Adaptable Tank

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tank configured to hold a pressurized substance. The tank includes a chamber (110) configured to enclose the pressurized substance and provide a seal between the pressurized substance and an ambient atmosphere, and an endoskeleton (120) disposed within the chamber (110) and coupled to the chamber (110) to provide structural support for the chamber (110). The endoskeleton (120) includes a plurality of coupled support members (130). The plurality of coupled support members (130) includes at least a first set (131) of support members having sides formed by a plurality of sheets. Each support member in the first set (131) has an internal asymmetric tetrahedron structure formed by the sides. Each face of the asymmetric tetrahedron structure is in the shape of a scalene triangle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a flexible tank for containing a substance, and in particular to a tank for containing a pressurized substance. [Background technology]

[0002] A container configured to contain a substance, especially a substance under a pressure different from the surrounding atmospheric pressure, is commonly called a tank. The difference between the pressure inside the tank and the surrounding atmospheric pressure creates forces acting on the walls of the tank.

[0003] Hydrogen is an example of a substance that can be held at pressures higher than the surrounding atmospheric pressure, but the fundamental problem applies to any pressurized substance, whether it is in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state.

[0004] When a substance is subjected to a pressure higher than the surrounding atmospheric pressure, the tank will, in theory, take on an approximately spherical shape.

[0005] For practical reasons, it is desirable for the tank to fit into a desired external structure, usually a cavity within a mechanical structure already available for a tank, such as an aircraft wing or a road vehicle chassis.

[0006] To ensure that the tank fits into the available cavity and continues to conform to the cavity's desired exterior structure, additional support structures are required. These support structures typically support the tank walls to minimize deformation when subjected to forces acting on the tank walls.

[0007] Conventional solutions may include internal reinforcing structures to prevent the tank walls from collapsing when subjected to forces acting on the wall surface. An example is U.S. Patent No. 5,629,497. A further example can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,629,497, which describes a large boat tank with internal stringers, bulkheads, and the like. A further example is found in U.S. Patent No. 5,629,497, which describes tie rods positioned between facing walls. U.S. Patent No. 5,629,497 describes an example of a tank with spherical cells, and U.S. Patent No. 5,629,497 describes an example of a tank with polyhedral cells. Further examples are found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,629,497, ... and 5,629,497. However, the problem with such conventional solutions is that the reinforcing structures typically rely on beams or trusses to transmit forces to selected points on the tank wall, subjecting the tank material to high localized material stresses.

[0008] Other conventional solutions may include internal structures to prevent weight shift due to sloshing of the liquid, as described for example in US Pat. No. 6,229,999, but these solutions do not focus on the structural integrity of the tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 053585 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2013 / 073724A1 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 1907750B1 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 9,234,626 B2 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 9,249,931 B2 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Publication No. 1723053B1 [Patent Document 7] Korean Patent No. 101701765B1 [Patent Document 8] Korean Patent No. 101935919 [Patent Document 9] European Patent No. 1137577B1 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 10731344B2 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for an improved tank for holding pressurized materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The above-mentioned drawbacks are overcome by the inventive subject matter described herein. Furthermore, advantageous embodiments of the invention are described herein.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the objects of the present invention are realized by a tank configured to hold a pressurized substance, the tank comprising: a chamber configured to enclose the pressurized substance and provide a seal between the pressurized substance and an ambient atmosphere; and an endoskeleton disposed within the chamber and coupled to the chamber to provide structural support for the chamber. The endoskeleton has a plurality of coupled support members, the plurality of coupled support members including at least a first set of support members having sides formed by a plurality of sheets. Each support member of the first set has an internal asymmetric tetrahedron structure formed by the sides, each side of the asymmetric tetrahedron structure being in the shape of a scalene triangle.

[0013] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the chamber is configured to have a shape that is adaptable to a desired exterior structure intended to surround the chamber.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the endoskeleton further comprises a second set of support members, each of the support members in the second set comprising an internal polyhedral structure different from the asymmetric tetrahedral structure.

[0015] In one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the plurality of coupled support members has an equal external size.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least some of the plurality of coupled support members have different feature sizes.

[0017] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the endoskeleton is coupled to the chamber by attaching one or more sheets of the first set of support members to the chamber.

[0018] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more sheets of the first set are attached to the chamber along a side of the one or more sheets facing the chamber.

