Composite Vessel Assembly Rectangular Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pressure vessels, such as spherical and cylindrical designs, are inefficient in space utilization and face manufacturing challenges due to complex shapes and high internal pressures, making it difficult to achieve lightweight, high-volume, and low-cost constructions with strong mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A composite vessel assembly with elongated liners forming a rectangular shape, featuring contoured bladders with minimal wall thickness, multi-stepped seams, and a junction band for structural integrity, manufactured using a mold-less curing method that reduces tooling requirements and allows for efficient stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional spherical or cylindrical pressure vessel designs are used, then stress distribution is even and structural integrity is maintained, but space utilization efficiency is poor (52-70% efficiency)
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel is divided into multiple modular sections (first pressure vessel section, second pressure vessel section, etc.) that can be assembled together to form the complete vessel. This segmentation allows for more efficient space utilization while maintaining structural integrity through standardized coupling mechanisms between sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a rectangular prism shape that partially exceeds the efficiency of traditional cylindrical designs by adding structural elements (coupling sections, reinforcement ribs) that enable better space utilization (up to 90% efficiency) while managing stress through distributed structural support rather than relying solely on the basic geometric shape.
2Volume of stationary object
If rectangular pressure vessel designs are used to improve space utilization (90% efficiency), then space utilization efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to variable-curvature surfaces and internal structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The complex rectangular pressure vessel is manufactured by segmenting it into multiple simpler sections that are easier to produce individually using conventional manufacturing methods. These sections are then assembled using coupling mechanisms, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired rectangular geometry and high space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from monolithic three-dimensional manufacturing to a multi-dimensional assembly process, where two-dimensional flat sections or simpler three-dimensional components are joined together to form the complete rectangular pressure vessel, simplifying the manufacturing of each individual component.
3Productivity
If high-volume manufacturing is implemented to reduce cost, then production volume increases, but maintaining consistent mechanical properties and reliability becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel is divided into standardized modular sections that can be manufactured independently using consistent processes. This segmentation enables high-volume production of identical sections while maintaining consistent mechanical properties through standardized manufacturing procedures, and ensures reliability through uniform quality control across all sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standardized parameters and specifications for the modular sections (dimensions, material properties, coupling mechanisms) that can be consistently reproduced in high-volume manufacturing. By controlling key parameters across all sections, the invention maintains mechanical property consistency and reliability while enabling increased production volume.
4Weight of moving object
If lightweight construction is pursued to reduce vessel weight, then weight decreases, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel sections utilize composite material construction that provides high strength-to-weight ratio, reducing overall vessel weight while maintaining structural integrity. The modular design allows these composite sections to be manufactured using standardized processes, and the coupling mechanisms are designed to accommodate the lightweight construction without requiring excessive reinforcement, balancing weight reduction with manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A composite vessel assembly includes a circumferentially continuous wall and an end cap. The wall includes a plurality of layers, and the end cap includes a plurality of steps. Each step of the plurality of steps is engaged to a respective layer of the plurality of layers.