Cryofluid Container Support Structure for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic containers face challenges in securely supporting inner containers due to thermal expansion and contraction, while minimizing thermal bridges and accommodating radial and torsional forces during vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising four struts forming a rhombus with ball or universal joints, connecting to the inner and outer container caps, allowing axial movement and providing thermal insulation and torsional rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a loose bearing is used to accommodate thermal expansion, then the inner container can move axially, but thermal bridges between inner and outer containers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces struts as intermediary elements connecting the inner and outer containers. These struts serve as thermal mediators that allow mechanical support and expansion accommodation while minimizing direct thermal contact. The struts are positioned and designed to create thermal resistance paths, effectively reducing heat transfer between the cryogenic inner container and the ambient outer container.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple discrete struts rather than a continuous bearing contact. This segmentation creates multiple isolated thermal paths instead of a continuous thermal bridge, reducing overall heat transfer. Each strut acts as an independent thermal barrier while collectively providing the necessary mechanical support and expansion accommodation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a loose bearing is used to accommodate thermal expansion, then axial movement is possible, but radial and torsional stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses asymmetric strut configuration where struts are arranged to provide different degrees of freedom. The struts are positioned and oriented to allow axial movement while providing rigid resistance to radial and torsional forces. This asymmetric arrangement creates directional flexibility - permitting expansion motion while maintaining stability in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spherical joint connections (ball joints) at the strut-end container interfaces. These spherical connections allow rotational freedom and multi-directional movement accommodation while maintaining radial stability. The curved spherical geometry enables the structure to absorb thermal expansion forces while preventing dislodgement during vibrations and accelerations.
3Reliability
If support structures are added to secure the inner container, then radial and torsional stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The struts are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously provide mechanical support, accommodate thermal expansion, minimize thermal bridging, and prevent container dislodgement. This universal design consolidates multiple support functions into a single structural element, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of thermal insulation, mechanical support, and expansion accommodation into an integrated strut system. Rather than using separate components for each function, the struts combine these roles, creating a unified support structure that is both effective and simpler than multiple separate systems would be.
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 support structure effectively compensates for thermal expansion, maintains structural integrity, and minimizes thermal bridges, ensuring secure and thermally decoupled support of the inner container.
Implementation Method 1
the inner container undergoes a significant thermal expansion or contraction during filling
Implementation Method 2
The struts create a temperature gradient along their length, providing thermal insulation between the inner and outer containers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A container (1) for holding a cryofluid comprises an inner container (2) with an outwardly convex cap (7) and an outer container (3) with at least one inwardly concave cap (10), wherein the inner container (2) is supported on the outer container (3) by a first support structure (13) having four rhombus-shaped struts (21-24), the ends (21", 22', 23", 24') of which are located at one of the two diagonally opposite corners (25, 27) of the rhombus are connected to the concave cap (10) and the ends (22", 23', 24", 21') of which are located at the other two diagonally opposite corners (26, 28) of the rhombus are connected to the convex cap (7), each strut (21-24) being connected at one end (21', 22', 23', 24') by a ball joint (29 - 36) and at its other end (21", 22", 23", 24") is connected to the respective cap (7, 10) via a ball or cardan joint (29 - 36).