Plastically Deformable Securing Elements for Gas Cylinder Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed gas cylinder bundles are heavy and expensive due to the need for a rigid frame design to absorb fall forces elastically, which complicates handling and manufacturing, while still requiring enhanced safety features to prevent damage during transport and operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating plastically deformable securing elements on the frame structure to form a deformation zone that absorbs impact energy, reducing the need for a rigid frame and allowing for a lighter, less costly construction by transferring the 'crumple zone' principle from motor vehicle technology to gas cylinder bundles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the frame construction is designed to be very rigid and massive to elastically absorb fall forces, then the safety of the gas cylinders is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost of the bundle frame increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame construction is divided into two functional parts: a rigid load-bearing frame structure that provides structural support and accommodation for cylinders, and separate plastically deformable securing elements that attach to the frame and provide impact absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the need for the entire frame to be massively rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
Plastically deformable securing elements are pre-installed on the frame construction to provide impact absorption before any fall occurs. These elements are positioned to engage with the frame and absorb impact forces through controlled plastic deformation, cushioning the cylinders against damage during transport or accidental drops.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the frame construction is made very rigid and massive to prevent cylinder movement during transport, then the stability of the bundle is improved, but the ease of handling and operation deteriorates due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is segmented into the rigid frame structure that provides stability and the separate plastically deformable securing elements that provide impact absorption. This allows the frame to be optimized for stability while the securing elements handle impact forces, resulting in a lighter overall structure that is easier to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing elements are designed with specific material properties and geometric characteristics that allow them to deform plastically under impact loads. By changing the material parameters and geometric parameters of these elements, they can absorb impact energy effectively while keeping the frame construction lightweight and easy to handle.
3Reliability
If the frame construction is designed to be very rigid to prevent cylinder damage during falls, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the need for massive and stable load-bearing parts
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into the rigid frame structure that provides structural support and the plastically deformable securing elements that provide impact absorption. This segmentation allows the frame to be manufactured with standard materials and processes, while the securing elements can be produced more economically through forming or extrusion processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastically deformable securing elements are designed as sacrificial components that can be replaced after they have absorbed impact forces and undergone plastic deformation. These elements are made from relatively inexpensive materials and can be economically replaced rather than repairing or replacing the entire frame construction, reducing long-term manufacturing and maintenance costs.
4Weight of stationary object
If plastically deformable securing elements are added to the frame construction to absorb impact energy, then the weight of the frame can be reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The plastically deformable securing elements are integrated with the rigid frame structure through direct attachment or incorporation. The securing elements are positioned to engage with specific features of the frame construction, creating a unified structure that combines rigid support with flexible impact absorption without requiring separate complex mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastically deformable securing elements serve multiple functions: they provide impact absorption during falls, prevent cylinder movement during transport, and can be designed to also serve as lifting or handling features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reduced weight.
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
This design effectively reduces the acceleration and energy transfer during impacts, protecting the cylinders without significant deformation of the frame, resulting in weight savings and cost reductions while maintaining safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
the securing elements are made from a material that deforms plastically in the event of an impact. Due to the deformation of the safety elements, the acceleration occurring in the event of an impact or impact is reduced and a large part of the impact energy is absorbed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
In compressed gas cylinder bundles according to the prior art, the mechanical energy arising in the event of impacts or falls must be absorbed elastically by the frame elements of the bundle frame in order to protect compressed gas cylinders, pipes and fittings against damage. The bundle frames are built correspondingly solidly, have a high weight and are difficult to handle. According to the invention, the bundle frame of a compressed gas cylinder bundle is fitted with safety elements which deform plastically in the event of an impact or fall and in this way absorb at least a part of the forces arising. In this way, the bundle frame can be designed to be lighter, maintaining the same level of safety. Loops, collars or horns are provided as the elastically deformable elements.