Infusible modular high pressure tank mounts

Abstract

A modular tank mount for use with a pressure vessel includes a mount block and a lid member. The mount block includes a plurality of inverted arches and a plurality of snap-fit clips spaced apart along a top wall. The lid member includes a plurality of lid snap channels and a plurality of lid arches spaced apart along a bottom wall. The lid member is fixedly coupled to the mount block by inserting each one of the plurality of snap-fit clips into a respective one of the plurality of lid snap channels. Each of the plurality of lid arches is vertically aligned with a respective one of the plurality of inverted arches forming a plurality of apertures.

Description

INFUSIBLE MODULAR HIGH PRESSURE TANK MOUNTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 650,275 filed on May 21, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to type IV pressure vessels for storing fluid and / or gas under pressure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular tank mount for supporting a type IV pressure vessel.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Type IV pressure vessels for storage of compressed gas comprising polymeric liners and fiber reinforced composite shell structures have been used as reliable, highly efficient vessels. Certain conventional type IV pressure vessels include one or more single chamber tanks. Each of the chamber tanks are supported by straps which are fastened around the chamber tanks. The number of straps and fasteners used to support the type IV pressure vessel is proportional to the number of chamber tanks. However, fastening a plurality of straps around the chamber tanks requires additional assembly time related to the number of fasteners.

[0004] In addition, certain type IV pressure vessels include a plurality of chamber tanks connected to an adjacent chamber tank by one tank connector of a plurality of tank connectors. The chamber tanks are often stacked in a variety of arrangements of number of chamber tanks per row and a variety of stacked rows. A variety of pressure vessels are requested by customers and an include a various total number of chamber tanks stacked in a variety of stacking patterns with a range of chamber tanks per row and including a range of rows in the stacking patterns. However, each stacking pattern typically requires a different tank mount to support each of the chamber tanks.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to support the chamber tanks while reducing the number of required fasteners and reducing the amount of assembly time. It is also desirable to support the chamber tanks in a variety of stacking patterns with a minimal number of modular parts.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment, there is provided a modular tank mount for use with a pressure vessel having a plurality of chamber tanks and a plurality of tank connectors wherein the plurality7of chamber tanks is fluidically connected to an adjacent chamber tank by one of the plurality of tank connectors. The modular tank mount includes a mount block having a base opposing a top wall, a plurality7of inverted arches spaced apart along the top wall, and a plurality of snap-fit clips spaced apart along the top wall. The modular tank mount also includes a first lid member having an upper wall opposing a bottom wall, a plurality7of lid snap channels spaced apart along the bottom wall, and a plurality of lid arches spaced apart along the bottom wall. The first lid member is fixedly coupled to the mount block by inserting each one of the plurality of snap-fit clips on the mount block into a respective one of the plurality of lid snap channels. Each one of the plurality7of lid arches is vertically aligned with a respective one of the plurality7of inverted arches forming a plurality of apertures which are spaced apart in a first row.

[0007] According to another embodiment, there is provided a tank assembly which includes a modular tank mount having a mount block connected to a lid member by at least one snap-fit clip on the mount block connected to a respective one of a snap channel on the lid member. The modular tank mount includes a plurality7of apertures formed between the lid member and the mount block. The tank assembly7also includes a pressure vessel having a plurality7of chamber tanks and a plurality7of tank connectors wherein each chamber tank of the plurality7of chamber tanks are fluidically connected to the adjacent chamber tank by a respective one of the plurality of tank connectors. The modular tank mount supports the pressure vessel with at least one of the plurality7of chamber tanks or at least one of the tank connectors extending through at least one of the plurality of apertures.

[0008] According to another embodiment, there is provided a modular tank mount for use with a pressure vessel having a plurality of chamber tanks and a plurality of tank connectors wherein the plurality of chamber tanks is fluidically connected to an adjacent chamber tank by one of the plurality7of tank connectors. The modular tank mount includes a plurality7of interconnected links which includes at least a first link having one of a snap-fit clip and a snap channel and a second link having another one of a snap-fit clip and snap channel. The one of the snap-fit clip and the snap channel on the first link is connected to the other one of the snap-fit clip and thesnap channel on the second link. The first link connected to the second link provides a support surface for the pressure vessel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tank assembly which includes a pressure vessel supported by spaced apart tank mounts, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the pressure vessel of Figure 1;

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the pressure vessel of Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 4 is a front view of a tank mount, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a tank mount and a portion of a pressure vessel, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 6 is a left side view of a mount block of Figure 4;

[0016] Figure 7 is a right side view of the mount block of Figure 4;

[0017] Figure 8 is a front view of a tank mount, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 9 is a front view of the mount block of Figure 4;

[0019] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the mount block of Figure 9;

[0020] Figure 11 is a top view of the mount block of Figure 10, which has been rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis;

[0021] Figure 12 is a rear view of the mount block of Figure 11;

[0022] Figure 13 is an enlarged rear view of portion 13 of Figure 12, showing a snap channel;

[0023] Figure 13 is an enlarged rear view of portion 14 of Figure 12, showing a snap-fit clip;

[0024] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the snap-fit clip of Figure 14 partially assembled with the snap channel of Figure 13;

[0025] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the snap-fit clip of Figure 14 inserted into the snap channel of Figure 13;

[0026] Figure 17 is a front view of a lid member, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 18 is a rear view of the lid member of Figure 17 which has been rotated 108 degrees about a vertical axis;

[0028] Figure 19 is a bottom view of the lid member of Figure 19;

[0029] Figure 20 is an exploded view of a tank mount, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the tank mount of Figure 8 assembled with the pressure vessel of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of a tank mount, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 23 is a perspective view of tank mount, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 24 is a partially-exploded perspective view of the tank mount of Figure 23;

[0034] Figure 25 is a front view of the tank mount of Figure 23;

[0035] Figure 26 is a front view of another tank mount, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 27 is a front view of an end link of Figure 23;

[0037] Figure 28 is a front view of a top link of Figure 23;

[0038] Figure 29 is a front view of a side link of Figure 23;

[0039] Figure 30 is a front view of a C-shaped link of Figure 23; andFigure 31 is a front view of a base link of Figure 23.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Figures 1-31 illustrate a modular tank mount 10 for use with a type IV pressure vessel 12, according to embodiments described herein. Directional references employed or shown in the description, figures or claims, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, lengthwise, widthwise, left, right, and the like, are relative terms employed for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any respect. Referring to the Figures, like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0041] Figure 1 depicts an exemplary tank assembly 14, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tank assembly 14 includes the pressure vessel 12 supported by the modular tank mount 10 and a second modular tank mount 10 which is spaced apart from the first modular tank mount 10. The first and second modular tank mounts 10 are described hereinafter as tank mounts 10 for simplicity. It will be appreciated that the pressure vessel 12 can be supported by any number of tank mounts 10 spaced apart along the pressure vessel 12, such as one, two, three, or more tank mounts 10, without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1-3, the exemplary pressure vessel 12 is a type IV pressure vessel, alternatively described as a conformable pressure vessel, a pressure tank, and the like, for storing a fluid and / or a gas under pressure. The pressure vessel 12 comprises a plurality of chamber tanks 19, a plurality of cuff portions 20, and a plurality of tank connectors 21. Each chamber tank 19 is fluidically connected by a cuff portion 20 to an adjacent one of the tank connectors 21. The pressure vessel 12 is folded into a hexagonal packing pattern of a plurality of rows R1 -R4 with one or more chamber tanks 19 in each one of the rows R1 -R4. The pressure vessel 12 shown in Figure 1 includes twenty eight chamber tanks 19 which are folded into a hexagonal packing pattern of four rows R1-R4 with seven chamber tanks 19 per row R1-R4. The rows R1-R4 are also described as a first row Rl, a second row R2, a third row R3, and a fourth row R4, and the like, to improve clarity. It will be appreciated that the number of chamber tanks 19 and the packing pattern can vary without altering the scope of the present invention, with the pressure vessel 12 including more or fewer chamber tanks 19, more or fewer rows R1-R4 of chamber tanks 19, and more or fewer chamber tanks 19 per row R1-R4.

[0043] Depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the pressure vessel 12 includes a molded polymeric liner 22, which serves as a gas barrier and a pressure containment when assembled as part of the pressure vessel 12. The polymeric liner 22 includes a liner wall 23, an internal cavity 24, and a longitudinal axis 26, a first tank end 28, a second tank end 30, a first exterior opening 32, and a second exterior opening 34. The liner wall 23 has a generally tubular shape which extends circumferentially around the internal cavity 24 and along the longitudinal axis 26 between the first tank end 28 and the opposing second tank end 30. The first and second exterior openings 32, 34 extend into the first and second tank ends 28, 30, respectively, and allow fluid and / or gas to be inserted into and / or removed from the internal cavity 24.

