first hemispherical structure under the constraint of the first constraint component (2), and the movable bladder (12) unfolds in the inflated state to form a second hemispherical structure adapted to the first hemispherical structure. The fixed bladder (11) and the movable bladder (12) together form a spherical gas storage space (13).

10. The underwater flexible gas storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first constraint component (2) is provided with an air inlet (4) that communicates with the gas storage space (13). The air inlet (4) is used to fill or release gas medium into the gas storage space (13).

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