Mechanical Joining Interface for Pressurized Tank Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective devices for pressurized gas tanks, which rely on bonding a damping shell to the tank, are time-consuming and expensive, and do not ensure sufficient durability over 20 years.

Innovation Solution

A protective device with a mechanical joining interface that integrates the shell and joining mechanism, allowing for mechanical attachment to the tank using features like rivets, screws, clips, or welding, and utilizing a shape-complementary expanded polystyrene shell for impact energy absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bonding is used to attach the shell to the tank, then the shell can be joined to the tank, but the process is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of attachmentVSAvoidtime for surface preparation and curing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding process with a mechanical joining system. The mechanical joining interface includes features such as ribs, grooves, and engagement structures that physically connect the shell to the tank, eliminating the need for surface preparation and curing time associated with bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device is divided into distinct functional components: the shell, the mechanical joining interface, and the tank. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where the joining interface can be independently designed with specific engagement features that simplify attachment without requiring time-consuming bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If bonding is used to attach the shell to the tank, then the shell can be joined to the tank, but the process is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of attachmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding process with a mechanical joining system. The mechanical joining interface includes features such as ribs, grooves, and engagement structures that physically connect the shell to the tank, eliminating the need for surface preparation and curing time associated with bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical joining interface is integrated with the shell as a single component, merging the attachment function into the shell structure itself. This integration eliminates separate bonding operations and reduces manufacturing steps, lowering both time and cost while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If bonding is used to attach the shell to the tank, then the shell can be joined to the tank, but it does not guarantee sufficient durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice life of attachmentVSAvoiddurability of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding process with a mechanical joining system. The mechanical joining interface includes features such as ribs, grooves, and engagement structures that physically connect the shell to the tank, eliminating the need for surface preparation and curing time associated with bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution provides a faster, cost-effective, and durable attachment method that ensures long-term protection against impacts, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the protective device.

Implementation Method 1

a shell (2) designed to absorb energy in the event of an impact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the base comprises an outer crown and the mechanical joining interface comprises an elastic ring, capable of protruding from the crown

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12188617B2Protective device for a pressurized tank

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 FAURECIA HYDROGEN SOLUTIONS FRANCE

AI summary

A protective device for a pressurized gas tank comprises a shell designed to absorb energy in the event of an impact and a mechanical joining interface to mechanically join the shell to the pressurized gas tank.