[0044] In addition, the polymeric liner 22 includes a plurality of chambers 36 and a plurality of connectors 38 which are connected in an alternating arrangement between the first and second tank ends 28, 30. Each connector 38 fluidically connects one of the chambers 36 to an adjacent chamber 36, as is commonly known in the art. In addition, the polymeric liner 22 includes a cuff section 40 transitioning between each of the chambers 36 and the adjacent connector 38 or to one of the first and second tank ends 28, 30. The chambers 36, the cuff sections 40, and the connectors 38 of the polymeric liner 22 generally correspond to the chamber tanks 19, the cuff portions 20, and the tank connectors 21 , respectively, of the pressure vessel 12. The pressure vessel 12 typically also includes an end fitting 42 inserted into each of the exterior openings 32, 34 and includes an inlet / outlet passage 44 for adding and removing fluid or gas, such as hydrogen or the like, from the chambers 36, as is generally known in the art.

[0045] Depicted in Figures 2. 3, and 5, the pressure vessel 12 also includes a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminate 46 formed on an outer surface of the polymeric liner 22, which is configured to reinforce the polymeric liner 22. The CFRP laminate 46 comprises one or more layers of carbon fiber tows 48 and resin 50 and includes a CFRP surface 52. The pressure vessel 12 has a generally circular-shaped cross section along the chamber tanks 19 with the CFRP surface 52 having a chamber diameter 54, alternatively described as a chamber radius 56 from the longitudinal axis 26. Further, the pressure vessel 12 has a generally circularshaped cross section along the tank connectors 21 with the CFRP surface 52 having a connector diameter 58, alternatively described as a connector radius 60 from the longitudinal axis 26. The chamber diameter 54 and the chamber radius 56 are generally larger than the connector diameter 58 and the connector radius 60, respectively.

[0046] To form the pressure vessel 12, the carbon fiber tows 48 are typically wrapped or braided around the outer surface of the polymeric liner 22 to form a liner assembly 62. Next, the liner assembly 62 is typically folded into a desired shape and coated with the liquid resin 50. The tank mounts 10 are assembled with the liner assembly 62 either prior to or after applying the resin 50 to the carbon fiber tows 48. Figure 5 shows a portion of the liner assembly 62 comprising a first row R1 of chamber tanks 19 and tank connectors 21 assembled with a portion of the tank mount 10. After the carbon fiber tows 48 are impregnated or coated with the resin 50 and the liner assembly 62 is assembled with the tank mount 10, the resin 50 is heated or cured to form the CFRP laminate 46 having a hard outer surface 52.

[0047] The tank mount 10 is configurable to provide flexibility to accommodate and support a variety of configurations of chamber tanks 19 within the pressure vessel 12, as described in more detail below . Referring to Figures 3-22, the tank mount 10 comprises one or more mount blocks 66 fixedly coupled to an adjacent mount block 66. Depicted in Figure 4, the tank mount 10 optionally comprises a plurality of mount blocks 66, alternatively described as a first mount block B 1 , a second mount block B2, a third mount block B3, and the like, to indicate individual mount blocks 66, B1-B3 within the plurality of mount blocks 66 to improve clarity.

[0048] Depicted in Figures 9-12, an exemplary mount block 66 has an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction (arrow 68) between an A-end 70 opposing a B-end 71. extending in a lateral direction (arrow 72) between an A-side 73 opposing a B-side 74, and extending in a vertical direction (arrows 75) betw een a top w all 76 opposing a base 78. The A- side 73 of the mount block 66 is depicted in Figure 9. The B-side 74 of the mount block 66 is depicted in Figure 12, wherein the mount block 66 of Figure 9 has been rotated 180 degrees about the vertical axis (arrow 75).

[0049] The mount block 66 includes a plurality of snap channels 80 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (arrow 68) along the base 78 and extending laterally between the A-side 73 and the B-side 74. The plurality of snap channels 80 includes a first channel 80a, a second channel 80b, a third channel 80c, a fourth channel 80d, a fifth channel 80e, and a sixth channel 80f. Referring to Figure 13, each channel 80 includes a channel opening 82 in the base 78 which adjoins a channel cavity 84. The channels 80 also include a first comer 86, a second comer 88, a first sidewall 90, a second sidewall 92, a first hook wall 94, a second hook wall 96, a first depression wall 98, a second depression wall 100, a first angled w all 102, a second angled wall 104, and a peak w all 105 extending around a perimeter of the channel cavity 84.The first comer 86 is a curved surface extending between a lower end of the first sidewall 90 and the base 78. The first sidewall 90 extends in generally a vertical direction and is connected to an inboard end of the first hook wall 94. The first hook wall 94 extends in generally the longitudinal direction and connects to a lower end of the first depression wall 98. The first depression wall 98 extends upwardly and adjoins a lower end of the first angled wall 102. The first angled all 102 extends at an angle from the first depression wall 98 and connects to one end of the peak wall 105. The peak wall 105 extends in generally the longitudinal direction and adjoins the second angled wall 104. The second angled wall 104 extends at an angle from the peak wall 105 connects to an upper end of the second depression wall 100. The second depression wall 100 extends generally the vertical direction and connects to an outboard end of the second hook wall 96. The second hook wall 96 extends in the longitudinal direction and connects to an upper end of the second sidewall 92. The second sidewall 92 extends in generally the vertical direction and connects to the second comer 88. The second comer 88 is a curved surface which extends between the second sidewall 92 and the base 78. The channel opening 82 is spaced between the first and second comers 86, 88 along the base 78. In addition, the channel 80 includes a first depression 106 bounded by the first hook wall 94. the first depression wall 98, and the first angled wall 102. The channel 80 also includes a second depression 107 bounded by the second hook wall 96, the second depression wall 100, and the second angled wall 104. The first and second depressions 106, 107 adjoin the channel cavity 84.

[0050] Depicted in Figure 9, the mount block 66 also includes a plurality of arches 108 spaced longitudinally apart along the base 78 and extending in the lateral direction (arrow 72) between the A-side 73 and the B-side 74. The plurality of arches 108 includes a first arch 108a. a second arch 108b, a third arch 108c, a fourth arch 108d, a fifth arch 108e, a sixth arch 108f, and a seventh arch 108g. Each arch 108 includes a curved profile having an arch radius 109 from an arch radial center 110. The mount block 66 is optionally configured to support the chamber tanks 19, the tank connectors 21. or the cuff portions 20 of the pressure vessel 12. Referring to Figure 21, the arch radius 109 is generally selected to be equal or greater than the chamber radius 56 when the mount block 66 is configured to support the chamber tanks 19. Alternatively, the arch radius 109 is generally selected to be equal or greater than the connector radius 60 when the mount block 66 is configured to support the tank connectors 21. Further, the arch radius 109 is optionally selected to be between the chamber radius 56 and the connector radius 60 when the mount block 66 is configured to support the cuff portions 20.

[0051] Depicted in Figures 9 and 10, the mount block 66 also includes a first tab recess 114 and a second tab recess 116 spaced apart along the base 78. Each one of the first and second tab recesses 114, 116 has a recess entrance 118 in the A-side 73 and a recess opening 120 in the base 78. Further, each tab recess 114, 116 includes a back wall 122, a U-shaped wall 124, and an attachment hole 130. The back wall 122 extends upwardly from the base 78 and is spaced laterally between the A-side 73 and the B-side 74. The U-shaped wall 124 extends along a perimeter of the recess entrance 118 and adjoins the back wall 122. The attachment hole 130 extends laterally through the back wall 122 and the B-side 74 and is spaced apart from the U- shaped wall 124.

