Cryogenic Tank Support Collar Layout for Aircraft Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating large cryogenic hydrogen 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 a first support collar carrying both radial and axial loads, and a second support collar allowing axial expansion and contraction, connected to saddle brackets and the aircraft fuselage, ensuring structural isolation and aerodynamic integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cryogenic tank is rigidly connected to the aircraft structure, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal insulation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independent components: support collars that contact the tank, saddle brackets that distribute loads, and isolation elements that provide thermal breaks. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal isolation elements are introduced as intermediary components between the cryogenic tank and the aircraft structure. These intermediaries provide mechanical support while blocking heat transfer pathways, thus maintaining thermal insulation without sacrificing structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cryogenic tank is firmly attached to maintain flight dynamics, then stability is improved, but thermal conduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system applies local quality by providing rigid support at specific attachment points while maintaining thermal isolation at the same locations. The saddle brackets and support collars are strategically positioned to distribute aerodynamic and gravitational loads without creating continuous thermal conduction paths.
3Strength
If axial expansion is prevented to maintain structural rigidity, then strength is improved, but thermal stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic configuration that allows controlled axial movement. The support collars and saddle brackets are designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining lateral stability, thus reducing thermal stress without compromising structural rigidity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the tank support system is simplified to reduce complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but load distribution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle brackets and support collars are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously provide mechanical support, load distribution, and thermal isolation. This universality reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining effective load management across the attachment 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
The system effectively isolates cryogenic tanks from the aircraft structure, maintaining flight dynamics and structural integrity while allowing for thermal insulation and aerodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the second support collar carries only the radial loads of the cryogenic tank and allows axial expansion and axial contraction of the cryogenic tank
Data Source
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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.