Cryogenic Dewar Trunnion Mounts with Pie-Shaped Reinforcing Pads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic transport structures face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and reducing weight to comply with bridge weight limits while ensuring safe transportation of cryogenic liquids.
Innovation Solution
The use of lightweight aluminum materials for the cryogenic dewar and trailer, combined with a secure mounting system utilizing trunnion mounts and internal longitudinal support stiffeners, enhances structural integrity and reduces weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong support structures are used for cryogenic transport, then structural integrity and safety are improved, but weight increases and may exceed bridge weight limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum alloy materials that combine high strength-to-weight ratio properties, providing both structural integrity and weight reduction. The aluminum construction maintains the necessary strength to prevent tank failure while significantly reducing overall trailer weight compared to traditional steel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes structural parameters including tank wall thickness, support structure dimensions, and mounting bracket configurations to achieve the minimum weight necessary for safe operation. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design maintains structural integrity while minimizing weight to comply with bridge load limits.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for the trailer, then weight is reduced and more cryogenic liquid can be transported, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes aluminum alloy materials that provide both lightweight properties and sufficient structural strength. The aluminum construction reduces weight compared to traditional steel while maintaining the necessary strength-to-weight ratio to support the cryogenic liquid load and withstand transport conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cylindrical tank geometry that distributes mechanical stresses uniformly across the structure. The curved surface of the cylinder naturally resists external pressures and prevents stress concentration, allowing lightweight aluminum construction to maintain structural integrity under load.
3Reliability
If the tank is securely mounted to prevent failure, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into discrete, modular components including separate support brackets, mounting bolts, and alignment features. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly and maintenance while ensuring reliable attachment of the tank to the trailer frame through standardized connection points.
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 allows for the safe and efficient transportation of larger quantities of cryogenic liquids while maintaining compliance with weight regulations, reducing the risk of explosions, and lowering transportation costs.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for a degree of resiliency in the mounting to dampen complex radial and axial forces generated by movement of the inner tank with respect to the outer tank
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic dewar may include an inner tank and an outer tank. The cryogenic dewar may further include a plurality of trunnion mounts. A first four of the trunnion mounts may be coupled between a front half of the inner tank and a front half of the outer tank. A second four of the trunnion mounts may be coupled between a rear half of the inner tank and a rear half of the outer tank. The trunnion mount may be further strengthen with a plurality of pie-shaped reinforcing pads welded to each other and to an outer surface of the inner tank.