[0052] Depicted in Figure 9. one of a tab recess 114, 116 and a channel 80 is spaced between adjacent arches 108 in an alternating arrangement along the base 78. In more detail, the first channel 80a is adjacent the B-end 71 in the mount block 66. Further, the first arch 108a is spaced between the first and second channels 80a, 80b. The second arch 108b is spaced between the second channel 80b and the first tab recess 114 in the mount block 66. The third arch 108c is spaced between the first tab recess 114 and the third channel 80c. The fourth arch 108d is spaced between the third and fourth channels 80c, 80d. In addition, the fifth arch 108e is spaced between the fourth channel 80d and the second tab recess 116 along the base 78. The sixth arch 108f is spaced between the second tab recess 116 and the fifth channel 80e. The seventh arch 108g is spaced between the fifth and sixth channels 80e. 80f. Further, the sixth channel 80f is adjacent the A-end 70. The mount block 66 also includes an arch portion 132 extending between the base 78 and the B-end 71 and an arch section 134 extending between the base 78 and the A-end 70. The arch portion 132 and the arch section 134 have a radius of curvature approximately the same as the arch radius 109 of the arches 108. It will be appreciated that the number, size, shape, and relative position of the channels 80, the arches 108, and / or the tab recesses 114, 116 might vary without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Depicted in Figures 6, 7, and 9-12, the mount block 66 includes an A-slot 136 and a B- tab 138 adjacent the A-end 70 and the B-end 71, respectively. The A-slot 136 includes a cavity entrance 140, a divider wall 142, a border wall 144, and a first fastener aperture 146. The cavity entrance 140 connects to the B-side 74 and the A-end 70. The divider wall 142 extends inward from the A-end 70. The border wall 144 is a U-shaped wall which extends between the divider wall 144 and the B-side 74. The first fastener aperture 146 extends laterally through the dividerwall 142 and the A-side 73. The B-tab 138 is generally a U-shaped tab having an inboard wall 148, an outboard wall 150, and a second fastener aperture 152. The inboard wall 148 extends from the B-end 71 of the mount block 66. The outboard wall 150 extends outwardly from the B-side 74 and opposes the inboard wall 148. The second fastener aperture 152 extends between the inboard and outboard walls 148, 150. The B-tab 138 is sized and shaped to fit at least partially into the A-slot 136 with the first fastener aperture 146 generally aligned with the second fastener aperture 152, allowing a B-end 71 of one mount block 66 to be coupled with an A-end 70 of another mount block 66, as further described belowfand depicted in Figures 8 and 21.

[0054] Depicted in Figure 9, the mount block 66 also includes a plurality of inverted arches154 spaced longitudinally apart along the top wall 76 and extending in the lateral direction (arrow 72) between the A-side 73 and the B-side 74. The plurality of inverted arches 154 includes a first inverted arch 154a, a second inverted arch 154b, a third inverted arch 154c, a fourth inverted arch 154d, a fifth inverted arch 154e, a sixth inverted arch 154f, and a seventh inverted arch 154g. Each inverted arch 154 includes a curved profile having an inverted radius155 from an inverted radial center 156. Referring to Figure 21, the inverted radius 155 is generally selected to be equal or greater than the chamber radius 56 of the pressure vessel 12 when the mount block 66 is configured to support the chamber tanks 19. Alternatively, the inverted radius 155 is generally selected to be equal or greater than the connector radius 60 when the mount block 66 is configured to support the tank connectors 21 . Further, the inverted radius 155 is optionally selected to be between the connector radius 60 and the chamber radius 155 when the mount block 66 is configured to support the cuff portions 20.

[0055] The mount block 66 also includes an inverted arch portion 157 extending between the top wall 76 and the B-end 71 and an inverted arch section 158 extending between the top wall 76 and the A-end 70. The inverted arch portion 157 and the inverted arch section 158 have a radius of curvature approximately the same or larger than the inverted radius 155. Referring to Figure 21, each of the inverted arches 154 includes a first arch segment 159, a central arch segment 160, and a second arch segment 161, wherein the central arch segment 160 is spaced circumferentially between the first and second arch segments 159, 161. The central arch segment 160 has the inverted radius 155 as described above. The first and second arch segments 159, 161 have a segment radius 162 of curvature which is greater than the inverted radius 155 such that a first gap 163a and a second gap 163b are formed between the inverted arch 154 andthe outer surface 52 of the pressure vessel 12 along the first and second arch segments 159, 161, respectively. The first and second gaps 163a, 163b allow fluids, such as the liquid resin 50, to flow along the liner assembly 62.

[0056] Depicted in Figures 9 and 12, the mount block 66 also includes a plurality of snap-fit clips 164 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (arrow 68) along the top wall 76 and extending laterally between the A-side 73 and the B-side 74. The plurality of snap-fit clips 164 are sized and shaped to releasably couple with a respective one of the plurality of channels 80. The plurality7of snap-fit clips 164 includes a first snap-fit clip 164a, a second snap-fit clip 164b, a third snap-fit clip 164c. a fourth snap-fit clip 164d, a fifth snap-fit clip 164e, and a sixth snap- fit clip 164f. Referring to Figure 14. the snap-fit clips 164 are shaped as commonly known in the art. In more detail, each snap-fit clip 164 includes a first leg 166 and a second leg 168 projecting upwardly from the top wall 76 of the mount block 66 and spaced longitudinally apart by a base section 170. The first leg 166 includes a first distal wall 172, a first proximal wall 174, a first ramp wall 176. a first guide wall 178, a first catch wall 180, and a first hook 182. The first distal wall 172 and the first proximal wall 174 project upwardly from the top wall 76. The first proximal wall 174 is tapered towards the first distal wall 172 such that distance between the first proximal wall 174 and the first distal wall 172 decreases as the distance to the top wall 76 increases. The first ramp wall 176 extends downwardly and outwardly from an upper end of the first proximal wall 174 and adjoins an upper end of the first guide wall 178. The first guide wall 178 extends in a generally vertical direction connects to an outer end of the first catch wall 180. The first catch w all 180 extends generally in a horizontal direction and includes an inner end which adjoins an upper end of the first distal wall 172. The first ramp wall 176. the first guide wall 178, and the first catch wall 180 form the first hook 182, which projects outwardly from the first distal wall 172.

[0057] Also depicted in Figure 14, the second leg 168 includes a second distal wall 184, a second proximal wall 186. a second ramp wall 188, a second guide wall 190, a second catch w all 192, and a second hook 194. The second distal wall 184 and the second proximal w all 186 project upwardly7from the top wall 76. The second proximal wall 186 is tapered towards the second distal wall 184 such that distance between the second proximal w all 186 and the second distal wall 184 decreases as the distance to the top wall 76 increases. The second ramp wall 188 extends downwardly7and outwardly from the upper end of the second proximal w all 186 and connects to an upper end of the second guide wall 190. The second guide wall 190 extendsin a generally vertical direction and connects to an outer end of the second catch wall 192. The second catch wall 192 extends generally in a horizontal direction and connects to an upper end of the second distal wall 184. The second ramp wall 188, the second guide wall 190, and the second catch wall 192 form the second hook 194, which projects outwardly from the second distal wall 184.

[0058] Depicted in Figures 9, 11, and 12, the mount block 66 also includes a first tab 196 and a second tab 198 spaced apart along the top wall 76. Each one of the first and second tabs 196, 198 includes an outer wall 200, an inner wall 202, a ledge 204, a tab wall 206, and a tab hole 212. The outer wall 200 projects from the B-side 74. The inner wall 202 projects from the top wall 76 with the ledge 204 extending between the inner wall 202 and the A-side 73. The tab wall 206 is a U-shaped wall that extends laterally between the outer and inner walls 200, 202. The first and second tabs 196, 198 are sized and shaped to fit at least partially within a respective one of the first and second tab recesses 114. 116 with the attachment hole 130 aligned with the tab hole 212, as further described below. It will be appreciated that the number, size, shape, and relative position of the inverted arches 154, the snap-fit clips 164, and / or the tabs 196, 198 might vary without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0059] Depicted in Figure 9. one of the snap-fit clips 164. the first tab 196, and the second tab 198 is spaced between adjacent inverted arches 154 in an alternating arrangement. In addition, one of the plurality of snap-fit clips 164, the first tab 196, and the second tab 198 are vertically aligned with one of the plurality7of arches 108 and the arch section 134. In more detail, the first snap-fit clip 164a is adjacent the B-end 71 in the mount block 66. Further, the first inverted arch 154a is spaced between the first and second snap-fit clips 164a. 164b along the top wall 76. The second inverted arch 154b is spaced between the second snap-fit clip 164b and the first tab 196 in the mount block 66. The third inverted arch 154c is spaced between the first tab 196 and the third snap-fit clip 164c. The fourth inverted arch 154d is spaced between the third and fourth snap-fit clips 164c, 164d. In addition, the fifth inverted arch 154e is spaced between the fourth snap-fit clip 164d and the second tab 198 along the top wall 76. The sixth inverted arch 154f is spaced between the second tab 198 and the fifth snap-fit clip 164e. The seventh inverted arch 154g is spaced between the fifth and sixth snap-fit clips 164e, 164f. Further, the sixth snap-fit clip 164f is adjacent the A-end 70.

