Composite Storage Vessel Resin Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage tanks for transporting liquids face issues with cracking due to repeated twisting forces during vehicle motion, leading to contamination and leakage, and there is a lack of lightweight, chemically inert, and durable alternatives to metal tanks, particularly in using layered plastics that can resist applied loads and bond effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing storage vessels using a composite of dual thermoplastic and thermoset resins, where a thermoplastic material flows through a fibrous layer and cools, then a thermosetting resin is applied to the remaining fibers, forming a strong mechanical bond and creating a lightweight, chemically resistant structure suitable for liquid storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tanks are used for liquid storage and transport, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and chemical inertness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thermoplastic and thermoset resin layers to create a tank structure that achieves both lightweight properties and high strength. The composite construction allows the tank to maintain durability while reducing weight compared to traditional metal tanks.
2Strength
If metal tanks are used for liquid storage and transport, then strength is improved, but chemical inertness and resistance to contamination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of thermoplastic and thermoset resin layers that provide chemical inertness and resistance to contamination. This composite construction eliminates the chemical reactivity issues associated with metal tanks while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoplastic and thermoset resin composite creates a chemically inert environment that prevents contamination of stored liquids, particularly important for fuel and chemical storage applications where metal tanks may react with contents.
3Weight of moving object
If traditional layered plastics are used, then weight is reduced, but bonding strength and resistance to applied loads worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermoplastic and thermoset resin layers to create a composite structure with superior bonding strength. The thermoset resin layer provides enhanced adhesion and mechanical properties that allow the lightweight plastic construction to resist applied loads effectively.
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 composite structure provides a lightweight, durable, and chemically inert solution that can withstand internal and external loads, reducing the risk of cracking and contamination, while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for increased payload capacity without increasing vehicle weight.
Implementation Method 1
heating the thermoplastic layer sufficient to melt and flow at least part way through the thickness of the fibrous layer
Implementation Method 2
allowing the thermoplastic layer to cool and return to its ambient temperature properties
Implementation Method 3
applying a thermosetting resin to fibres of the fibrous layer not embedded in the first layer to form a second layer such that the first layer is bonded with the second layer
Data Source
AI summary
An article manufactured in a mould and which comprises a structural composite of plastics layers, the article having a wall defining an internal space for holding contents therein; wherein, the wall is formed from at least two layers of plastics materials; wherein a first of said layers comprises a thermoplastics material and at least a second layer comprises a thermosetting resin and a fibrous layer.