High Pressure Canister Unit With Integrated Valve And Box Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell vehicle high-pressure canister units face challenges in achieving high capacity with a simple structure while ensuring shock resistance, particularly when multiple canister bodies are integrated, as complex valve coupling systems can compromise structural integrity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure canister unit design featuring arrayed circular cylinder canister bodies coupled by tubes with a leader tube and valve for unified fuel management, housed in a box-shaped case with a closed cross-section peripheral wall for enhanced protection and shock resistance, allowing for increased capacity and uniform fuel distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple canister bodies are integrated with individual valves coupled by tubes, then fuel capacity is increased, but structural complexity increases and shock resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual valve-coupling structures into a single integrated valve assembly. Instead of providing separate valves for each canister body as in prior art, this invention uses one valve that controls fuel supply to all canister bodies through a unified coupling structure, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining high fuel capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure in this invention serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support framework, a fuel distribution manifold, and a shock-absorbing element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate valve couplings for each canister, simplifying the overall structure while preserving capacity expansion
2Quantity of substance
If multiple canister bodies are integrated with individual valves coupled by tubes, then fuel capacity is increased, but shock resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple canister bodies into a unified assembly where they share common structural support and coupling mechanisms. This integration creates a more rigid overall structure that better resists shock and vibration compared to separately mounted canisters with individual valve assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is designed with differentiated local properties: rigid connections for structural integrity and shock resistance, while incorporating flexible elements or damping features at specific locations to absorb vibration. This localized optimization maintains shock resistance while enabling multi-canister configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple case structure is used to house canister bodies, then manufacturing ease is improved, but shock resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case structure employs composite construction combining rigid materials for structural strength and shock resistance with simpler joining methods. The peripheral wall uses a closed cross-section design that provides high strength-to-weight ratio and shock resistance while remaining manufacturable through standard fabrication processes
Data Source
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AI summary
A high pressure canister unit (10) includes: plural arrayed canister bodies (18), each canister body (18) being formed in a circular cylinder shape, and including an opening (30B) at at least one end portion in its axial direction; a coupling member (20,21) that is connected to the opening (30B) of each of the canister bodies (18) and that couples the plural canister bodies (18) together, and the coupling member (20, 21) including a flow path placing interiors of the canister bodies (18) in communication with each other; a box-shaped case (22) that is configured to house the plural canister bodies (18) and the coupling member (20, 21), the case (22) including a through hole (46A); and a leader tube (32) that is provided to the coupling member (20, 21), that leads out to an exterior of the case (22) through the through hole (46A) of the case (22), and to which a valve (34) capable of opening and closing the flow path is attached.