Interwoven Composite Pressure Vessel Winding for Lighter Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas cylinder production methods face challenges in achieving efficient radial and axial reinforcement transitions, leading to impractical processes, increased weight, thickness, and cost in mass production.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneously winding hoop and helical strands of different materials to create an interwoven structure, eliminating discrete layer boundaries and optimizing reinforcement distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional winding pattern transition techniques are used, then fiber reinforcement can be provided in different directions, but the process becomes impractical for mass production and increases product weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the central section winding pattern and domed end winding pattern into a single continuous winding operation. The fiber filament is not cut or reoriented, but instead continues uninterrupted while the winding apparatus automatically transitions the winding angle, combining what were previously separate operations into one seamless process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the winding angle during the filament winding process. The winding apparatus continuously varies the fiber angle from a high angle in the central section to a lower angle in the end section, creating an adaptive reinforcement pattern that matches structural requirements without discontinuities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber filaments are cut and reoriented for pattern transition, then different winding patterns can be achieved, but the process becomes impractical for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The winding apparatus is pre-configured with the capability to automatically transition between winding patterns without manual intervention. The system prepares for pattern change in advance by programming the angle transition, eliminating the need for stopping, cutting, and reorienting filaments during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous winding action throughout the entire process. The fiber filament is wound continuously from start to finish without interruption, and the winding pattern transitions smoothly without stopping the winding operation, ensuring uninterrupted productive action.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fiber angle is slowly steered from high to low, then transition between patterns is achieved, but more material is wound than structurally necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different fiber angles in different local regions of the pressure vessel. High fiber angles are used in the central section where radial reinforcement is needed, while lower fiber angles are used in the domed ends where axial reinforcement is more important, matching the local structural requirements precisely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the winding angle parameter continuously along the length of the pressure vessel. By adjusting this critical parameter, the fiber orientation is optimized for different structural regions, achieving the required reinforcement distribution with minimal material.
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 interwoven structure provides improved reinforcement per unit weight, reducing product compromises and enhancing durability and pressure resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The structural shell includes a first filament comprising a first material composition wound about the substantially cylindrical form in a first primarily hoop direction and a second filament comprising a second material composition that is different from the first material composition, the second filament wound about the substantially cylindrical form in a second primarily hoop direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided. The vehicle can include a cab, a plurality of wheels, one or more frame rails, an engine or power generation system, and a pressure vessel. The frame rails are configured to support the cab and the plurality of wheels. The engine or power generation system are configured to be powered by a fuel. The pressure vessel is configured to store the fuel to be used by the engine or power generation system. The pressure vessel can include a structural shell formed by filament winding upon a substantially cylindrical form.