Embedded Inlet-Outlet System for Composite Pressure Receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite pressure receptacles have inlet/outlet systems that protrude and are prone to damage, increasing the size and complexity of the receptacle, while also compromising gas tightness due to their external design.
Innovation Solution
The inlet/outlet system is embedded within the composite container, featuring a circular collar, annular disc, and a plug with a thread, where the plug's second part is equipped with flats or splines to prevent rotation, and a sealing element groove, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design that maintains gas tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inlet/outlet system protrudes from the composite container, then the connection and sealing are easier to access, but the overall length of the receptacle increases and the system becomes more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The boss assembly is embedded within the composite container shell, with the boss partially contained inside the shell and only the necessary connection portion extending outward. This nesting approach reduces the overall length of the receptacle while maintaining accessibility for connection operations.
2Ease of operation
If the inlet/outlet system protrudes from the composite container, then the connection is more accessible, but the system becomes more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
By embedding the boss assembly within the composite shell, the vulnerable connection components are protected from external damage while maintaining operational accessibility. The shell acts as a protective enclosure for the boss assembly.
3Volume of stationary object
If the inlet/outlet system is embedded within the composite shell, then the overall size is reduced and durability is enhanced, but the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The boss assembly is integrated directly into the composite manufacturing process, merging the boss construction with the shell fabrication. This combining approach reduces overall design complexity while achieving compact embedding, as the boss and shell are produced as a unified structure.
4Volume of stationary object
If the inlet/outlet system is embedded within the composite shell, then the overall size is reduced, but the gas tightness of the connection becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing arrangement is specifically designed at the critical interface between the boss and inner liner, with sealing elements positioned to ensure gas tightness at the connection point. This localized sealing approach maintains reliability while keeping the overall design compact.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention provides an inlet/outlet system (3) for a composite pressure receptacle comprising an inner liner (1) and an outer composite shell (2), said inlet/outlet system (3) comprising - a circular collar (8) for being located circumferentially between the inner liner (1) and the outer composite shell (2), said collar being provided with a recess in the part of its inner diameter destined for being adjacent to the outer shell, - an annular disc (5) having a shape which fits into the recess of the circular collar, - a circular plug (6) with a central opening provided with a thread suitable for engaging a valve or a fitting, and wherein the outer surface of the plug (6) comprises a first portion or the surface located closest to the opening of the inlet/outlet system (3) to the outside, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, and a third portion adjacent to the second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a circumferential recess, the second portion is provided with a fixing means to ensure the fixing of the plug (6) in the receptacle and allowing it to withstand pressure loads, and the third part includes at least one groove for insertion of a sealing element (7). The invention further provides a composite pressure receptacle comprising an inner liner (1), an outer composite shell (2), and the inlet/outlet system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.