Double-Barrier Feedthrough for Leak Containment in Vehicle Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing barriers for supply lines in storing units, such as fuel tanks on vehicles, fail to adequately prevent leakage and explosive atmosphere formation, necessitating additional ventilation measures.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a retainer volume encapsulated by an enclosure, featuring dual feedthroughs that are leak-tight, capturing and mixing leaked fluid with inert fluid to prevent explosive mixtures, and equipped with sensors and valve arrangements for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing barrier is used for supply lines, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability against leakage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate feedthroughs (first and second feedthroughs) that act as independent sealing barriers. The first feedthrough provides the primary seal, while the second feedthrough provides a redundant seal, segmenting the sealing function into multiple independent components to enhance reliability without requiring a completely new system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The first feedthrough is nested within the enclosure, and the second feedthrough is positioned such that it encloses the first feedthrough. This nested arrangement creates multiple containment zones where leaked fluid from the first feedthrough is captured by the second feedthrough's enclosure, providing redundant sealing while maintaining a compact integrated structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ventilation measures are added to prevent explosive atmosphere, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active ventilation to remove harmful leaked fluid, the design converts the potential harm into a contained scenario where leaked fluid is captured and held in the enclosure between the two feedthroughs. The harmful leaked fluid becomes a contained element that cannot reach the environment, transforming a potential explosion hazard into a controlled containment situation
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure formed by the second feedthrough acts as an intermediary containment zone between the first feedthrough (where leakage occurs) and the external environment. This intermediate structure captures and isolates leaked fluid, preventing direct contact with atmospheric oxygen and eliminating the need for active ventilation systems
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
Prevents explosive atmosphere creation by capturing and neutralizing leaked fluid, ensuring a more secure and controllable environment for supply lines, enhancing safety and operational control.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer volume is configured to provide an inert fluid. The inert fluid is configured to mix with the leaked fluid to yield a non-explosive fluid mixture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to providing a passing of supply lines of a storing unit onboard a vehicle. In order to improve the guidance of the supply lines, a connection device (10) for passing supply lines (12) from a storing unit (14) to an environment (16) of the storing unit is provided. The device comprises a retainer volume (18) encapsulated by an enclosure (20), a first feedthrough (22) and a second feedthrough (24). The first feedthrough is arranged attached to the enclosure and is configured to sealingly pass supply lines from an inner lumen (26) of the storing unit to the retainer volume. The second feedthrough is arranged attached to the enclosure and is configured to sealingly pass the supply lines from the retainer volume to an environment of the storing unit. The first feedthrough, the second feedthrough and the enclosure are configured to be leak-tight for a fluid (30) stored in the storing unit. The retainer volume is configured to capture fluid leaking (32) through the first feedthrough and to prevent the leaked fluid to reach the environment of the storing unit.