Cryogenic Vessel Support Bracket Constraining Radial and Rotational Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryogenic storage vessels face stress on vessel supports due to unconstrained rotational movement at one end, leading to torsional loads that can fatigue supports, as they lack effective techniques for constraining radial and rotational movement while allowing axial movement at that end.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising an inner vessel support bracket, an outer vessel support bracket, and an elongated support that extends between and mutually engages these brackets to constrain radial and rotational movement of the inner vessel with respect to the outer vessel, while allowing axial movement, using materials with lower thermal conductivity to reduce heat leak and stress on supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If only radial movement is constrained at one end, then the inner vessel can expand axially, but rotational movement creates torsional loads that fatigue supports
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple discrete components: an inner support bracket attached to the inner vessel, an outer support bracket attached to the outer vessel, and a separate elongated support element connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing both radial constraint and rotational restraint without over-constraining axial movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated support element provides different degrees of constraint in different directions: it rigidly constrains radial movement while allowing axial expansion, and simultaneously provides sufficient stiffness to restrain rotational movement. The support brackets are designed with specific geometric features (such as curved engagement surfaces) that provide radial constraint while permitting axial movement, creating local quality variations in the support system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If supports constrain both radial and rotational movement, then torsional loads are reduced, but axial expansion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be rigid in the radial direction (constraining movement) while remaining compliant in the axial direction (allowing expansion). The elongated support element and curved engagement surfaces create a mechanical system that naturally permits axial movement through controlled deformation or geometric accommodation, while maintaining stability against radial and rotational displacements.
3Strength
If metal supports are used, then structural strength is improved, but heat leak into the cryogen space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs composite construction combining metal components (brackets) with non-metallic or low-thermal-conductivity materials (elongated support element). The metal brackets provide strong mechanical attachment to the vessels, while the elongated support element made from materials with lower thermal conductivity minimizes heat transfer along the support path, creating a composite structure that balances mechanical strength with thermal insulation.
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 solution effectively constrains radial and rotational movement, reducing stress on supports and preventing fatigue, while allowing necessary axial expansion and contraction, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and thermal insulation of cryogenic storage vessels.
Implementation Method 1
using materials with lower thermal conductivity to reduce heat leak and stress on supports
Data Source
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AI summary
Unconstrained rotational movement of an inner vessel with respect to an outer vessel at one end of a cryogenic storage vessel increases stress in supports at an opposite end. A storage vessel for holding a cryogenic fluid comprises an inner vessel defining a cryogen space and having a longitudinal axis, and an outer vessel spaced apart from and surrounding the inner vessel, defining a thermally insulating space between the inner and outer vessels. A structure for supporting the inner vessel within the outer vessel at one end comprises an inner vessel support bracket connected with the inner vessel, an outer vessel support bracket connected with the outer vessel, and an elongated support extending between and mutually engaging the inner and outer support brackets to constrain radial and rotational movement of the inner vessel with respect to the outer vessel and to allow axial movement of the inner vessel with respect to the outer vessel along the longitudinal axis.