Composite Suspension Link for Cryogenic Tank Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic fluid storage units face challenges in maintaining thermal insulation and mechanical integrity over a long lifespan, particularly when subjected to road conditions and accidental impacts, while minimizing heat transfer between internal and external tanks.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system using a composite material cuff with frustoconical attachments and thermal insulation layers to minimize heat conduction and ensure mechanical stability, comprising a linkage with a proximal and distal connection to the internal and external tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel suspension is used to support the internal tank, then mechanical strength and reliability are ensured, but heat transfer by conduction from the external to internal tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (specifically carbon fiber reinforced polymer) to manufacture the suspension linkage, combining high mechanical strength with low thermal conductivity. This resolves the contradiction by providing both structural integrity and thermal insulation properties simultaneously, unlike traditional steel which conducts heat efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic (steel) to composite (carbon fiber reinforced polymer), fundamentally altering both mechanical and thermal properties. This parameter change enables the suspension to achieve both high strength and low thermal conductivity, resolving the trade-off between mechanical strength and heat transfer.
2Reliability
If the suspension is designed to withstand high stresses from road conditions and impacts, then reliability over 15-25 years is achieved, but the complexity of the suspension structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension into modular components (linkage, mounting points, insulation layers) that can independently withstand specific stresses. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability, reducing the complexity of designing a monolithic structure to handle all stress types.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials provides high strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue resistance, enabling the suspension to withstand repeated road conditions and impacts over 15-25 years without requiring overly complex reinforcement structures. The material properties themselves provide the necessary durability.
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is enhanced by using composite material for the suspension, then heat transfer by conduction is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural function and thermal insulation function into a single composite material component (the suspension linkage). Instead of using separate steel structural elements plus separate insulation layers, the carbon fiber reinforced polymer provides both functions simultaneously, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the advanced material used.
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 provides excellent thermal insulation and mechanical resistance, reducing heat transfer and maintaining operational integrity for 15 to 25 years, while also reducing weight and preventing tearing under stress.
Implementation Method 1
Using a composite material sleeve drastically reduces heat transfer by conduction from the external to the internal tank compared to a steel suspension. This is because the composite material has extremely low thermal conductivity.
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum in this intermediate space limits heat transfer by convection.
Implementation Method 3
Thermal insulation is preferably placed on the inner tank to limit heat exchange by radiation between them.
Data Source
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AI summary
The storage unit comprises an internal reservoir (3), an external reservoir (7), and a suspension (8) suspending the internal reservoir (3) from the external reservoir (7); the suspension (8) comprising a link (19) having: - a sleeve (23) of a composite material having a central axis (C'); - a proximal link (25) from a proximal axial end (27) of the sleeve (23) to the internal reservoir (3); - a distal link (29) from a distal axial end (31) of the sleeve (23) to the external reservoir (7);the proximal connection (25) comprising: - a body (33) closing the proximal axial end (25) of the cuff (23), the body (33) having an external surface (35) defining an external frustoconical bearing surface (37) coaxial with the central axis (C') and engaged inside the proximal axial end (27), and - a ring (43) linked to the internal reservoir (3), the ring (43) having an internal surface (45) defining an internal frustoconical bearing surface (47) coaxial with the central axis (C') and surrounding the proximal axial end (27), the proximal axial end (27) of the cuff (23) being pinched between the external frustoconical bearing surface (37) and the internal frustoconical bearing surface (47).