Reinforced Pressure Vessel Dome Contour Optimization
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure vessels for vehicles face challenges in maintaining mechanical integrity while minimizing the use of reinforcing fibers, which are costly, time-consuming to manufacture, and result in a heavier vessel.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel design featuring a liner with a generally cylindrical central portion and dome-shaped longitudinal ends, where the first dome-shaped longitudinal end has a less concave dome contour and is reinforced with a dome reinforcement shell that complements the shape of the liner, reducing stress concentrations and allowing for a smoother outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a dome reinforcement shell with geodesic dome contour is used, then the mechanical properties of the pressure vessel are improved, but the quantity of reinforcing fibre required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the dome contour parameter from a geodesic dome contour to a less concave dome contour. This parameter change reduces the stress concentration in the tip region of the dome reinforcement shell, allowing for reduced fibre quantity while maintaining mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating an insertion area with specific diameter difference between D1 and D2 in the intermediate portion. This local geometric modification optimizes the stress distribution specifically in the critical tip region of the dome reinforcement shell
2Strength
If more reinforcing fibre is used, then the mechanical properties are improved, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the dome contour parameter to be less concave, the stress concentration is reduced, which allows for reduced fibre quantity and consequently reduced winding time during manufacturing
3Strength
If more reinforcing fibre is used, then the mechanical properties are improved, but the weight of the pressure vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modification of the dome contour parameter reduces the required fibre quantity, directly leading to weight reduction of the pressure vessel while maintaining adequate mechanical properties
4Strength
If the dome reinforcement shell protrudes excessively, then the mechanical properties are improved, but the stress concentration in the outer composite structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a local geometric feature called an insertion area with specific diameter difference between D1 and D2. This local modification allows the dome reinforcement shell to be positioned optimally, preventing excessive protrusion and the associated stress concentration in the outer composite structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A pressure vessel (4) comprises: - a liner (6) defining an internal fluid storage chamber (3) and having: • a generally cylindrical central portion (8) having a first outer diameter D1 at a first longitudinal end (8a), • a first dome-shaped longitudinal end (12) having a base (12a) of a second outer diameter D2, the second outer diameter D2 being smaller than the first outer diameter D1, and • a first intermediate portion (13) located between the generally cylindrical central portion (8) and the first dome-shaped longitudinal end (12) and connecting the first longitudinal end (8a) of the generally cylindrical central portion (8) to the base (12a) of the first dome-shaped longitudinal end (12), wherein said first dome-shaped longitudinal end (12) of the liner (6) has a dome contour which is less concave toward the internal fluid storage chamber (3) than a dome-shaped longitudinal end having a geodesic dome contour, - a first dome reinforcement shell (16) having a shape complementary to the shape of both the first dome-shaped longitudinal end (12) and the first intermediate portion (13) of the liner (6), the first dome reinforcement shell (16) being fitted on both the first dome-shaped longitudinal end (12) and the first intermediate portion (13) of the liner (6), - a boss (14), and - an outer composite structure (20) enclosing or encasing the liner (6) and the first dome reinforcement shell (16).