Annular Cap Design for Hydrogen Pressure Vessel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure containers for hydrogen storage have a high number of cap components, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pressure container design featuring a liner covered with a fiber-reinforced resin reinforcement layer and an annular cap with deformable portions and engagement claws that crimp into the reinforcement layer, reducing the number of cap components and allowing for easier assembly and reduced fiber damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cap components are used to securely attach to the reinforcement layer, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cap components into a single integrated cap structure. The cap includes an annular body with engagement portions that directly interact with the reinforcement layer, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. This integration maintains secure attachment while reducing the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is segmented into multiple functional zones: engagement portions with teeth for biting into the reinforcement layer, deformable portions for radial deformation during assembly, and connection portions for joining cap bodies. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Strength
If engagement portions bite into the reinforcement layer to secure the cap, then the attachment strength is improved, but fiber damage to the reinforcement layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are designed with localized teeth that concentrate the biting force on specific contact points with the reinforcement layer. This localized interaction provides sufficient attachment strength while minimizing the overall damage to the fiber structure. The teeth are positioned and shaped to engage the reinforcement layer effectively without causing excessive fiber disruption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces the number of cap components, lowers manufacturing costs, and minimizes fiber damage during assembly, while maintaining secure engagement with the reinforcement layer.
Implementation Method 1
The cap is attached to the liner in a state in which the deformable portions are deformed such that the engagement portions of the cap bodies are engaged with the reinforcement portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure container includes a liner filled with gas inside, a reinforcement layer that is formed in contact with the outer surface of the liner by using a fiber reinforced resin and covers the liner from the outside, and a cap attached to the liner. The cap is formed into an annular shape, and includes a plurality of cap bodies that have engagement portions projecting toward the reinforcement layer and are arranged with intervals in a circumferential direction, and bridge portions that connect, in the circumferential direction, the cap bodies adjacent in the circumferential direction. The cap is attached to the liner in a state in which the bridge portions are deformed and the engagement portions of the plurality of cap bodies are engaged with the reinforcement layer.