Corrugated Plate Intersection Structure for Uniform LNG Tank Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrugated plates in LNG storage tanks exhibit issues with material uniformity, surface smoothness, and structural strength at corrugation junctions, particularly at the intersections of transverse and longitudinal corrugations, necessitating improved manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A corrugated plate design featuring orthogonal corrugations with a top portion, ridges, and recessed portions at intersections, ensuring uniform thickness distribution and enhanced structural strength through a symmetrical intersection structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional corrugated plates are used in LNG storage tanks, then manufacturing processes are simpler, but material uniformity, surface smoothness, and structural strength at corrugation junctions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial uniformity and surface smoothnessVSAvoidcorrugation intersection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corrugation intersection structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first corrugation with larger cross-section, a second corrugation with smaller cross-section, and recessed portions at their intersection. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for material distribution and structural performance, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and structural precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform corrugation structures where the first corrugation has different dimensions than the second corrugation, and recessed portions are strategically placed at intersections. This local variation in geometry ensures uniform material thickness and enhanced strength precisely where needed, without complicating the entire manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If corrugation depth and width are increased to improve structural strength, then fatigue resistance improves, but material thinning and structural weakness at intersections worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength and fatigue resistanceVSAvoidmaterial thickness uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed portions are designed in advance at the corrugation intersections to prevent material accumulation and excessive thinning that would occur with conventional uniform corrugations. This preliminary structural arrangement counteracts the stress concentration and material distortion that would otherwise develop during manufacturing and service, maintaining uniform thickness while preserving structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes geometric parameters locally by varying the depth and width of different corrugations (first vs. second corrugation) and introducing recessed portions. These parameter variations optimize the balance between overall structural strength and local material uniformity, preventing excessive thinning at intersections while maintaining adequate fatigue resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If manufacturing process is simplified for conventional corrugated plates, then production efficiency increases, but structural strength and material uniformity at corrugation junctions decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed portions and non-uniform corrugation geometry are built into the mold design from the beginning, allowing the complex structural features to be formed in a single manufacturing step. This preliminary incorporation of structural optimizations into the manufacturing tooling maintains production efficiency while achieving superior structural reliability at corrugation intersections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12540707B2Corrugated plate and liquefied gas storage container having the same

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 SINOTECH ENERGY CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a corrugated plate and a liquefied gas storage container having the same. The corrugated plate comprises a plate body, a first corrugation and a second corrugation orthogonal to each other, and an intersection structure formed at the intersection position. The first corrugations are higher than the second corrugations. The intersection structure comprises a top portion, ridges, and recessed portions. The recessed portions consist of four, each located in one quadrant, formed on the outer side of the first corrugation and sandwiched between a first crest of the first corrugation and a corresponding ridge, and concaved inward relative to the outer side. According to the present disclosure, the intersection structure ensures that the upper and lower surfaces at the intersection position have uniform line lengths, thereby achieving uniform thickness, avoiding excessive thinning, and providing improved structural strength and fatigue resistance.