Liquid Hydrogen Tank Rails for Easier Internal Module Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of liquid hydrogen reservoirs is complex and difficult due to the need for numerous fastening tabs and welding operations, which are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in confined spaces like internal tanks.
Innovation Solution
Integrate rails within the tank wall for easier insertion and fastening of equipment modules, using connecting elements that slide along the rails for assembly, eliminating the need for conventional fastening tabs and anti-slosh walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening tabs and welding operations are used to assemble equipment inside the tank, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes extremely difficult and time-consuming due to accessibility constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rails as intermediary components integrated into the tank wall, which serve as mediating structures between the tank and equipment modules. These rails provide guided insertion paths and standardized connection points, making the assembly process accessible and manageable while maintaining secure fastening through connecting elements that engage with the rail system
Solution Approach 2:
The rails are pre-integrated into the tank wall during tank manufacturing, establishing the fastening infrastructure before equipment assembly begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need to perform complex welding and fastening operations inside the confined tank space, as the connection structure is already in place to receive and guide equipment modules
2Strength
If numerous fastening tabs are used to secure equipment inside the tank, then the equipment is firmly attached, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes complex and lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated rail system. Instead of using numerous separate fastening tabs distributed throughout the tank, the rails consolidate the fastening capability into continuous longitudinal structures that can secure multiple equipment components along their length, significantly reducing the number of discrete fastening elements needed
Solution Approach 2:
The rails serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, guide equipment insertion, enable fastening through connecting elements, and can accommodate various types of equipment modules. This multi-functionality replaces the need for specialized fastening tabs for different equipment, simplifying the overall assembly system
3Reliability
If welding operations are performed extensively inside the tank to attach fastening elements, then the connections are strong and reliable, but the process becomes difficult to implement due to accessibility constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The rails are welded to the tank wall during tank manufacturing, before the tank is assembled and before equipment installation begins. This preliminary welding action is performed when full accessibility to the tank interior is available, eliminating the need to perform welding operations inside the confined tank space later during equipment assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extensive welding operations with mechanical connecting elements that engage with the pre-integrated rails. These connecting elements use friction-fit, snap-fit, or threaded mechanisms instead of requiring welding, thereby substituting complex thermal-mechanical processes with simpler mechanical assembly operations that are easier to perform in confined spaces
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
Simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process by reducing the number of components and fastening points, enhancing accessibility and adaptability to various tank sizes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the rail is provided on an internal face with a slideway intended to receive at least one connecting element, said slideway allowing a translational movement of the one or more connecting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A tank, in particular for a liquid hydrogen reservoir, provided with internal rails for putting an equipment module in place, includesa central portion provided with a wall, and at least one rail and preferably a plurality of rails, each of the rails being integrated in the wall of the central portion of the tank so as to be accessible from inside the tank, such rails allowing easier integration and fastening of a module comprising equipment inside the tank, so as to simplify the manufacture and assembly of the tank.