Composite Pressure Vessel with Embedded Heating Element

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pressure vessels with non-spherical or cylindrical designs face challenges in efficiently utilizing space and manufacturing complexity due to their complex shapes and the added complexity of incorporating absorbents with heating means for gas storage and extraction.

Innovation Solution

A pressure vessel assembly with a rectangular configuration featuring flanking and interior vessels with lobed liners, reinforced with continuous and chopped fibers, and integrated heating elements within the composite material layers for efficient gas storage and extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional spherical or cylindrical pressure vessel designs are used, then stress distribution is even, but space utilization efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress distributionVSAvoidspace utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure vessel is divided into multiple modular cells (first cell, second cell, third cell) with different geometric configurations. Each cell can be independently designed for optimal stress distribution while the overall assembly achieves high space utilization through systematic arrangement of these segmented units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D cylindrical/spherical designs to a 3D modular cellular structure. The cells are arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration where they interlock and share walls, achieving both structural integrity and efficient space utilization in three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If absorbents with heating means are added to improve gas extraction, then gas extraction capability is enhanced, but design and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas extraction capabilityVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is integrated directly into the absorbent material structure rather than being a separate component. The absorbent is formed with an internal cavity that receives the heating element, merging the thermal management function with the gas storage medium into a single integrated assembly, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element serves multiple functions: it heats the absorbent to facilitate gas extraction, and its integration into the absorbent structure eliminates the need for separate heating system components. This multi-functional design reduces both design and manufacturing complexity while maintaining enhanced gas extraction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a lightweight, high-energy storage density tank with improved space utilization, simplified manufacturing, and enhanced gas extraction capabilities across various weather conditions, while minimizing weight and manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The heating element is embedded in the composite material layers of the pressure vessel assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3380775B1Composite pressure vessel assembly with an integrated heating element
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 RTX CORP
  • EP3380775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3380775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3380775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pressure vessel assembly includes a composite layer surrounding at least one chamber. A heating element is embedded in the composite layer for extracting gas from the chamber.