Double-Walled Tank Annular Connection for Differential Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen tanks face issues with jamming and random contact points between sliding pivot connections due to friction, leading to potential bending stresses and inefficiencies in managing differential expansion between inner and outer enclosures.
Innovation Solution
An annular linear connection system with opposing contact surfaces and a stationary ring between coaxial sleeves limits jamming and allows swiveling, featuring symmetrical U- or V-shaped sections and varying cross-sections to manage differential expansion, incorporating stops for translational control and a removable stopper for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding pivot connection with female and male sleeves is used to enable relative movement between enclosures, then the enclosures can move in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction, but friction between the sleeves causes jamming and random contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ring as an intermediary element positioned between the first and second sleeves. This ring includes first and second contact surfaces that are opposite to each other, with the first contact surface belonging to the first sleeve and the second contact surface belonging to the second sleeve. The ring mediates the interaction between the two sleeves, distributing contact forces and eliminating random contact points while preventing jamming through its structured geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple linear sliding connection to a three-dimensional annular linear connection system. By introducing the ring with contact surfaces arranged in opposite directions and spaced apart longitudinally, the system gains rotational freedom and swiveling capability, moving the contact interaction from a single-line to a multi-dimensional configuration that reduces friction concentration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connection systems are used to connect enclosures, then structural stability is maintained, but differential thermal expansion causes bending stresses and movement constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid connection into a dynamic connection system that can adapt to thermal expansion. The annular linear connection with the ring and contact surfaces allows for controlled movement and swiveling between the enclosures, enabling the system to respond dynamically to differential thermal expansion while maintaining stability through the structured contact geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connection system by introducing the ring with specific contact surface arrangements. The longitudinal spacing between contact surfaces and their radial positioning create a configuration that accommodates dimensional changes due to thermal expansion, reducing bending stresses while maintaining connection integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simple sliding connections are used to manage differential expansion, then movement is enabled, but contact points become random and control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ring serves as a mediator that introduces geometric precision to the contact interaction. By defining specific contact surfaces with controlled positions and orientations, the ring transforms random contact points into predetermined contact zones, enabling precise control over the expansion management process while maintaining adaptability.
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 annular linear connection system reduces jamming risks and bending stresses, ensuring controlled movement and improved thermal performance by limiting random contact points and enabling efficient expansion management.
Implementation Method 1
the risk of jamming caused by friction between the female sleeve 18.1 and the male sleeve 18.2
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation between the outer and inner enclosures 12, 14
Implementation Method 3
the inner enclosure 14 contracts much more than the outer enclosure 12
Data Source
AI summary
A double-walled tank comprising at least one connection system connecting the outer and inner enclosures and enabling them to move in relation to one another in at least a longitudinal direction parallel to an axis of displacement when in operation. The connection system has an annular linear connection between a first contact surface rigidly connected to the outer enclosure and a second contact surface rigidly connected the inner enclosure, the first and second contact surfaces arranged opposite one another and configured to be in contact with one another along a contact circle that has a center positioned on the axis of displacement.