[0060] In addition, the first, second, third, and fourth snap-fit clips 164a, 164b, 164c, 1 4d are generally vertically aligned with the first, second, fourth, and fifth arches 108a, 108b, 108d,108e, respectively. The fifth and sixth snap-fit clips 164e, 164f are generally vertically aligned with the seventh arch 108g and the arch section 134. respectively. The first and second tabs 196, 198 are generally vertically aligned with the third and sixth arches 108c, 108f, respectively. Further, the inverted arch portion 157 is generally vertically aligned with the first channel 80a. In addition, the first, third, fourth, sixth, and seventh inverted arches 154a, 154c, 154d, 154f, 154g are generally vertically aligned with a respective one of the second, third, fourth, sixth, and seventh channels 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f. Also, the second and fifth inverted arches 154b, 154e are generally vertically aligned with the respective one of the first and second tab recesses 114, 116.

[0061] Depicted in Figures 9 and 12, the mount block 66 also includes a plurality of ports 214 extending between the A-side 73 and the B-side 74 and which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (arrow768). The plurality of ports 214 includes a first port 214a, a second port 214b, a third port 214c, a fourth port 214d, a fifth port 214e, a sixth port 214f, and a seventh port 214g. The ports 214a-214g are positioned adjacent and above a respective one of the arches 108a- 108g. The ports 214 improve the flow of resin 50 along the liner assembly 62. The ports 214a-214g are also used for routing of wires through the mount block 66. It will be appreciated that the number, relative position, and size of the ports 214 can vary’ without altering the scope of the present invention. The mount block 66 also includes a plurality of ribs 216 extending along the A-side 73 and the B-side 74. which improves the stiffness of the mount block 66.

[0062] Referring to Figures 4 and 17-19, the tank mount 10 comprises one or more lid members 218, which are fixedly coupled to a respective one of the mount blocks 66. An exemplary lid member 218 has an elongated shape which extends in a lateral direction (arrow 72) between an Al -side 220 and a Bl -side 222, extends in a longitudinal direction (arrow 68) between an Al -end 224 and a Bl -end 226, and extends in a vertical direction (arrow775) between an upper wall 228 and a bottom wall 230. The Al -side 220 of the lid member 218 is depicted in Figure 17. The Bl-side 222 of the lid member 218 is depicted in Figure 18 wherein the lid member 218 of Figure 17 has been rotated 180 degrees about the vertical axis (arrow 75).

[0063] The lid member 218 includes a plurality of lid snap channels 232 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (arrow 68) along the bottom wall 230 and extending laterally between the Al -side 220 and the Bl-side 222. The plurality of lid channels 232 includes a first lid channel 232a, a second lid channel 232b, a third lid channel 232c, a fourth lid channel 232d, afifth lid channel 232e, and a sixth lid channel 232f. Referring to Figure 13, the lid channels 232 are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the channels 80 in the mount block 66 and includes similar features as depicted for the channels 80.

[0064] Depicted in Figures 17 and 18, the lid member 218 also includes aplurality of lid arches 234 spaced longitudinally apart along the bottom wall 230 and extending in the lateral direction (arrow 72) between the Al-side 220 and the Bl-side 222. The plurality of lid arches 234 includes a first lid arch 234a, a second lid arch 234b, a third lid arch 234c, a fourth lid arch 234d, a fifth lid arch 234e, a sixth lid arch 234f, and a seventh lid arch 234g. Each lid arch 234 includes a curved profile having a lid arch radius 236 from a lid arch radial center 237. The lid arch radius 236 and the lid arch radial center 237 are generally selected to correspond to the arch radius 109 and the arch radial center 110 of the mount block 66. The lid member 218 also includes a lid arch portion 238 extending between the bottom wall 230 and the Bl -end 226 and a lid arch section 239 extending between the bottom wall 230 and the Al -end 224. The lid arch portion 238 and the lid arch section 239 have a radius of curvature approximately the same as the lid arch radius 236.

[0065] Depicted in Figures 17-19, the lid member 218 also includes a first tab slot 240 and a second tab slot 242 spaced apart along the bottom wall 230. Each one of the tab slots 240, 242 is sized and shaped similarly to a respective one of the tab recesses 1 14, 116 in the mount block 66. Each of the tab slots 240 includes a slot entrance 244 in the Al-side 220 and a slot opening 246 in the bottom wall 230. Further, each tab slot 240, 242 includes a back wall 248, a U- shaped wall 250, and an attachment hole 256. The back wall 248 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 230 and is spaced laterally between the Al-side 220 and the Bl-side 222. The U- shaped wall 250 extends along a perimeter of the slot entrance 244 and adjoins the back wall 248. The attachment hole 256 extends laterally through the back wall 248 and the Bl-side 222. It will be appreciated that the number, size, shape, and relative position of the lid channels 232, the lid arches 234, and / or the tab slots 240, 242 might va ’ without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0066] Depicted in Figure 21, the tank mount 10 includes a plurality of mechanical fasteners 258 which fixedly couple one of the mount blocks 66 to an adjacent mount block 66 or to an adjacent hd member 218. as further described below. Referring to Figures 4, 8, and 20, a plurality of mount blocks 66 and one or more lid members 218 are assembled together to form exemplar}’ configurations of the tank mount 10. The mount blocks 66 and the lid members 218can be assembled to produce a variety of tank mounts 10, 10A-10C having different number of chamber rows R1-R4 and / or a different number of chamber tanks 19 per row R1-R4.

[0067] Depicted in Figure 20, an exemplary' tank mount 10A is shown which is configured to support three row s R1-R3 of chamber tanks 19 with seven chamber tanks 19 per row R1-R3, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tank mount 10A includes three mount blocks 66 (also labeled as a first block Bl, a second block B2, and a third block B3) and one lid member 218 which are attached together. In more detail, the first block B 1 is positioned so the B-side 74 is facing forward with the snap-fit clips 164 oriented upward. It will be appreciated that the first block Bl is optionally positioned such that the A-side 73 is facing forward, as depicted in Figure 5. Next and as illustrated in Figure 5, the first row R1 of chamber tanks 19 is assembled with the first block B l by inserting one of the chamber tanks 19 or one portion of one tank connector 21 into a respective one of the plurality7of inverted arches 154. Next, the second block B2 is rotated 180 degrees about the vertical axis so that the A-side 73 of the second block B2 is facing away from the A-side 73 of the first block Bl. Referring to Figure 20, the second block B2 is oriented with the A-side 73 facing forw ard and the channels 80 facing downward.

[0068] Next, the snap-fit clips 164 of the first block Bl are inserted into a respective one of the channels 80 in the second block B2. Depicted in Figure 15. as the snap-fit clip 164 is inserted into the channel 80 (arrow 260), the first and second ramp walls 176, 178 contact the first and second comers 86, 88, respectively, which causes the first and second legs 1 6, 168 to flex towards the other leg 168, 166, as illustrated by arrow s 264. As the first and second legs 166, 168 are flexed inward (arrow 264). the first and second hooks 182. 194 enter the channel cavity 84 and slide upward along the channel 80. Depicted in Figure 16, the first and second hooks 182, 192 slide into the first and second depressions 106, 107, respectively, causing the first and second catch walls 180, 192 to engage with the first and second hook w alls 94, 96, respectively, and the top wall 76 of the first block B 1 to contact the base 78 of the second block B2. Referring to Figure 20, the snap-fit clips 164f-164a of the first block Bl are inserted into the respective one of the channels 80a-80f of the second block B2. In addition, the second and first tabs 198, 196 of the first block Bl are inserted into the first and second tab recesses 114, 116 in the second block B2. Depicted in Figures 4 and 21, fixedly coupling the adjacent mount blocks 66 in vertical arrangement connects each one of the plurality of arches 108a- 108f with a respective one of the plurality of inverted arches 154g-154a and forms a plurality7of apertures 262.Referring to Figure 21. the aperture 262 formed by the arch 108a of the upper mount block 66 (i.e., block B3) and the inverted arch 154g of the lower mount block 66 (i.e., block B2) supports and contains the portion of the pressure vessel 12 extending through the associated aperture 262. For example, one mount block 66, Bl is attached to a second mount block 66, B2 in a vertical arrangement to form a first plurality of apertures 262 in a first row Rl. Further, the second mount block 66, B2 is attached to the third mount block 66. B3 in a vertical arrangement to form a second plurality of apertures 262 in a second row R2.

