Pressurized Storage Tank Arrangement with Segmented Header

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressurized storage tank arrangements lack flexibility in fluid flow configurations and require time-consuming and resource-intensive purging operations, especially when using test fluids like hydrogen, which can damage vehicle systems.

Innovation Solution

A pressurized storage tank arrangement with at least two tanks connected via a mechanically stable connecting device, allowing for fluid-conducting connections at multiple points, enabling circular flows and simplified purging with controlled fluid introduction and extraction, reducing the need for high-pressure test fluid filling and discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pressurized storage tanks are connected via a simple header and holding part arrangement, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid flow configuration flexibility is limited and purging operations become time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow configuration flexibilityVSAvoidconnecting device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is segmented into multiple functional components: a header with multiple connecting sections, individual valves for each storage tank, and a common purging line. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid flow to each tank while enabling flexible configuration options, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by organizing complexity into manageable, functional segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The header serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a manifold for distributing fluid to individual tanks, provides a common purging line for system-wide cleaning, and enables both filling and emptying operations through its multiple connecting sections. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component performs multiple roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional purging operations are used with high-pressure test fluid filling and discharge, then the purging effectiveness is high, but the operation is time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurging operation efficiencyVSAvoidpurging operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The purging system enables continuous fluid flow through the storage tanks by providing a common purging line that connects all tanks simultaneously. Instead of sequentially purging each tank, the system allows continuous circulation and displacement of test fluid through all tanks at once, significantly reducing purging time and improving operational efficiency without sacrificing purging effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are provided on pressurized storage tanks, then fluid flow flexibility is improved and circular flows are enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow path optionsVSAvoidtank connection configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection points on individual tanks are merged into a unified header structure that provides both individual connecting sections for each tank and a common purging line. This merging approach enables complex fluid flow paths including circular flows while consolidating the connection infrastructure into a single manufacturable component, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture despite increased flow flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a common purging line is implemented connecting all storage tanks, then purging operations are simplified and time-reducing, but the connecting device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurging operation simplicityVSAvoidconnecting device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The common purging line is integrated into the header structure, which already serves as a manifold for individual tank connections. This universal header design performs dual functions: distributing fluid to individual tanks through separate valves and providing a common purging pathway for system-wide cleaning. By combining these functions in a single structural element, operational simplicity is achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9206946B2Pressure accumulator

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO KG

AI summary

A pressurized storage tank arrangement having at least two pressurized storage tanks, the at least two pressurized storage tanks being configured for connection to one another in a fluid-conducting manner via a connecting device. The at least two pressurized storage tanks are configured for connection to the connecting device in a fluid-conducting manner at a first and a second connecting section.