Interwoven Composite Gas Cylinder Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cylinder production techniques face challenges in efficiently transitioning between different winding patterns for fiber reinforcement, leading to impractical mass production processes and product compromises such as increased weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that simultaneously winds hoop strands and helical strands to create an interwoven structure, allowing for independent application of different materials and compositions to achieve improved reinforcement and reduced excess fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional winding techniques are used to transition between central section and domed end winding patterns, then the fiber reinforcement can be applied, but the process becomes impractical for mass production and requires cutting and reconnecting filaments
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber filaments are pre-configured with predetermined winding patterns that include both central section and domed end sections. The transition between winding patterns is achieved by pre-positioning guide elements and tensioning members before the winding process begins, eliminating the need for cutting and reconnecting filaments during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a central section winding module and a domed end winding module. Each module can be independently adjusted and operated, allowing the fiber filaments to transition smoothly between different winding patterns without interruption to the continuous winding process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fiber angle is slowly steered from high angle in central section to lower angle in end section, then transition between winding patterns is achieved, but more material than structurally necessary is wound, adding weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
Different winding patterns are applied to specific local regions of the tank. The central section receives fiber winding at one angle optimized for cylindrical stress, while the domed ends receive fiber winding at different angles optimized for spherical stress distribution. The transition is sharp and localized rather than gradual, placing fiber only where structurally necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding apparatus rapidly changes the winding angle parameter from the central section value to the domed end value at a defined transition zone, rather than gradually steering the angle. This parameter change is controlled by the predetermined configuration of guide elements and tensioning members, achieving the necessary pattern transition with minimal excess material.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate winding processes are used for central section and domed ends, then different winding patterns can be applied, but the process complexity increases and production time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The winding apparatus is designed as a universal system that can apply both central section and domed end winding patterns in a single continuous operation. The apparatus includes adjustable guide elements and tensioning members that can be configured for different winding patterns, allowing one device to perform multiple winding functions without requiring separate processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber filament winding process continues uninterrupted from the central section to the domed ends. The predetermined configuration of guide elements and tensioning members ensures that the filament transitions smoothly between winding patterns without breaking, reconnection, or idle periods, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the entire tank circumference.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure vessel is provided that has a structural shell formed by winding filaments upon a substantially cylindrical form. The structural shell has a first filament and a second filament. The first filament includes of a first material. The first filament is wound about the form in a primarily hoop direction. The second filament includes a second material. The second material is different from the first material. The second filament is wound about the form in a primarily helical direction. The first filament and second filament are interwoven in a layer upon the form.