Hexagonal Composite Gas Cylinder RFID Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional containers for pressurized gases are heavy, prone to displacement during transport, lack protection, and cannot utilize RFID technology due to metal interference, making them unsafe and inefficient for handling and traceability.

Innovation Solution

A container with a lightweight metal inner sleeve coated with a composite material and a thermoplastic protective sheath, incorporating a passive RFID tag, allowing for reliable RFID tracking and enhanced protection against impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional metal containers are used, then strength and protection are improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer strengthVSAvoidcontainer weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal inner sleeve (aluminum or stainless steel) with an outer protective cage made of plastic material. This composite structure provides the strength and protection of metal while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to conventional all-metal containers. The plastic cage acts as a protective exoskeleton that distributes and absorbs impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of moving object

If cylindrical containers are stacked vertically on pallets, then space utilization is improved, but displacement and sliding occur during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepallet space utilizationVSAvoidcontainer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the traditional cylindrical shape by adding a hexagonal protective cage structure around the cylindrical container body. This hybrid geometry maintains the space-efficient cylindrical core while the hexagonal outer structure provides flat surfaces and geometric interlocking that prevent sliding and displacement during vertical stacking and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Strength

If metal containers are used, then durability is improved, but RFID technology cannot be implemented due to signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer durabilityVSAvoidRFID compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a plastic material outer cage as an intermediary layer between the metal container and the external environment. This plastic shell acts as a non-magnetic barrier that allows RFID signals to pass through without interference from the metal container, enabling RFID tag integration while maintaining the durability benefits of the metal inner sleeve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If valve guards with increased thickness are used, then impact resistance is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve guard impact resistanceVSAvoidvalve guard weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials to the valve guard by constructing it as part of the plastic protective cage structure rather than using solid metal. The valve guard is formed as an integrated component of the hexagonal plastic cage, providing adequate impact protection through the cage's geometric structure and material properties while maintaining lightweight characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a safer, lighter, and more efficient container that prevents displacement during transport, enables reliable RFID tracking, and reduces administrative burdens by allowing unmanned inspections and increased handling capacity.

Implementation Method 1

the resin is cured, with the difference that the time and temperature conditions employed are substantially greater than those necessary for this purpose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResin curing: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

allowing a deformation after a fall or an external load, that is, absorbing said load such that it is not transmitted to the composite damaging the same

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3093548B1Protective casing for cylinder for pressurized gases
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 CARBOTAINER
  • EP3093548B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3093548B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3093548B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

Lightweight container for containing and transporting gases under high pressure, comprising an inner metal sleeve (6), a composite casing (12) around said sleeve (6) and a protective sheath of thermoplastic material formed by two parts (13-13') that can be coupled to each other by interposing clips (16-17), comprising on the bottom a stand (21) attached by rivets to the lateral surface of the bottom part (13'), the assembly defining a lightweight and strong container that is suitable and ideal for transporting pressurized gases, while also having the feature that the outer surface includes hexagonal segments that allow a completely compact packaging, preventing the displacement or rotation of the containers.