[0069] Depicted in Figure 20, the assembly process is repeated to assemble the third block B3 with the second block B2 for the tank mount 10A. In more detail, a second row R2 of the chamber tanks 19 or the portions of the tank connectors 21 are inserted into the respective one of the inverted arches 1 4 in the second block B2. Next, the third block B3 is rotated so that the B-side 74 is oriented forward and the snap-fit clips 164 are oriented upward. The snap-fit clips 164a-164f of the second block B2 are inserted into the respective one of the channels 80f- 80a in the third block B3. Further, the first and second tabs 196, 198 of the second block B2 are inserted into the second and first tab recesses 1 16, 114 in the third block B3. Next, the third row R3 of chamber tanks 19 or portions of the tank connectors 21 are inserted into the respective one of the inverted arches 154 in the third block B3. Next, the lid member 218 is oriented with the Al -side 220 facing forward and the lid channels 232 oriented downward. The snap-fit clips 164f-164a of the third block B3 are inserted into the respective one of the lid channels 232a-232f in the lid member 218. Also, the second and first tabs 198, 196 of the third block B3 are inserted into the first and second tab slots 240, 242, respectively, in the lid member 218. It will be appreciated that the lid member 218 is oriented with the Bl-side 222 facing forward if the adjacent mount block 66 (i.e., the third block B3 in Figure 20) is oriented with the A-side 73 facing forward such that the snap-fit clips 164a-164f of the top mount block 66 are inserted into the respective one of the lid channels 232f-232a in the lid member 218. Next, mechanical fasteners 258 are inserted through the tab holes 212 and the adjacent attachment holes 130, 256 which fixedly couples each mount block 66 to an adjacent mount block 66 or to an adjacent lid member 218.

[0070] Another exemplar}7tank mount 10B is depicted in Figure 4, which is configured to support four rows R1-R4 of chamber tanks 19 with seven chamber tanks 19 per row R1-R4, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tank mount 10B includes four mount blocks 66 (labeled as first-fourth blocks B1 -B4) and one lid member 218 which areattached together. The hexagonal packing pattern of the chamber tanks 19 is produced by rotating each vertically-adjacent mount block 66 about the vertical axis so that the A-side 73 of one mount block 66 (i. e. , blocks B2 and B4 ) is oriented in the same direction as the B-side 74 of a vertically-adjacent mount block 66 (i.e., blocks Bl and B3). Further, the lid member 218 is also rotated so that the Al-side 220 and the Bl-side 222 are aligned with the B-side 74 and the A-side 73, respectively, of the vertically-adjacent mount block 66. Described another way, the orientation of the A-side 73 and the B-side 74 are alternated between vertically- adjacent mount blocks 66. Further, the lid member 218 is oriented so that the Al -side 220 and the Bl-side 222 face in the same direction as the B-side 74 and the A-side 73, respectively, of the vertically-adjacent mount block 66. In the tank mount 10B, blocks Bl, B3 are oriented so the B-side 74 is facing forward, the blocks B2, B4 are oriented so the A-side 73 is facing forward, and the lid member 218 is oriented so that the Bl-side 222 is facing forward. The mount blocks 66 and the lid member 218 are fixedly coupled together by the snap-fit clips 164a-164f inserted into the respective one of the channels 80f-80a in the vertically-adjacent mount block 66 or into the respective one of the lid channels 232f-232a in the vertically- adjacent lid member 218. Further, the mount blocks 66 and the lid member 218 are fixedly coupled together by the mechanical fasteners 258 inserted through the tab holes 212 and the adjacent attachment holes 130, 256. The tank mount 10B includes a plurality of apertures 262 formed by each one ofthe plurality of arches 108a-108f assembled with a respective one of the plurality of inverted arches 154g- 154a.

[0071] Another exemplary tank mount 10C is depicted in Figure 8, which is configured to support three rows R1-R3 of chamber tanks 19 with fifteen chamber tanks 19 per row R1-R3, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tank mount 10C is configured to support additional chamber tanks 19 per row R1-R3 by connecting the A-slot 136 of one mount block 66 to a B-tab 138 of a horizontally-adj acent mount block 66. The tank mount 10C includes six mount blocks 66 (labeled as first-sixth blocks B1-B6), a first lid member 218, and a second lid member 218 (also labeled block T1 and T2, respectively), which are attached together.

[0072] In more detail, blocks Bl and B3 are oriented so the A-side 73 is facing forward. Blocks B2 and the lid member T1 are oriented so that the B-side 74 and the Bl-side 222, respectively, are facing forward. Block B4 is horizontally-adjacent to block B 1 in a side by side arrangement wherein both blocks Bl and B4 have the A-side 73 facing forward. Further, the B-tab 138 onblock B4 is fixedly coupled to the A-slot 136 ofblock Bl by a mechanical fastener 258. Blocks B5 and B2 are arranged in a side by side arrangement with the B-side 74 of blocks B2, B5 facing forward and the A-slot 136 on block B5 fixedly coupled to the B-tab 138 on block B2. Further, the snap-fit clips 164a-164f and the tabs 196, 198 on block B4 are fixedly coupled to the respective one of the channels 80f-80a and the tab recesses 116, 114 of block B5 since block B5 is vertically adjacent to block B4. Block B6 is horizontally-adjacent to block B3 in a side by side arrangement with both blocks B6 and B3 oriented with the respective A-sides 73 facing forward. Further, the A-slot 136 on block B6 is connected to the B-tab 138 on block B3. In addition, the snap-fit clips 164f-164a on block B5 are attached to the respective one of the channels 80a-80f on block B6 since block B5 is vertically-adjacent to block B6. Next, the lid member T2 is oriented so that the Bl -side 222 is facing forward and the lid member T2 is vertically-aligned with the block B6. Next, the snap-fit clips 164a-164f of block B6 are attached to the respective one of the lid channels 232f-232a in the lid member T2. Further, the mount blocks 66 (i.e., blocks B1-B6) and the lid member 218 (i.e., lid members T1 and T2) are fixedly coupled together by the mechanical fasteners 258 inserted through the tab holes 212 and the adjacent attachment holes 130. 256 and through the adjacent first and second fastener apertures 146, 152.

[0073] Depicted in Figures 8 and 21, the tank mount 10C includes 15 apertures 262, 266 per row R1-R3 since the connection between blocks B2. B3, B5, and B6 form an additional aperture 266. Referring to Figure 21 , the arch section 134 of block B6, the inverted arch portion 157 of block B5, the inverted arch section 158 of block B2, and the arch portion 132 of block B3 form a central aperture 266.

[0074] The mount blocks 66 are assembled with the pressure vessel 12 by at least partially inserting the chamber tanks 19, the cuff portions 20, and / or the tank connectors 21 into the inverted arches 154 and the vertically-adjacent arches 108 along with inserting the snap-fit clips 164 into the adjacent snap channels 80 on the vertically-adjacent mount block 66. In one embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the inverted arches 154 and the arches 108 of the mount blocks 66 are engaged with the cuff portions 20 of the pressure vessel 12. Attaching the mount blocks 66 to the cuff portions 20 reduces potential w ear on the CFRP laminate 46 since the CFRP laminate 46 covering the cuff portions 20 is typically thicker than the CFRP laminate 46 covering the chamber tanks 19. The CFRP laminate 46 covering the cuff portions 20 has more resistance to potential damage caused by installation of the mount blocks 66 in comparison tothe CFRP laminate 46 covering the chamber tanks 19. The mount blocks 66 also improve the resistance to braid damage when the mount blocks 66 mate on the cuff portions 20 of the pressure vessel 12 in comparison to the mount blocks 66 which mount on the chamber tanks 19. Further, the cuff portions 20 expand less during tank operation than the chamber tanks 19. As such, the cuff portions 20 are less likely to be over constrained by the mount blocks 66 during operation when the chamber tanks 19 expand under pressure. In addition, the gaps 163a, 163b between the outer surface 52 of the pressure vessel 12 and the inverted arches 154 in the mount blocks 66 improve flow of liquid resin 50 along the CFRP laminate 46. The plurality of ports 214 in the mount blocks 66 also improves the flow of liquid resin 50.

[0075] The modular tank mount 10. 10A-10C has significant benefits over conventional tank mounts. Typically, conventional tank mounts are configured to only support one configuration of a pressure vessel. A different conventional tank mount is needed for each different configuration of pressure vessels, which increases the number of parts required to assemble a variety of configurations of pressure vessels. However, the tank mounts 10, 10A-10C are configurable to provide flexibility to accommodate and support a variety of configurations of chamber tanks 19 within the pressure vessel 12 by using different amounts of the mount blocks 66 and the lid members 218. Further, the tank mounts 10, 10A- 10C are configurable to support the chamber tanks 19, the cuff portions 20, or the tank connectors 21. In addition, the snap-fit clips 164a-164f and the snap channels 80f-80a on the mount blocks 66 define snap fit features with snap fit clip joints for improved ease of installation. The mount blocks 66 having snap fit features allow for modular construction of the tank mount 10, 10A-10C which can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of different pressure vessel configurations for different customers. The modular design of the tank mounts 10. 10A-10C reduces overall part counts since different combinations and amounts of mount blocks 66 might be assembled to form a variety of tank mounts 10, 10A-10C, instead of requiring a specific tank mount for each customer configuration. For example, the size and shape of the modular tank mount 10, 10A-10C might be adjusted to support additional rows of chamber tanks 19 by assembling additional mount blocks 66 and additional lid members 218 as required.