[0019] In an embodiment of the first aspect, said one or more sheets are attached to said chamber by welding and / or adhesive and / or brazing and / or fusion bonding and / or additive manufacturing and / or additive deposition.

[0020] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tank further comprises a covering arranged to form a layer surrounding the exterior of the chamber.

[0021] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the enclosure comprises an endoskeleton configured to provide structural support to the chamber.

[0022] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tank further comprises an insulating layer arranged to form a layer surrounding the exterior of the chamber.

[0023] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sheets of at least the first set of support members comprise openings.

[0024] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sheets of the first set of support members comprise metal.

[0025] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the metal is stainless steel.

[0026] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sheets of the first set of support members comprise plastic.

[0027] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sheets of the first set of support members comprise carbon fiber.

[0028] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sheets of the first set of support members comprise cellulose.

[0029] An advantage of the first aspect is at least an improved ability to conform to a desired exterior structure. A further advantage is improved structural integrity.

[0030] The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated by reference into this section.The accompanying drawings will first be briefly described. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a tank with a chamber according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a tank with a chamber and an endoskeleton according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 shows an example in which one or more sheets of the first support member are secured to the chamber along the side or sides of the one or more sheets facing the chamber. [Figure 4A] 1 compares the solution of the present disclosure with a conventional solution. [Figure 4B] 1 shows the local stress in the chamber wall in the present disclosure and in the conventional solution. [Figure 5A] 1 shows an endoskeleton where the tank has only the first support member. [Figure 5B] 1 shows an endoskeleton in which the tank comprises a first set of support members and a second set of support members. [Figure 6]Show how the tank can be adapted to the desired exterior structure. [Figure 7A] 10 shows the tank further comprising a covering. [Figure 7B] 10 shows the tank further comprising a covering. [Figure 8] 1 shows a tank with a thermal barrier. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a tank in which an endoskeleton is connected to a chamber by fastening one or more sheets of a first support member to the chamber, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be obtained, and additional advantages realized, by those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. It should be noted that like reference numerals are used in the drawings to identify like elements shown in one or more of the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] This disclosure is related, at least in part, to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0129994, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0034] The present disclosure relates to tanks, particularly adaptable tanks that fit any desired external structure (typically an available cavity within a mechanical structure), intended to hold pressurized substances or substances held at pressures lower or higher than the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

[0035] Challenges for such tanks include ensuring sufficient structural strength while respecting weight restrictions.

[0036] The present disclosure addresses these challenges by providing a chamber for containing a pressurized substance and providing a seal between the pressurized substance and the surrounding atmosphere, and further includes an endoskeleton disposed within and coupled to the chamber to provide structural support for the chamber.

[0037] An endoskeleton is composed of multiple interconnected support members that are connected together to allow the endoskeleton to transmit force between the multiple connected support members.

[0038] This differs from conventional solutions that typically focus on strengthening the tank walls, i.e., conventional solutions primarily focus on preventing deformation of the tank walls. The present disclosure improves the structural integrity of the tank by configuring the support members to "fill" and / or "hang" the desired exterior structure and connecting the support members to each other and to the chamber, i.e., the tank itself forms a supporting unit with relatively high structural integrity.

[0039] Furthermore, the coupled support members include at least a first set of support members, the sides of which are formed from sheets, which may be provided with openings to adapt the load distribution compared to conventional solutions.

[0040] Physical loads (forces, pressures, accelerations) are distributed in a physical structure as material strains, which are expressed as material stresses. Stress is a useful quantification, but it is only part of the equation, although it is usually desirable to have as smooth a stress field as possible to get the most out of the material. Strain is a better metric, and adjusting it in a beneficial direction requires adjusting the distribution of the loads by changing the geometry of the components or members.

[0041] Each support member in the first set of support members has an internal asymmetric tetrahedron structure formed by its sides. In embodiments, each side of the asymmetric tetrahedron structure (formed by the sheet) has a scalene triangular shape. This allows for the creation of rigid support members with adaptable feature shapes and feature sizes.

[0042] In this disclosure, "tank" means a receptacle or container configured to contain a substance in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state.

[0043] As used herein, "pressurized substance" refers to a substance that is held under pressure below or above the surrounding atmospheric pressure. These substances may be in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state.

[0044] As used herein, "chamber" refers to a gas and / or liquid resistant membrane that surrounds a pressurized substance and provides a seal between the pressurized substance and the surrounding atmosphere.

