Remote Safety Valve Actuation for High-Pressure Vehicle Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure tanks in motor vehicles, such as those storing hydrogen, pose a safety risk during accidents or external damage, as existing safety relief devices may not function effectively, potentially leading to tank rupture and endangering rescue workers.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle equipped with a manipulator actuated by an external fluid pressure source, which can open the safety relief device, allowing safe remote pressure relief, utilizing a hydraulic coupling and control unit to activate the safety valve, ensuring the pressure tank can be relieved from a safe distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety relief device is installed on the pressure tank, then the tank can be relieved in the event of a fire or high temperature, but the device cannot be activated remotely in the event of an accident causing minor structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
A manipulator device is introduced as an intermediary between the external environment and the safety relief device. This manipulator, actuated by a fluid pressure source, can remotely open the safety relief device by unscrewing it from the tank wall, enabling remote pressure relief without direct contact with the potentially damaged tank
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator is actuated by a fluid pressure source (hydraulic or pneumatic system) that can be connected to the vehicle's existing fluid pressure infrastructure. This allows the manipulator to generate sufficient force to unscrew the safety relief device from a safe distance, solving the remote activation problem
2Strength
If the safety relief device is screwed into the tank wall for secure mounting, then it remains firmly attached during normal operation, but it cannot be easily removed or opened remotely when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The safety relief device transitions from a static, permanently fixed state to a dynamically controllable state. The device is designed with a threaded connection that can be rotated by the manipulator, allowing it to be securely mounted during normal operation but easily removed or opened when actuated by the external manipulator device
3Measurement precision
If rescue workers approach the damaged vehicle to assess the pressure tank, then they can evaluate the situation up close, but they are exposed to the risk of tank rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary pressure relief action to be taken remotely before rescue workers need to approach the vehicle. By activating the manipulator from a safe distance to open the safety relief device and release pressure, the hazardous condition is mitigated before personnel exposure is required
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator serves as an intermediary that performs the dangerous function of pressure relief without requiring human presence near the damaged tank. This allows situation assessment to proceed safely after remote pressure reduction has been accomplished
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
Enables safe and efficient pressure relief of the tank, reducing the risk to rescue workers and allowing for remote operation, even if the tank is damaged, thereby ensuring safe recovery and rescue procedures can be conducted without tank rupture hazards.
Implementation Method 1
A motor vehicle with a pressure tank (1) in which an energy carrier for supplying at least one energy converter ultimately used to drive the vehicle can be stored under high pressure of the order of 300 bar and more
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a pressure tank in which an energy carrier for supplying at least one energy converter that is ultimately used to drive the vehicle can be stored under high pressure in the magnitude of 300 bar and more. The pressure tank has a safety relief device which allows at least a sub-quantity of the stored fuel to leak from the tank in the event of a critical state, in particular in the event of high temperatures, such as those occurring during a fire for example. The motor vehicle has at least one connection possibility for an external fluid pressure source and a manipulator which can be actuated by a connected fluid pressure source and which opens the safety relief device when actuated.