Fiberwound tanks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Type IV Fiberwound tanks face issues with air volume management due to inadequate pre-charge pressure, leading to diaphragm contact with the tank wall, which compromises their effectiveness in pressurized water systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a polymeric liner with a backing ring for support during welding, a flexible diaphragm for air and fluid separation, and a fiber winding layer for stress reduction, along with an infrared weld joint and additional structural features like a hoop ring and outer band for enhanced durability and volume support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Type IV Fiberwound tanks are used with inadequate pre-charge pressure, then the tank structure remains simple, but the diaphragm contacts the tank wall causing the tank to become ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a backing ring specifically at the weld joint location where structural support is most needed. This localized reinforcement prevents diaphragm contact with the tank wall at the critical weld area without requiring complex structural changes throughout the entire tank, thus improving reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The backing ring is installed before the welding process to provide support during welding operations. This preliminary action ensures proper support is in place during the critical welding phase, preventing deformation and ensuring weld quality, which contributes to long-term tank effectiveness
2Reliability
If weld joints are created between upper and lower walls, then the tank becomes hermetically sealed, but stress concentrates at the weld joint reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The backing ring provides localized support at the weld joint area, distributing the stress that would otherwise concentrate at the weld. This local reinforcement maintains the hermetic seal while preventing stress concentration from compromising weld joint durability
Solution Approach 2:
The backing ring acts as a cushioning element installed before welding to prevent excessive stress and deformation during the welding process. This preliminary protection ensures the weld joint maintains strength and durability while achieving hermetic sealing
3Ease of operation
If the diaphragm is positioned away from the tank wall using pre-charge pressure, then the tank functions properly, but any decrease in pre-charge pressure causes the diaphragm to bottom out
Solution Approach 1:
The backing ring provides localized support at the critical weld joint area, ensuring the diaphragm remains properly positioned even when pre-charge pressure decreases. This local structural reinforcement maintains tank functionality without relying solely on pre-charge pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The backing ring serves as a mechanical cushion that prevents diaphragm contact with the tank wall before pressure conditions become critical. This preliminary protective measure ensures reliable diaphragm positioning across varying pressure conditions
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 configuration ensures a hermetically sealed, durable, and effective fluid tank with improved structural support and reduced stress at weld joints, maintaining separation between the diaphragm and tank wall, thus maintaining tank functionality across varying water pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The weld joint can be an infrared (IR) weld joint
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid tank includes polymeric liner comprising an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall and the lower wall define a cavity therebetween. A weld joint joins the upper and lower walls together. A method for assembling a fluid tank includes overlapping surfaces of an upper wall and a lower wall to form a liner defining a cavity. The method includes joining the surface of the upper wall and the surface of the lower wall together by welding to form a weld joint between the upper wall and the lower wall. The method can include cooling the weld joint to control warpage of the liner at the weld joint.