[0045] In this disclosure, "endoskeleton" refers to a support structure that is positioned within a chamber of a tank in a manner similar to how an endoskeleton is positioned within the body of a living organism.

[0046] In this disclosure, "support member" refers to a mechanical element configured to transmit force between at least two points.

[0047] In this disclosure, "sheet" refers to a broad, flat piece of material or a broad extension or broad surface of an object. Examples of sheets include metal strips or bands made from sheet metal. The metal strips or bands may also be produced by load manufacturing or 3D printing.

[0048] As used herein, the term "size dimension of the exterior structure" refers to the volume formed by the contour of the support member.

[0049] In this disclosure, "cladding" means the first layer that surrounds the outside of the chamber.

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates a tank 100 having a chamber 110 in accordance with one or more embodiments herein. The tank 100 is configured to hold a pressurized substance in either a solid, liquid, or gas state. In one example, the substance is hydrogen. The tank 100 includes a chamber 110. The chamber is configured to enclose the pressurized substance and provide a seal between the pressurized substance and the surrounding atmosphere.

[0051] The chamber 110 of the tank 100 may be configured, for example, to have a shape that conforms to the desired exterior structure intended to enclose the chamber 110. This is further explained with reference to FIG.

[0052] This is advantageous in the field of mechanical structures, because cavities within the mechanical structure can be fully utilized to hold or store pressurized materials using adaptive tanks. Typically, such cavities exist in aircraft wings, road vehicle chassis, etc. However, other mechanical structures can also benefit from the use of adaptive tanks.

[0053] Conventional solutions often use cylindrical, spherical or box-shaped structures, the drawback of which is that the cavities within the mechanical structure are not fully utilized or the structural integrity of such solutions is not sufficiently high.

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a tank 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the tank 100 comprising a chamber 110 and an endoskeleton 120.

[0055] Endoskeleton 120 is disposed within and mechanically coupled to chamber 110 to provide structural support to chamber 110. Coupling endoskeleton 120 to chamber 110 improves the structural integrity of the tank and reduces stress on the chamber walls.

[0056] The endoskeleton 120 is coupled to the chamber 110 using suitable methods such as welding and / or adhesive and / or brazing and / or fusion bonding and / or additive manufacturing and / or additive deposition.

[0057] The endoskeleton 120 is comprised of multiple mechanically coupled support members 130. The support members 130 "fill" the interior of the chamber 110 and / or "span" the chamber 110. The support members are mechanically coupled to each other and to the chamber 110, improving the structural integrity of the tank. Coupling the support members 130 to each other improves the structural integrity of the tank and further reduces stress in the chamber walls. This is because coupling the support members to each other and to the chamber 110 transfers forces between the support members away from the chamber walls. In particular, adjacent support members transfer forces between their adjacent support members.

[0058] The plurality of connected support members 130 includes at least a first set of support members 131, the sides of which are formed from a sheet. Each of the first set of support members 131 has an internal asymmetric tetrahedron structure formed by the sides of the support members, and each side of the asymmetric tetrahedron structure is in the shape of a scalene triangle.

[0059] This has the advantage, compared to using a symmetrical tetrahedron structure with sides in the shape of equilateral triangles, of creating a relatively strong support member that can conform to any desired geometric shape.

[0060] For some tank geometries, the dimensions of the tank 100 are an integer multiple of the outer size of the support members, and the support members are positioned to completely fill or span the inner volume of the tank 100.

[0061] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of coupled support members 130 has an equal structural size.

[0062] In other tank geometries, the dimensions of the tank 100 are not an integer multiple of the structural dimensions of the support members, and the support members must have different structural dimensions and be designed to completely or nearly completely / substantially fill or span the interior volume of the tank 100.

[0063] In one alternative embodiment, at least some of the plurality of coupled support members 130 have different feature sizes.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, endoskeleton 120 is coupled to chamber 110 by fastening one or more sheets of first set 131 to chamber 110. In one embodiment, at least a portion of one or more sheets of first set 131 are fastened to chamber 110 along a side of the one or more sheets facing chamber 110. For example, the entire one or more sheets facing chamber 110 are welded to chamber 110. In yet another example, each entire side of the one or more sheets facing chamber 110 is folded to form a rectangular region, and the rectangular region is glued to chamber 110.

