Single-Piece Cryogenic Valve Block for Compact Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid removal systems for vehicles are space-consuming, prone to errors due to numerous components and connections, and suffer from high pressure losses and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece pressure management valve block integrates multiple components, reducing the number of connections and minimizing pressure losses by combining a heat exchanger with a pressure management system, featuring a single valve or multiple valves to control fluid flow and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate components and lines are used in the pressure management system, then the system is modular and easy to maintain, but the installation space occupied is large and the number of connections increases leading to more errors and pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (valves, heat exchanger, connecting pieces) into a single integrated pressure management valve block. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate lines and connecting pieces, thereby reducing the installation space occupied while maintaining all necessary pressure management functions. The integrated design keeps the system modular enough for maintenance while eliminating the space-consuming aspects of separate component arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components and connecting pieces are used, then the system is modular, but the number of connections increases leading to more sealing errors and pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple components into a single pressure management valve block, the patent eliminates numerous external connections and sealing points. The internal passages within the integrated block replace multiple external lines and connecting pieces, thereby significantly reducing the number of potential sealing failure points while maintaining system functionality and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components and connecting pieces are used, then the system is modular, but the assembly effort and costs increase due to the large number of connections
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple components into a single pressure management valve block dramatically reduces the number of assembly steps required. Instead of assembling numerous separate components and making multiple connections, the integrated block requires far fewer assembly operations, thereby reducing both assembly effort and associated costs while maintaining the necessary system functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the pressure management system, then the system is modular, but the number of lines and connecting pieces occupies almost the entire available installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate components and lines into a single integrated pressure management valve block. This merging eliminates the need for numerous external lines and connecting pieces that would otherwise occupy significant installation space. The integrated design maintains all necessary pressure management functions while occupying minimal space, allowing better utilization of the available installation volume.
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 integrated system reduces installation space, minimizes errors, and enhances safety while maintaining ease of maintenance, with improved efficiency and reduced weight, allowing for a more compact and efficient cryogenic container design.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (4) with a first heat exchanger tube (49) for cryogenic fluid
Implementation Method 2
the pressure in the cryogenic container can be increased
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising a cryogenic container (1), in particular an LNG container or a hydrogen container, and a heat exchanger (4, 60) with a first heat exchanger tube (49) for cryogenic fluid, with a removal line (9, 10) of the cryogenic container (1) being connected to the first heat exchanger tube (49) of the heat exchanger (4), the system comprising a single-piece pressure management valve block (12) having at least a first inlet port (35), a second inlet port (36), a first outlet port (37) and a second outlet port (38), wherein at least the first inlet port (35), the first outlet port (37) and the second outlet port (38) are connected inside the single-piece pressure management valve block (12) by a connection passage, the connection passage comprising a first connecting portion on the inlet side (40), a first connecting portion on the outlet side (41) and a second connecting portion on the outlet side (42), which converge at a first node (43), the single-piece pressure management valve block (12) having at least one valve recess (45) open towards the outside.