Polymeric Pressure Vessel Structure for Lightweight Fuel Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure vessels made of metallic materials are heavy, increasing the weight of vehicles and reducing their efficiency due to high density.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel formed of polymeric material with internal and external ribs, reinforcement rings, and a dual inner volume design to enhance structural integrity and reduce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic materials are used to form pressure vessels, then the pressure vessels can hold fuel at elevated pressures, but the high density of metallic materials increases the weight of the pressure vessel and lowers vehicle efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to polymeric material, fundamentally altering the density characteristic while maintaining pressure containment capability through structural design adaptations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining polymeric material with reinforcement elements (fibers, ribs, rings) to create a structure that achieves metallic-level strength-to-weight ratio, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and pressure containment
2Weight of moving object
If polymeric material is used to form the pressure vessel body, then the weight is reduced and fuel efficiency is enhanced, but the structural integrity under elevated pressures may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction by combining polymeric material with reinforcement elements (fibers, ribs, rings) to create a structure that achieves metallic-level strength-to-weight ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved and domed geometries in the pressure vessel design, which distribute stress more evenly across the structure, enhancing the strength-to-weight ratio of the polymeric material under pressure loads
3Strength
If the pressure vessel is designed with internal ribs and complex structural features to enhance strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple structural features (internal ribs, external rings, reinforcement elements) into a unified polymeric construction, combining their strengthening functions while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to traditional metallic assembly methods
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure vessel may include a body formed of a polymeric material. The body may extend between a first end and a second end. The body may include a center column defining a first inner volume extending between the first end and the second end. A wall may be connected to the center column. The wall may surround the center column and define a second inner volume therebetween. The second inner volume may be disposed annularly around, and fluidly separate from, the first inner volume. The pressure vessel may also include a first end cap coupled to the center column at the first end and second end cap coupled to the center column at the second end. The first end cap may close off the first inner volume at the first end. The second end cap may close off the first inner volume at the second end.