[0065] This has the advantage of reducing stress in the walls of the chamber 110. This is achieved by dividing the outer surface into smaller subsurfaces, each bearing a limited portion of the total load. Furthermore, the endoskeleton relieves the load on the walls of the chamber 110 and transfers the load to the structure through the support members. In other words, the endoskeleton acts as a support for the walls. Instead of the walls transferring the entire load through tangential stresses, some of the load is transferred inward through the endoskeleton, reducing local stresses in the walls.

[0066] The one or more sheets may, in embodiments, be coupled / secured to the chamber 110 by welding and / or adhesive and / or brazing and / or fusion bonding and / or additive manufacturing and / or additive deposition.

[0067] It should be noted that while the support members are shown in a similar orientation in FIG. 2, any suitable orientation may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows an example in which one or more sheets of the first set of support members 131 are secured to the chamber 110 along the side of the one or more sheets facing the chamber 110 .

[0069] In this example, one or more entire sheets facing the chamber 110 are welded to the chamber 110. In another example (not shown), one or more entire sheets facing the chamber 110 are each folded to form a tab or rectangular area that is secured to the wall of the chamber 110, for example, by welding or gluing.

[0070] Figure 4A shows a comparison between the solution 410 of the present disclosure and a conventional solution 420. As is clear from Figure 4A, the support member of the present disclosure is attached across the entire foot portion of one or more seats facing the chamber 110.

[0071] In prior art 420, beam or truss type support members are attached at points, usually at the ends of the beam or truss, to the chamber 110. This structure has the disadvantage of relatively high local stresses at the points where the beam or truss attaches to the walls of the chamber 110.

[0072] Figure 4B shows the local stresses in the chamber walls for the present disclosure 430 and the prior art 440. Figure 4B shows images 430, 440 showing high local stresses as dark areas and low local stresses as light areas. As can be seen from Figure 4B, the present embodiment reduces the local stresses in the chamber walls compared to the prior art solution. The high local stresses in the chamber walls are indicated by dots in the image 440 on the right.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, openings are provided in the sheets of the first set of support members 131. By forming the openings in different shapes, the structural integrity properties of the support members can be adapted to desired requirements.

[0074] Examples of apertures are shown in Figures 7A-B. The aperture shape is determined based on stress / strain analysis showing sub-threshold levels.

[0075] The sheets of the first set of support members 131 may comprise different suitable materials.

[0076] Additionally or alternatively, the sheets of the first set of support members 131 comprise a metal. In one embodiment, the metal is stainless steel.

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, the sheets of the first set of support members 131 comprise plastic.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the sheets of the first set of support members 131 include carbon fiber.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, the sheets of the first set of support members 131 comprise cellulose.

[0080] Figure 5A shows an endoskeleton 120 in which the plurality of connected support members 130 only has a first set of support members 131. For ease of reading, the chamber 110 is not shown in Figure 5A.

[0081] Figure 5B illustrates an endoskeleton 120 in which the plurality of connected support members 130 includes a first set of support members 131 and a second set of support members 132. Each support member in the second set of support members 132 has an internal polyhedral structure other than an asymmetrical tetrahedral structure. In the example shown in Figure 5B, square tubular support members are shown, which are generally desirable in applications where loads and stresses decrease toward the center of the tank.

[0082] 6 illustrates how the tank 100 fits into a desired external structure 300 (e.g., a cavity within a mechanical structure as described above). The present disclosure performs particularly well when the external structure 300 is irregular and asymmetrical (e.g., a cavity within an aircraft wing).

[0083] 7A illustrates a configuration in which the tank 100 further includes a coating 140 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The coating 140 is disposed to form a layer surrounding the outside of the chamber 110.

[0084] In one embodiment, the cladding 140 forms an exoskeleton that provides structural support to the chamber 110. The cladding is secured to the tank chamber using suitable methods, such as welding and / or adhesive and / or brazing and / or deposition and / or additive manufacturing and / or deposition, an example of which is shown in Figures 7A-B.

[0085] Additionally or alternatively, the coating 140 is configured to provide thermal insulation and effectively forms an insulating layer.

[0086] In some embodiments, other layers of insulation are added to further protect the tank from the surrounding atmosphere.

[0087] FIG. 7A further shows openings 160 provided in the sheets of the first set of support members 131.

