Fuel Tank Internal Reinforcing Structure
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel transport tanks face challenges with deformation and pressure resistance due to gas accumulation, requiring external reinforcing elements that increase complexity, weight, and production costs, while also reducing volume and stability if not properly fitted.
Innovation Solution
A tank design with internal reinforcing elements integrated into the container body, forming a single manufacturing piece that enhances deformation resistance and overpressure strength without additional external elements, allowing for a compact and lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external reinforcing elements are added to the tank, then the tank's strength to deformation and pressure is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcing elements with the container body by integrating them into the same mold during manufacturing. This creates a unified structure where the reinforcing elements are an integral part of the container body rather than separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining improved strength characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure by incorporating reinforcing elements (such as glass fibers or carbon fibers) within the plastic material of the container body. This composite approach enhances the strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to deformation and pressure without requiring additional external reinforcement components.
2Strength
If external reinforcing elements are embedded in the tank material, then the tank's strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing elements are combined with the container body manufacturing process by using a single mold that incorporates both the container walls and the reinforcing elements. This integrated molding approach eliminates separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing costs despite the enhanced strength properties.
3Strength
If the tank walls are made thicker to increase strength, then the tank's resistance to overpressure is improved, but the weight and quantity of material used increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with reinforcing elements distributed within the wall structure, allowing for optimized material distribution. This provides enhanced overpressure resistance without uniformly increasing wall thickness, thereby controlling the weight and material quantity more efficiently than solid thick-walled construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing elements are strategically positioned in specific areas of the container body where stress concentration occurs during overpressure events. This localized reinforcement approach provides necessary strength while minimizing the overall quantity of material and weight compared to uniform thickening.
4Volume of moving object
If the tank volume is reduced to make it more compact, then the transport efficiency is improved, but the space for fuel accumulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite materials with high strength-to-weight and high strength-to-volume ratios allows the tank to maintain structural integrity and overpressure resistance in a more compact form. This enables reduced external volume while preserving internal fuel capacity and safety characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The tank (1) for the transport of fuel comprises: - at least a first container body (2) defining at least a first containment volume of fuel; - at least a second container body (3) defining at least a second containment volume (4) of at least one work liquid and provided with at least one housing seat (6) inside which said first container body (2) is fitted in a removable manner; - reinforcing means (7) of said second container body (3) provided with at least one reinforcing element (8, 9) positioned through inside said second containment volume (4) and adapted to counteract the deformation of said second container body (3).