Connection Ring Structure for Friction-Welded Cryogenic Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The friction welding method used to assemble cryogenic tanks faces challenges in achieving complete sealing and resistance at the weld seams, particularly when connecting the second dome, as it is not possible to position a counter-plate inside the tank to absorb the forces generated by the welding head.
Innovation Solution
A connection ring is interposed between the tank portions, featuring a cylindrical portion, shoulder, and transverse web, allowing for friction welding of all tank components, with the cylindrical and transverse elements absorbing the forces generated during the welding process, enabling complete sealing and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If friction welding method is used to connect the second dome to the tubular body, then welding speed and mechanical characteristics are improved, but it becomes impossible to position a counter-plate inside the tank to absorb welding forces
Solution Approach 1:
A connection ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the second dome and the tubular body. This connection ring serves as a mediator that allows the friction welding process to be performed effectively by providing a structure to which the welding head can apply forces, while the connection ring itself absorbs these forces through its integration with the tubular body, eliminating the need for a separate counter-plate inside the tank.
2Reliability
If a counter-plate is positioned inside the tank to absorb welding forces, then welding seam quality is improved, but the counter-plate cannot be removed from the closed tank after welding
Solution Approach 1:
The connection ring acts as an intermediary that is permanently integrated into the tank structure, eliminating the need for a removable counter-plate. By welding the connection ring to the tubular body externally, the system achieves reliable force absorption during the welding of the second dome, while avoiding the problem of a trapped counter-plate that cannot be removed after welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection ring is pre-positioned and welded to the tubular body before the second dome is welded in place. This preliminary action prepares the structure to absorb welding forces during the subsequent dome welding operation, eliminating the need for a counter-plate that would need to be removed afterward.
3Reliability
If fusion welding method is used to connect tank portions, then sealing is achieved, but mechanical characteristics and stability are reduced compared to friction welding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional fusion welding method with friction welding for connecting the connection ring to the tank portions. Friction welding provides superior mechanical characteristics and stability by creating a metallurgical bond through friction-generated heat and pressure, while the connection ring design ensures proper sealing through its geometric fit and weld seam configuration.
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
This solution ensures all weld seams in the tank are produced using friction welding, enhancing mechanical characteristics and stability, while allowing for the tank to be sealed and resistant, particularly when used for hydrogen storage.
Implementation Method 1
the friction welding method uses a rotating welding head which is applied against the first faces of the components to be assembled and which is moved along the connection zone of the components
Data Source
AI summary
A tank including at least first and second portions connected by a connection ring and weld seams obtained by means of a friction welding method. The connection ring includes at least a first cylindrical portion fitted in the end of the first portion, at least a first shoulder protruding toward the outer zone of the tank relative to the first cylindrical portion and at least a first transverse web positioned approximately in the same transverse plane as the first shoulder. According to this configuration, the first cylindrical portion and the transverse web ensure that the forces generated by a friction welding head during the production of the weld seam which enables the tank to be closed are absorbed.