Minimal Surface Internal Support for Rectangular Gas Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas storage containers that withstand high pressures are inefficient in space usage, as they are typically spherical or cylindrical, which limits their ability to maximize storage capacity compared to rectangular prism shapes.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring internal support members with a surface contour that approximates a minimal surface, connected to an outer shell with curved surfaces, allowing for structural support and efficient fluid containment while maintaining a rectangular prism shape, thereby distributing forces evenly and minimizing stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a spherical or cylindrical shape is used for the container, then the container can withstand relatively high pressures, but the space use efficiency deteriorates (78% for cylindrical, 52% for spherical compared to rectangular prism)
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into an outer shell and multiple internal support members. The internal support members are further segmented into struts and nodes forming a truss structure. This segmentation allows the container to achieve high strength through distributed load paths while maintaining a rectangular outer shape for optimal space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal support members feature curved surfaces with minimal surface area for their volume. These curved surfaces efficiently distribute internal pressure loads throughout the structure, providing high pressure withstanding capability while minimizing the material required and maintaining the rectangular external geometry for maximum space efficiency.
2Volume of stationary object
If a rectangular prism shape is used for the container, then the space use efficiency is maximized, but the container's ability to withstand high pressures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs local quality by providing structural reinforcement only where needed - through the internal truss support members with curved surfaces. The outer shell maintains a simple rectangular prism shape for maximum space efficiency, while the internal support structure locally handles the pressure loads, combining the advantages of both geometries.
3Strength
If internal support members with minimal surface contour are used, then the structural support efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal support members utilize curved surfaces with minimal surface area characteristics. These curved geometries efficiently distribute stresses and provide high structural support efficiency. While the shapes are complex, they can be manufactured as modular components and assembled into the overall container structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example container includes a plurality of internal support members having a surface contour that at least approximates a minimum surface. The plurality of internal support members collectively provide structural support for carrying loads on the container. The plurality of internal support members collectively establish a plurality of cavities for at least temporarily containing fluid. An outer shell is connected with at least some of the internal support members. The outer shell includes a plurality of curved surfaces. The outer shell encloses the cavities.