Plastic Floating Bearing for Cryogenic Tank Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank systems for transporting and storing liquid gases, such as liquefied hydrogen and liquefied natural gas, face challenges in compactness, robustness, and thermal insulation due to the need to withstand cryogenic temperatures and external influences like vibrations and temperature differences.
Innovation Solution
A tank system design that incorporates a loose bearing element and a fixed bearing element made of plastic, allowing for translational movement and expansion of the inner tank relative to the outer tank, while providing secure fixation and efficient compensation for external and internal influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional double- or multi-walled tank systems are used for cryogenic storage, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum insulation layer (thin film/vacuum barrier) between the inner and outer tanks to minimize heat transfer. This vacuum barrier acts as a thermal insulator without requiring complex multi-layer wall structures, thereby reducing heat loss while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the thermal insulation function by creating a vacuum space between the inner and outer tanks. By removing matter (air) from the gap, heat conduction and convection are eliminated, providing effective thermal insulation without adding complex insulating materials or structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the inner tank is rigidly fixed to the outer tank, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to thermal expansion and external influences worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic suspension system with elastic elements (springs or elastomeric bearings) that allow the inner tank to move relative to the outer tank. This dynamic mounting accommodates thermal expansion, contraction, and external forces while maintaining stable positioning, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the mounting elements by using materials with specific elastic characteristics. These elements can deform elastically under thermal stress or external forces, allowing the tank system to adapt to parameter changes (temperature, pressure, vibration) while maintaining overall structural stability.
3Strength
If bearing components are used to connect inner and outer tanks, then structural support is improved, but thermal bridge formation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite bearing elements that combine materials with different thermal and mechanical properties. For example, using materials with low thermal conductivity (such as plastics, composites, or vacuum) in the bearing structure reduces heat transfer while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (vacuum or insulating material) in the bearing connection between the inner and outer tanks. This intermediary reduces thermal conduction through the bearing while still allowing mechanical support and movement, thereby minimizing heat transfer paths.
4Volume of moving object
If compact tank system design is pursued, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing simplicity and economy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the inner tank is placed within the outer tank, with the vacuum insulation layer and bearing elements integrated into the annular space between them. This nested design achieves compact volume utilization while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the outer tank to serve multiple functions: structural containment, thermal insulation barrier, and mounting structure for the suspension system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while achieving compact design.
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 tank system achieves improved durability, compactness, and energy efficiency by minimizing heat transfer and accommodating thermal expansion, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The floating bearing element and/or the fixed bearing element comprise a plastic. Preferably, the floating bearing element and/or the fixed bearing element are made of the plastic.
Implementation Method 2
The floating bearing is designed such that it permits a translational movement and/or an expansion of the inner tank relative to the outer tank in an axial direction.
Implementation Method 3
there is usually a vacuum, especially a high vacuum, in the gap between the inner and outer tanks
Data Source
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AI summary
A tank system (10) for a transport system, in particular for a motor vehicle, for receiving a gaseous or liquid medium (12), preferably liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), comprises an inner tank (14) for receiving the medium and an outer tank (16), wherein the inner tank is supported in the outer tank by means of a floating bearing (21) with a floating bearing element and a fixed bearing (23) with a fixed bearing element, forming a gap (18). The floating bearing is designed such that it allows translational movement and/or expansion of the inner tank relative to the outer tank in an axial direction. The floating bearing element and/or the fixed bearing element consists at least partially, and in particular entirely, of plastic.