[0088] FIG. 7B shows an exploded view of the tank 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0089] Figure 8 shows a tank 100 with an insulating layer 150. In Figure 8, the exterior structure 300 is irregular and asymmetrical, shaped like the cavity of an aircraft wing, for example. The tank 100 comprises a chamber 110 and an internal endoskeleton 120. The chamber 110 further comprises an insulating layer 150.

[0090] In one embodiment, the tank further comprises an insulating layer 150. The insulating layer 150 is arranged to form a surrounding layer around the outside of the chamber 110.

[0091] 9 illustrates a tank in which an endoskeleton 120, according to one or more embodiments herein, is coupled to a chamber 110 by fastening one or more sheets of a first set of support members 131 to the chamber 110. The one or more sheets of the first set 131 are fastened to the chamber 110 along sides 910-960 of the one or more sheets that face the chamber 110.

[0092] In other words, the sides (910-960) of the sheets of the first set of support members 131 facing the chamber 110 and / or the walls of the chamber 110 are attached to the chamber 110 and / or the walls of the chamber 110 along with the sides 910-960 of one or more sheets facing the chamber 110.

[0093] This has the advantage of improving the structural integrity of the tank 100 even when the dimensions of the chamber 110 do not match an integral multiple of the dimensions of the support member, i.e., providing better adaptability to irregular and asymmetrical exterior structures 300, such as the gaps in an aircraft wing.

[0094] In one embodiment, one or more sides (910-960) of the sheets of the first set of support members 131 are an integral part of the support members, in other words, the sides / sheets of the first set of support members 131 are typically adapted and attached to the chamber walls.

[0095] In one embodiment, one or more of the sides (910-960) of the sheet of first set of support members 131 are components that are added and attached to the support members. In other words, additional components are added to the sides / sheets of first set of support members 131, and the additional components are attached to the inside and / or outside of the chamber wall as part of the enclosure 140, for example, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows an example where additional components have been added to the sides / sheets of the first set of support members 131 and attached to the inside of the chamber 110 and / or to the chamber walls.

[0097] It is understood that the tank may be provided with additional features such as inlet / outlet connectors, sensors and other auxiliary equipment, even if not explicitly shown in the figures.

[0098] Finally, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1. 1. A tank configured to hold a pressurized substance, comprising: a chamber configured to surround the pressurized substance and provide a seal between the pressurized substance and the ambient atmosphere; an endoskeleton disposed within the chamber and coupled to the chamber to structurally support the chamber; the endoskeleton has a plurality of joined support members, the plurality of joined support members including at least a first set of support members having sides formed by a plurality of sheets, each support member of the first set having an internal asymmetric tetrahedron structure formed by the sides, each side of the asymmetric tetrahedron structure being in the shape of a scalene triangle; tank.

2. 10. The tank of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to have a shape that can conform to a desired exterior structure intended to surround the chamber.

3. 3. The tank of claim 1, wherein the endoskeleton further comprises a second set of support members, each of the support members in the second set including an internal polyhedral structure different from the asymmetric tetrahedral structure.

4. 4. The tank according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of connected support members has the same external size.

5. 4. The tank according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of connected support members have different external sizes.

6. 6. The tank of claim 1, wherein the endoskeleton is coupled to the chamber by attaching one or more sheets of the first set of support members to the chamber.

7. 7. The tank of claim 6, wherein the one or more sheets of the first set are attached to the chamber along a side of the one or more sheets facing the chamber.

8. 8. The tank according to claim 7, wherein the one or more sheets are attached to the chamber by welding and / or adhesive and / or brazing and / or fusion bonding and / or additive manufacturing and / or additive deposition.

9. The tank according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a covering arranged to form a layer surrounding the exterior of the chamber.

10. 10. The tank of claim 9, wherein the enclosure comprises an endoskeleton configured to structurally support the chamber.

11. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an insulating layer arranged to form a layer surrounding the exterior of the chamber.

12. A tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheets of at least the first set of support members are provided with openings.

13. A tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheets of the first set of support members comprise metal.

14. 14. The tank of claim 13, wherein the metal is stainless steel.

15. 15. A tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheets of the first set of support members comprise plastic.

16. 16. A tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheets of the first set of support members comprise carbon fibre.

17. 17. The tank of any preceding claim, wherein the sheets of the first set of support members comprise cellulose.

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