Cryogen Storage Container With Composite Ring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-walled storage containers for cryogens, such as liquid hydrogen, suffer from increased empty weight and installation space due to reinforcing rings, which need to be improved.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support element made of composite material between neighboring reinforcing rings to support and potentially increase the distance between or reduce the size of the reinforcing rings, thereby reducing the empty weight and installation space of the storage container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing rings are provided to reinforce the outer container, then the structural strength is improved, but the empty weight and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is made of composite material, specifically a foam material with integrated reinforcing structures. This composite construction provides the necessary mechanical strength while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional solid reinforcing rings, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Strength
If reinforcing rings are provided to reinforce the outer container, then the structural strength is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite foam support element with integrated reinforcing structures occupies less space than traditional separate reinforcing rings while maintaining structural strength. The integrated design allows for more compact packaging and reduced installation space requirements.
3Weight of stationary object
If the distance between reinforcing rings is increased or reinforcing rings are reduced, then the empty weight is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The foam composite material provides distributed strength throughout the support element, eliminating the need for closely spaced reinforcing rings. The material's inherent properties allow for reduced ring density while maintaining overall structural integrity through the composite construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using composite foam material with specific density and structural properties. This parameter change allows the support element to provide adequate structural strength with fewer and more widely spaced reinforcing rings, thereby reducing weight.
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 design allows for reduced empty weight and installation space while maintaining structural integrity, making it suitable for transporting cryogens and increasing the space for the inner container.
Implementation Method 1
A gap provided between the inner container and the outer container is subjected to a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The gap can be at least partially filled with an insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container for storing a cryogen, comprising an inner container for receiving the cryogen and an outer container in which the inner container is accommodated, wherein the outer container has reinforcing rings for reinforcing the outer container and the outer container has a support element which is made of a composite material and of which at least some portions are arranged within a gap between two neighboring reinforcing rings, in order to support the reinforcing rings.