Cryogenic Tank Boss for Coaxial Alignment Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of storage tanks for liquefied cryogenic fluids, such as liquefied hydrogen, is complicated, particularly the welding of external bases onto the central cylindrical portion of the outer casing, which requires rethinking the tank design to facilitate easier assembly.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a boss carried by the inner casing that extends between the inner and outer casings, allowing for relative movement between the casings facilitated by a third-party coaxiality adjustment device, enabling coaxial alignment and easier assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the tank is assembled vertically with the outer casing held upright, then the inner casing can be centered relative to the outer casing, but welding the lower base to the central tubular portion becomes a complicated operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoaxial alignmentVSAvoidwelding operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable adjustment device that allows the inner casing to be dynamically repositioned relative to the outer casing. The adjustment mechanism enables the inner casing to move vertically and radially, transforming a static assembly process into a dynamic one where precise positioning can be achieved and maintained during welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an intermediary adjustment device that acts as a mediator between the inner and outer casings. This device includes adjustment screws and positioning mechanisms that facilitate controlled movement and precise alignment, making the welding operation more manageable by providing stable positioning during the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the inner casing is positioned inside the outer casing for assembly, then the thermal insulation system can be maintained, but adjusting the position of the inner casing becomes difficult from outside the tank

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidposition adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the adjustment function into separate components: the inner casing, the outer casing, and an independent adjustment device. The adjustment device includes separate adjustment screws for vertical and radial positioning, allowing operators to make precise adjustments from outside the tank without compromising the thermal insulation system between the casings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the adjustment capability by adding radial adjustment in addition to vertical positioning. The adjustment device incorporates mechanisms that allow movement in multiple dimensions (vertical and radial), enabling comprehensive position control of the inner casing from outside the tank while maintaining the integrity of the thermal insulation layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4563872A1Tank for storing a liquefied fluid, adjustment device, installation and method for assembling such a tank
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP4563872A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4563872A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4563872A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Tank (1) for storing a liquefied fluid, for example liquid hydrogen, comprising an inner casing (11) intended to contain the liquefied fluid and an outer casing (12) intended to protect the inner casing (11), the inner casing (11) and the outer casing (12) being spaced apart by an interval (13) provided with a thermal insulation system, the inner casing (11) and the outer casing (12) each comprising a tubular central portion, respectively inner (111) and outer (121), extending in a main direction (X) of the tank (1), the inner casing (11) and the outer casing (12) each also comprising opposite bottoms, respectively inner bottoms (112a, 112b) and outer bottoms (122a, 122b), characterized in that it comprises a boss (14) carried by the inner casing (11) in a direction perpendicular to the main direction (X),and extending in the gap (13) between the inner casing (11) and the outer casing (12), the boss (14) being accessible from a closable opening (15) of the outer casing (12), the boss (14) being configured to cooperate with a third-party device (2) to drive the inner casing (11) and the outer casing (12) in a relative movement with respect to each other in the direction perpendicular to the main direction (X).,