[0076] Further, the interconnected mount blocks 66 of the tank mount 10 fully support each one of the chamber tanks 19 in a hexagonal packing within a complex, conformal structure of the pressure vessel 12. The interlocked mount blocks 66 extend around the outer surface 52 of the chamber tanks 19 to fully support the chamber tanks 19 in multiple locations. The mountblocks 66 form an interconnected self-supporting structure after assembly, which improves stability of the pressure vessel 12. Further, the increased contact area between the mount blocks 66 and the outer surface 52 of the pressure vessel 12 allows for a reduction in wear of the CFRP laminate 46 and provides integrated vibration damping in comparison to conventional mounts. The interconnected mount blocks 66 have vibration damping attributes since the mount blocks 66 engage with the outer surface 52 of the pressure vessel 12 with multiple contact points which mitigates modal vibrations. Also, the snap channels 80 allow relative axial motion to reduce loading on the pressure vessel 12. The inverted arches 154 and the arches 108 in each mount block 66 are offset laterally to allow hexagonal packing of the chamber tanks 19. Further, the inverted arches 154 and the arches 108 are sized and shaped to matingly engage with an outer surface 52 of a selected one of the chamber tanks 19, the cuff portions 20, or the tank connectors 21, which in turn increases the flexibility in constructing the tank mounts 10, 10A-10C. The snap-fit clips 164 of one mount block 66 are configured to be inserted into the respective snap channel 80 of a vertically-adjacent mount block 66 to fixedly couple the vertically-adjacent mount blocks 66 together. In addition, the snap-fit clips 164 and the snap channels 80 are configured to allow relative axial movement between the snap-fit clips 164 and the snap channels 80. As described above, the modular tank mounts 10, 10A-10C comprising snap fit features are an improvement in comparison to other conventional tank mounts.

[0077] Another embodiment of the mount block 66" is illustrated in Figure 22, where like double primed reference numerals represent similar elements or elements with similar function as those described above. Only significant differences between the two embodiments are reflected in the Figures and the description below. The second embodiment of the mount block 66" includes one or more grooves 274" or a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart grooves 274" extending axially along the inverted arches 154" and the arches 108". In contrast, the mount block 66 of the first embodiment includes inverted arches 154 and arches 108 lacking the circumferentially spaced apart grooves 274". The grooves 274" provide multiple contact points with the adjacent outer surface 52" of the CFRP laminate 46", which improves vibration damping and reduces wear on the braided carbon fiber tows 48" forming the CFRP laminate 46". In addition, the grooves 274" allow for resin 50" infusion through the mount block 66" along the CFRP laminate 46" covering the chamber tanks 19", the cuff portions 20", and / or the tank connectors 21" adjacent to the mount block 66". Further, the mount block 66" includes a plurality of holes 276". 278" extending therethrough providing passageways for running cables and also providing openings for resin 50" infusion. The grooves 274" and the holes 276", 278"in the mount block 66" also function as resin 50" flow promotion features which allow residue shedding during liquid resin 50" infusion processing.

[0078] Another embodiment of the modular tank mount 10' is illustrated in Figures 23-31, where like primed reference numerals represent similar elements or elements with similar function as those described above. Only significant differences between the two embodiments are reflected in the Figures and the description below. The second embodiment of the tank mount 10' includes a plurality of interconnected links 301', 302', 303', 304', 305'. In contrast, the tank mount 10 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of mounting blocks 66 and one or more lid members 218.

[0079] The tank mount 10' shown in Figures 23 and 25 has an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction (arrow 68') between a left side 310' and an opposing right side 312', extending in a lateral direction (arrow 72') between a face side 314' and an opposing rear side 316', and extending in a vertical direction (arrow 75') between a bottom side 318' and a top side 320'. In addition, the tank mount 10' includes a plurality of interconnected links 30 T, 302', 303', 304', 305' assembled to form a plurality of apertures 262' spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (arrow 68'). It will be appreciated that the plurality of interconnected links 30T-305' can be assembled to form a tank mount 10' having one or more rows 322’, 324' of apertures 262' wherein each row 322', 324' can include one or more apertures 262'. For example, the plurality of interconnected links 30T-305' can be assembled to form an alternate tank mount 10' shown in Figure 26, which includes a first row 322' of apertures 262' spaced vertically below7a second row 324' of apertures 262' in a hexagonal packing pattern. Further, it will be appreciated that individual links 30T-305' of the plurality of interconnected links 30T-305' might be described as a first link 30T-305', a second link 30T-305', and the like, for simplicity and to improve clarity.

[0080] Depicted in Figure 28, the plurality of interconnected links 30T-305' includes atop link 301'. The top link 301' includes an upward facing arcuate segment 330', a first downwardly facing arcuate segment 332', a second downw ardly facing arcuate segment 334', an outwardly facing snap-fit clip 336', a downwardly facing snap channel 338', and a lower snap channel 340'. The upwardly facing arcuate segment 330' and the first and second downwardly facing arcuate segments 332'. 334' are configured to matingly engage with the outer surface 52’ of adjacent chamber tanks 19', respectively, when the chamber tanks 19' are stacked in a hexagonal packing pattern. The snap-fit clip 336' and the snap channels 338', 340' areconfigured as commonly known in the art. In more detail, the snap-fit clip 336' includes a pair of tabs 342', 344' extending from one end of the top link 301' and which include respective outwardly facing hooks 346', 348'. The outwardly facing snap channel 338' extends from an opposing end of the top link 301'. The outwardly facing snap channel 338' includes recessed slots 350', 352' configured to matingly engage with the respective hooks 346', 348' on the snap- fit clip 336' when the tabs 342', 344' are inserted into the snap channel 338'. In addition, the outwardly facing snap channel 338' and snap-fit clip 336' are configured such that such that the tabs 342', 344' on one top link 301' are insertable into the outwardly facing snap channel 338' of another top link 30T to fixedly couple the top link 30T to the adjacent top link 30T in a side by side arrangement. Further, the lower snap channel 340' is spaced between the arcuate segments 332'. 334'. It will be appreciated that the plurality’ of interconnected links 30T-305' may include a plurality of top links 301' which are alternately described as a first top link 30 T, a second top link 30 T, and the like, for simplicity' and to improve clarity.

[0081] Depicted in Figure 27, the plurality of interconnected links 30T-305' also includes an end link 302'. The end link 302' includes opposing first and second end arcuate segments 354', 356' and opposing first and second end snap channels 358', 360'. The end arcuate segments 354', 356' are sized and shaped to matingly engage with the outer surface 52' of the respective adjacent chamber tanks 19'. The end snap channels 358', 360' are sized and shaped such that the tabs 342'. 344' on the snap-fit clip 336' on the adjacent top link 301' are insertable into one of the end snap channels 358', 360' to fixedly couple the end link 302' to the adjacent top link 301'.

[0082] Depicted in Figure 30, the plurality of interconnected links 30T-305' also includes a C- shaped link 303'. The c-shaped link 303' includes an upwardly facing arcuate segment 362', opposing first and second lower arcuate segments 364', 366', an outwardly facing arcuate segment 368', a first snap-fit clip 370’, a second snap-fit clip 372', a first snap channel 373', and a second snap channel 374’. The arcuate segments 362', 364', 366', 368' are sized and shaped to matingly engage with the outer surface 52' of the respective one of the adjacent chamber tanks 19'. The first and second snap-fit clips 370', 372' project outwardly from opposing ends of the c-shaped link 303'. The first snap channel 373' is spaced between the arcuate segments 360', 362' and the second snap channel 372' spaced between the arcuate segments 362'. 364'.

