Multi-Tank Valve Block Assembly for Faster High-Pressure Tank Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing valve devices for high-pressure gas storage tanks require a large number of components for fixing, leading to increased assembling time and reduced productivity due to the complex structure needed to support and manage multiple tanks.

Innovation Solution

A valve device with a block fixing part that accommodates multiple nozzle parts, a gas flow path, and an opening/closing mechanism, along with a fastening system that reduces the number of fixing components by using a flange part with annular fastening holes to securely attach the block fixing part to the tank, allowing for integrated gas discharge control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate fixing components are used to support each high-pressure gas storage tank individually, then each tank can be securely fixed, but the number of components increases and assembling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate fixing components into a single integrated block fixing part that can simultaneously support and secure multiple high-pressure gas storage tanks. The block fixing part includes a unified structure with multiple nozzle insertion parts, allowing it to function as both a support frame and a fixing mechanism for multiple tanks, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The block fixing part is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it acts as a support frame for multiple tanks, provides nozzle insertion and alignment, facilitates gas flow path connection, and enables integrated opening/closing control. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple separate fixing components and support structures are used for each tank, then each tank can be independently supported, but the assembling time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank support stabilityVSAvoidassembling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple support structures into a single block fixing part that provides stable support for multiple tanks simultaneously. The integrated structure includes unified support legs, connection points, and nozzle insertion parts that work together as one assembly unit, reducing the number of assembly steps and operations required while maintaining the stability needed to support high-pressure tanks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The block fixing part is designed with pre-configured nozzle insertion parts and gas flow path connections that are prepared in advance. The nozzle parts of the tanks can be directly inserted into the pre-formed concave nozzle insertion parts of the block fixing part, eliminating the need for on-site alignment and connection work, thereby significantly reducing assembling time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate opening/closing mechanisms are used for each tank nozzle, then each tank can be independently controlled, but the number of components increases and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of opening/closing mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple opening/closing mechanisms into a single integrated mechanism that is connected to the block fixing part. The opening/closing part includes a unified structure with multiple valve elements that can independently control the gas discharge from each tank nozzle while being part of a single assembly. This allows independent control of each tank while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate fixing components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system requires more parts and longer assembly time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent function optimizationVSAvoidtotal number of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The block fixing part is designed with segmented functional zones within a unified structure. Each zone corresponds to a specific tank and includes dedicated nozzle insertion parts and gas flow path sections. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as part of a single integrated component, combining the benefits of functional optimization with reduced part count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4102128B1Valve device for high pressure gas storage tank
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 ILJIN HYSOLUS CO LTD
  • EP4102128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4102128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4102128B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a valve device for a high-pressure gas storage tank. A valve device for a high-pressure gas storage tank according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of gas storage tanks having nozzle parts through which a gas is discharged, a block fixing part that accommodates the plurality of nozzle parts and has a gas flow path part, through which the gas discharged from the nozzle parts flows, in an internal space thereof, and an opening/closing part that is connected to the block fixing part and adjusts external discharge of the gas discharged from the nozzle parts and flowing to the gas flow path part.