Cryogenic Tank Support Collar Layout for Aircraft Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating large cryogenic hydrogen fuel tanks into aircraft poses challenges in terms of safe location, packaging, thermal management, and affecting flight dynamics and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic tank support system comprising support collars and saddle brackets that structurally isolate the tanks from the aircraft fuselage, allowing for radial load carrying while accommodating axial expansion and contraction, thus isolating forces and maintaining aerodynamic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cryogenic tanks are attached to the aircraft fuselage, then fuel storage capacity is provided, but structural integrity and flight dynamics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple discrete components: support collars attached to the tank, saddle brackets attached to the fuselage, and struts connecting them. This segmentation allows the tank to be structurally isolated from the fuselage while still providing support, thereby maintaining structural integrity while enabling fuel storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support collars and saddle brackets act as intermediary elements between the cryogenic tank and the fuselage. These intermediaries provide the necessary structural support and load transfer while maintaining isolation, preventing direct structural coupling that would compromise flight dynamics or structural integrity.
2Quantity of substance
If cryogenic tanks are attached to the aircraft fuselage, then fuel storage capacity is provided, but flight dynamics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support system into separate support collars, saddle brackets, and struts, the tank is structurally isolated from the fuselage. This segmentation prevents the tank from adversely affecting flight dynamics while still providing necessary fuel storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support collars and saddle brackets serve as intermediary elements that decouple the tank from the fuselage structurally. This intermediary arrangement allows the tank to be positioned on the aircraft without transferring harmful structural loads or affecting flight dynamics, while still enabling adequate fuel storage.
3Reliability
If support structure is added to hold cryogenic tanks, then tank support is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into modular components (support collars, saddle brackets, struts) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by breaking down a complex support system into manageable, standardized parts while maintaining reliable tank support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support collars and saddle brackets are designed as universal components that can accommodate different tank sizes and configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom-designed support structures, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable tank support across various applications.
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 system effectively supports cryogenic tanks without compromising the aircraft's structural rigidity and flight dynamics, ensuring safe and efficient integration of hydrogen fuel.
Implementation Method 1
The first support collar carries radial loads of the cryogenic tank and carries axial loads of the cryogenic tank
Implementation Method 2
the second support collar carries only the radial loads of the cryogenic tank and allows axial expansion and axial contraction of the cryogenic tank
Implementation Method 3
An inner ring of a support collar is connected to an inner wall of the cryogenic tank. The outer ring of the support collar is connected to an outer wall of the cryogenic tank
Implementation Method 4
A saddle of a saddle bracket is connected to the outer ring of the support collar. The mount surface of the saddle bracket is connected to a crown region of a fuselage of the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic tank support system and a method for installing a cryogenic tank on an aircraft. The cryogenic tank support system includes an inner ring of a support collar connected to an inner wall of a cryogenic tank. An outer ring of the support collar is connected to an outer wall of the cryogenic tank. The system also includes a saddle of a saddle bracket connected to the outer ring of the support collar. A mount surface of the saddle bracket is connected to a crown region of a fuselage of the aircraft. The system structurally isolates the cryogenic tank from the aircraft by carrying radial loads of the cryogenic tank and axial loads of the cryogenic tank with at least one support collar and carrying the radial loads of the cryogenic tank while allowing axial expansion/contraction of the cryogenic tank with at least one other support collar.