[0083] Depicted in Figure 31, the plurality of interconnected links 3O1'-3O5' also includes a base link 304'. The base link 304' includes a base bracket 375', an end clip 376', an end channel 378', a plurality of base clips 380', 382', 384', a plurality of support arms 386', 388', and a plurality of base holes 390', 392'. The base bracket 375' extends in a longitudinal direction. The end clip 376' is a snap-fit clip which includes first and second tabs 394', 396' extending longitudinally away from one end of the base bracket 375’. The end channel 378' is positioned at an opposing end of the base bracket 375’ from the end clip 376'. The end channel 378' is configured to matingly engage with the end clip 376' on another base link 304', which fixedly couples adjacent base links 304' together in a side by side arrangement. The plurality of base clips 380', 382', 384' include a first base clip 380', a second base clip 382', and a third base clip 384' projecting upward from the base bracket 375' and spaced longitudinally apart. Each one of the base clips 380', 382', 384' include opposing tabs 398', 400' which extend upwardly from the base bracket 375'. In addition, the plurality of support arms 386', 388' includes a first arm 386' and a second arm 388' projecting upward from the base bracket 374' and positioned outwardly and adjacent to a respective one of the tabs 398', 400' for each of the base clips 380', 382'. 384'. The first and second arms 386', 388' contact and support the adjacent arcuate segments 364', 366' when the base clip 380’, 382', 384' is inserted into the snap channel 373' in an adjacent C-shaped link 303'. The plurality of base holes 390', 392' include a first base hole 390' and a second base hole 392', which are longitudinally spaced apart and which extend vertically through the base bracket 374'. The base holes 390'. 392' provide locations for installing mechanical fasteners (not shown) during assembly, allowing the tank mount 10' to be fixedly coupled to a supporting surface (not shown).

[0084] Depicted in Figure 29. the plurality of interconnected links 3O1'-3O5' also includes a side link 305'. The side link 305' includes opposing first and second side arcuate segments 402', 404' configured to matingly engage with the outer surface 52' of adjacent chamber tanks 19'. In addition, the side link 305' includes a side snap channel 406' adjacent to one end and a side snap-fit clip 408' extending from an opposing end.

[0085] The snap channels 338', 340', 358', 360', 373', 374', 406' and the snap-fit clips 336', 370', 372', 380', 382', 384', 408' are preferably selected with uniform dimensions, respectively, so that each one of the snap-fit clips 336', 370', 372', 380', 382', 384', 408' is connectable with each snap channel 338', 340', 358', 360', 373', 374'. 406'. The snap channels 338'. 340'. 358', 360', 373', 374', 406' and the snap-fit clips 336', 370', 372', 380', 382', 384', 408' on the links301 '-305' define snap fit features with snap fit clip joints for improved ease of installation. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the snap-fit clips 336', 370', 372', 380'. 382', 384', 408' and the mating snap channels 338', 340', 358', 360', 373', 374', 406' might vary. It will also be appreciated that the tank mount 10' might include a different number of differently shaped links 30T-305' than described above without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 24 illustrates the assembly of the plurality of interconnected links 301 '-305' to form the exemplary tank mount 10' shown in Figure 23. The top link 301', the end link 302', the C-shaped link 303', the base link 304', and the side link 305' can be reversed front to back to adjust the relative positions of the snap channels 338', 340', 358', 360', 373'. 374', 406' and the snap-fit clips 336', 370', 372'. 380'. 382', 384', 408' if desired. The tank mount 10' of Figure 24 includes a first base link 304A', a second base link 304B', six C-shaped links 303' including a left C-shaped link 303 A' and a right C-shaped link 303B', five top links 301' including a left top link 301 A' and a right top link 301B’, a first side link 305A', a second side link 305B’, and one end link 302'. It will be appreciated that individual C-shaped links 303' may be described as a first C-shaped link 303', a second C-shaped link 303', and the like to improve clarity. To assemble the tank mount 1 O', the first base link 304A' is attached to the second base link 304B' in a side by side arrangement by inserting the end clip 376' of the first base link 304A' into the end channel 378' on the second base link 304B'. Next, the C-shaped links 303' are connected to the first and second base links 304A'. 304B' in a vertical arrangement and connected to adjacent C-shaped links 303' in a side by side arrangement. The left C-shaped link 303A' is positioned adjacent the left end of the first base link 304A' and the right C-shaped link 303B' is positioned adjacent the right end of the second base link 304B', as viewed in Figure 24. In more detail, the base clips 380', 382', 384' on the base links 304' are inserted into a respective one of the lower snap channels 373' of the adjacent C-shaped links 303', 303 A', 303B'. Further, the snap-fit clip 372' of each C-shaped link 303', 303B' is inserted into the adjacent snap channel 374' on the adjacent C-shaped link 303'. The snap channel 374' in the right C-shaped link 303B' lacks an adjacent snap-fit clip 372' and is retained in a disconnected state. The snap- fit clip 372' on the left C-shaped link 303 A' is spaced apart from another C-shaped link 303'. The first side link 305 A' is connected to the left C-shaped link 303A' by inserting the snap-fit clip 372' on the left C-shaped link 303A' into the snap channel 406' on the first side link 305 A'.

[0087] Next, the plurality of top links 30T, 301A', 301B' are connected to a respective one of the vertically-adjacent C-shaped links 303' and are connected to an adjacent top link 301',301A', 301B' in a side by side arrangement. In more detail, the upwardly facing snap-fit clip 370' of each C-shaped link 303', 303A' is inserted into the downwardly facing snap channel 340' in a vertically-adjacent top link 301', 301A', 301B'. However, the right C-shaped link 303B' lacks an adjacent top link 301', 301 A', 301B' to connect its upwardly facing snap-fit clip 370'. Therefore, the snap channel 406' on the second side link 305B' is connected to the snap- fit clip 370’ on the right C-shaped link 303B'. In addition, the snap-fit clip 408' on the second side link 305B' is inserted into the snap channel 338' on the right top link 30 IB'. Next, the snap-fit clip 408' on the first side link 305A' is inserted into the adjacent one of the snap channels 358', 360' on the end link 302'. Further, the snap-fit clip 336' on left top link 301 A' is inserted into the other one of the snap channels 358', 360' on the end link 302', which fully assembles the tank mount 10' depicted in Figure 23.

[0088] The tank mount 10' also includes a plurality of passageways 410' what are longitudinally spaced apart and extend laterally through the tank mount 10'. Each passageway 410' is bounded by the base link 304' and the adjacent C-shaped links 303'. The passageways 410' provide internal routing features for wires (not shown) and fasteners (not shown). In addition, the passageways 410' allow for infusion of liquid resin 50' around the chamber tanks 19'. The resin 50' infused around the chamber tanks 19' and around the tank mount 10' forms a robust composite structure that is rigid after curing. The passageways 410' through the interconnected links 30T-305' also function as resin 50' flow promotion features which allow residue shedding during liquid resin 50' infusion processing.

[0089] The tank mount 10' comprising a plurality of interconnected links 30T-305' replaces conventional single mount structures and increases the overall resistance to bending during tank installation. The tank mounts 10' also have increased room for fastener installation to an external source. A minimal number of fasteners are required for the tank mounts 10' since each link 301 '-305' forms a rigid structure with the adjacent links 30T-305' and the composite CFRP laminate 46' structure. The labor to assemble the tank mounts 10' and the pressure vessel 12' is reduced since a minimal number of fasteners are required to stabilize a complex, conformal structure.

[0090] The links 3O1'-3O5' having the snap fit features allow for modular construction of a variety of different tank mounts 10' configured to accommodate of different configurations of pressure vessels 12'. Further, the size and shape of the tank mount 10' might be adjusted to support additional rows of chamber tanks 19' by assembling additional links 30T-305' asrequired. The modular construction of the tank mounts 10' reduces overall part counts since different combinations and amounts of links 30T-305' might be assembled to form a variety of tank mounts 10' instead of requiring a specific tank mount for each customer configuration.

[0091] In addition, the interconnected links 30T-305' of the tank mount 10' fully support each of the chamber tanks 19' in a hexagonal packing within a complex, conformal structure. The interlocked links 30T-305' extend around the outer surface 52' of the chamber tanks 19' to fully support the chamber tanks 19' in multiple locations. The links 30T-305' form an interconnected self-supporting structure after assembly which improves stability of the pressure vessel 12'. Further, the increase contact area between the links 3O1'-3O5' and the pressure vessel 12' allows for a reduction in wear of the CFRP laminate 46' and provides integrated vibration damping in comparison to conventional tank mounts. The interconnected links 30T-305' have vibration damping attributes since the links 30T-305' engage with the pressure vessel 12' with multiple contact points which mitigates modal vibrations. Also, the snap channels 338', 340'. 358', 360', 373', 374', 406' allow relative axial motion to reduce loading on the pressure vessel 12'. In one exemplary embodiment, the links 30T-305' are about 20 mm thick where the links 301 '-305' contact the braided CFRP laminate 46'. In another exemplary embodiment, the links 30T-305' are about 4.4 mm thick where the links 301 '-305' contact the CFRP laminate 46'. However, it will be appreciated that the thickness of the links 30T-305' might vary without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0092] As discussed above, the tank mounts 10, 10A-10C, 10' of the present invention include modular components which can be assembled to form a variety' of differently -shaped tank mounts 10. 10A-10C, 10' configured a plurality of chamber tanks 19, 19', 19" in a variety of stacking patterns. In one embodiment, a plurality of mount blocks 66, 66' and one or more lid members 218 are attached together using snap-fit clips 164a-164f and snap channels 80a-80f. In a second embodiment, a plurality differently -shaped links 30T-305' includes a plurality of snap-fit clips 336', 370', 372', 380', 382', 384'. 408' which are attached to a respective one of a plurality of snap-channels 338', 340', 358', 360', 373', 374', 406' to form a tank mount 10' configured support a desired stacking pattern of chamber tanks 19'. The snap-fit connections of the modular tank mounts 10, 10A-10C, 10' reduce the number of fasteners required to fasten components to the pressure vessel 12, which also reduces assembly time. Further, the modular components for the tank mounts 10, 10A-10C. 10' can be assembled in different configurationsin order to support a variety of stacking patterns of chamber tanks 19, 19', 19", which in turn reduces the number of different parts needed in inventory.

