Pressure Vessel Composite Layering for Lower Weight and Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure vessels for vehicles face challenges in maintaining mechanical integrity while reducing the quantity of reinforcing fibers, as increasing the thickness of helical layers to alleviate stress leads to increased weight and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
Optimize the distribution of helical and hoop layers within the outer composite structure by locating at least 20% of the combined thickness of all helical layers within the 25% innermost thickness of the structure, and use dome reinforcement shells with complementary shapes to reduce mechanical stress and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of helical layers is increased to reduce mechanical stress in the innermost layers, then the mechanical integrity of the pressure vessel is improved, but the weight of the pressure vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning helical layers specifically in the innermost region of the outer composite structure where mechanical stress is highest. Instead of uniformly distributing helical layers throughout the entire thickness, the invention concentrates at least 20% of the combined thickness of all helical layers within the 25% innermost thickness of the outer composite structure. This localized reinforcement provides targeted stress relief exactly where needed while avoiding unnecessary weight addition in less critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of layer distribution by specifying that at least 20% of the combined thickness of all helical layers are located within the 25% innermost thickness of the outer composite structure. This parameter change optimizes the stress distribution profile through the wall thickness, allowing the structure to withstand high internal pressures with less total material than conventional uniform distributions would require.
2Strength
If the thickness of helical layers is increased to reduce mechanical stress, then the mechanical integrity is improved, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating helical layer placement in the innermost region during the winding process. This localized approach allows manufacturers to focus reinforcement efforts on the critical stress zone without requiring additional manufacturing steps or extended winding times across the entire structure. The process efficiency is maintained while achieving the stress distribution benefits.
3Weight of moving object
If the quantity of reinforcing fibers is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight of the pressure vessel is reduced, but the mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning helical layers in the innermost region where they provide maximum stress relief value. This optimized placement ensures that the reinforcing fibers are concentrated in the most critical area for stress management, maintaining mechanical properties with reduced total fiber quantity compared to uniform distribution schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining helical layers and hoop layers in a specific architectural configuration. The outer composite structure comprises both helical layers and hoop layers, with the helical layers positioned to provide longitudinal stress resistance and the hoop layers providing circumferential support. This composite arrangement allows for reduced total fiber content while maintaining comprehensive mechanical protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure vessel (4; 4') comprising an internal fluid storage chamber (3) and an outer composite structure (20) having a thickness (T) comprising both helical layers (20a) and hoop layers (20b) of reinforcing fibers, wherein at least 20% of the combined thickness of all helical layers (20a) are located within the 25% innermost thickness (T) of the outer composite structure (20). The internal fluid storage chamber (3) is defined by a liner (6) comprising a first dome-shaped longitudinal end portion (12) having a first intermediate portion (13). The pressure vessel (4; 4') further comprises a first dome reinforcement shell (16) having a shape complementary to the shape of the first dome-shaped longitudinal end portion (12) and its first intermediate portion (13), said first dome reinforcement shell (16) being fitted on the liner (6) only on the first dome-shaped longitudinal end portion (12) and its first intermediate portion (13).