[0093] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology', which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular tank mount for use with a pressure vessel having a plurality of chamber tanks and a plurality of tank connectors wherein the plurality' of chamber tanks is fluidically connected to an adjacent chamber tank by one of the plurality of tank connectors, the modular tank mount comprising: a mount block comprising a base opposing a top wall, a plurality of inverted arches spaced apart along the top wall, and a plurality of snap-fit clips spaced apart along the top wall; and a first lid member comprising an upper wall opposing a bottom w all, a plurality of lid snap channels spaced apart along the bottom wall, and a plurality of lid arches spaced apart along the bottom wall; wherein the first lid member is fixedly coupled to the mount block by inserting each one of the plurality of snap-fit clips on the mount block into a respective one of the plurality of lid snap channels; and wherein each one of the plurality of lid arches is vertically aligned with a respective one of the plurality of inverted arches forming a plurality of apertures which are spaced apart in a first row.

2. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 1. wherein: the mount block further comprises an A-side opposing a B-side, a plurality of arches spaced apart along the base, and a plurality of snap channels spaced apart along the base; and the first lid member further comprises an Al -side opposing a Bl -side.

3. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 2. wherein: the plurality of arches and the plurality' of inverted arches are offset from each other in an alternating arrangement; the plurality of snap channels and the plurality of arches are spaced along the base in an alternating arrangement; and the plurality of snap-fit clips and the plurality of inverted arches are spaced along the top wall in an alternating arrangement.

4. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 3. the mount block further comprising a plurality of ports extending between the A-side and the B-side and which are spaced apart.

5. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 4, at least one of the plurality of inverted arches further comprising a central arch segment which is spaced circumferentially between a firstarch segment and a second arch segment, the central arch segment having an inverted radius, wherein at least one the first arch segment and the second arch segment has a segment radius greater than the inverted radius.

6. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 4, the mount block further comprising one or more grooves extending along at least one of the plurality of inverted arches or at least one of the plurality of arches between the A-side and the B-side.

7. The modular tank mount as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 6, further comprising: a plurality of mount blocks comprising the mount block and a second mount block; wherein the second mount block is fixedly coupled to the mount block by inserting each one of the plurality of snap-fit clips on the second mount block into the respective one of the plurality of snap channels on the mount block.

8. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 7, wherein each one of the plurality of arches on the mount block is vertically aligned with one of the plurality of inverted arches on the second mount block and form a second plurality of apertures which are spaced apart in a second row.

9. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 8, wherein the A-side of the mount block is vertically aligned with the B-side of the second mount block such that the plurality of apertures in the first row and the second plurality of apertures in the second row are offset from each other to form a hexagonal packing pattern.

10. The modular tank mount as set forth in any one of claims 7 through 9, further comprising: a third mount block, wherein each one of the mount block and the third mount block further includes an A-end opposing a B-end, a B-tab projecting from the B-end, and an A-slot in the A-end; wherein the mount block and the third mount block are fixedly coupled together in a side by side arrangement by inserting the B-tab of the third mount block into the A-slot of the mount block.

11. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 10, each one of the mount block and the third mount block further comprising:an inverted arch section extending between the top wall and the A-end, an arch section extending between the base and the A-end, an inverted arch portion extending between the top wall and the B-end, and an arch portion extending between the base and the B-end; wherein when the mount block is connected to the third mount block in the side by side arrangement, the inverted arch section, the arch section, the inverted arch portion, and the arch portion are connected to form a central aperture.

12. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 11, wherein the mount block is coupled to the third mount block in a side by side arrangement with the A-side of the mount block aligned with the A-side of the third mount block and the top wall of the mount block aligned with the top wall of the third mount block.

13. A tank assembly comprising the modular tank mount of any one of claims 1-12 and further comprising: a pressure vessel comprising a plurality of chamber tanks and a plurality of tank connectors wherein each chamber tank of the plurality of chamber tanks are fluidically connected to the adjacent chamber tank by a respective one of the plurality of tank connectors; wherein at least one of the plurality of chamber tanks or at least one of the tank connectors extends through at least one of the plurality of apertures such that the modular tank mount provides support for the pressure vessel.

14. A modular tank mount for use with a pressure vessel having a plurality' of chamber tanks and a plurality’ of tank connectors yvherein the plurality of chamber tanks is fluidically connected to an adjacent chamber tank by one of the plurality of tank connectors, the modular tank mount comprising: a plurality7of interconnected links comprising at least a first link having one of a snap-fit clip and a snap channel and a second link having another one of the snap-fit clip and the snap channel; w herein the one of the snap-fit clip and the snap channel on the first link is connected to the other one of the snap-fit clip and the snap channel on the second link; and wherein the first link connected to the second link provides a support surface for the pressure vessel.

15. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 14, wherein:the plurality' of interconnected links comprises one or more of a base link 304', a first C-shaped link 303 A', a second C-shaped link 303B', a first top link 301A', and a second top link 301B'; the first and second links are one or more of the first C-shaped link 303 A', the second C-shaped link 303B', the first top link 301 A’, and the second top link 301B'; the base link 304' includes a base bracket 375', a first base clip 380', and a second base clip 382', wherein the first and second base clips 380'. 382' project upwardly from the base bracket 375'; each of the first and second C-shaped links 303A', 303B' includes an upwardly facing arcuate segment 362', a first snap-fit clip 370' and a second snap-fit clip 372' extending from opposing ends of the upwardly facing arcuate segment 362'. a first snap channel 373' and a second snap channel 374' which are spaced apart and extend away from the upwardly facing arcuate segment 362', and an outwardly facing arcuate segment 368' spaced between the second snap channel 374' and the second snap-fit clip 372'; each of the first and second top links 301 A', 301B' includes an outwardly facing snap- fit clip 336' and an outwardly facing snap channel 338' on opposing link ends, a lower snap channel 340' spaced between the outwardly facing snap-fit clip 336' and the outwardly facing snap channel 338', a first downwardly facing arcuate segment 332' extending between the outwardly facing snap-fit clip 336' and the lower snap channel 340', and a second downwardly facing arcuate segment 334' extending between the outwardly facing snap channel 338' and the lower snap channel 340'; and the upwardly facing arcuate segment 362' on the first C-shaped link 303A', the outwardly facing arcuate segment 368' on the second C-shaped link 303B’, the first downwardly facing arcuate segment 332' on the first top link 301A’, and the second downwardly facing arcuate segment 334' on the second top link 301B' are connected together to form an aperture for supporting the pressure vessel when the first base clip 380' on the base link 304' is inserted into the first snap channel 373' on the first C-shaped link 303A', the second base clip 382' on the base link 304' is inserted into the first snap channel 373' on the second C- shaped link 303B', the second snap-fit clip 372' on the first C-shaped link 303 A' is inserted into the second snap channel 374' on the second C-shaped link 303B', the first snap-fit clip 370' on the first C-shaped link 303A' is inserted into the loyver snap channel 340' on the first top link 301A', the outwardly facing snap-fit clip 336' on the first top link 301A' is inserted into the outwardly facing snap channel 338' on the second top link 30 IB', and the first snap-fit clip 370'on the second C-shaped link 303B' is inserted into the lower snap channel 340' on the second top link 301B'.

16. The modular tank mount as set forth in claim 14, the plurality of interconnected links further comprising one or more of: an end link 302' which includes a first end snap channel 358' spaced apart from a second end snap channel 360', and a first end arcuate segment 354' opposing a second end arcuate segment 356'; and a side link 305' which includes a side snap channel 406', a side snap-fit clip 408', and opposing first and second side arcuate segments 402', 404’ spaced between the side snap channel 406' and the side snap-fit clip 408'.

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