Segmented Pressure Vessel with Shell Element Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure vessels with part-circular cylindrical shells face inefficiencies in space utilization and pressure resistance, particularly in long vessels, where existing designs result in significant space losses and inadequate compressive strength compared to circular-cylindrical or box-shaped configurations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a shell element that connects jacket shells and tension elements, forming a profile support structure with gusset elements that provide additional stabilization against pressure and handling loads, along with varying curvatures and rib-like extensions to manage stress peaks and enhance space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If part-cylindrical shells are used to improve space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but pressure resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel is divided into multiple part-cylindrical shells (first and second shells) that are segmented along the longitudinal axis. These segmented shells are then connected via tension elements and shell elements to form a complete pressure-resistant structure, allowing optimal space utilization while maintaining pressure resistance through the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple structural components (jacket shells, tension elements, and shell elements) are merged into a unified pressure vessel structure. The shell elements connect the jacket shells and tension elements to form a integrated profile support structure that provides both space efficiency and pressure resistance through combined structural action
2Strength
If tension elements are added between jacket shells to improve pressure resistance, then pressure resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension elements are designed as thin-walled structures that provide necessary pressure resistance while minimizing structural complexity. The shell elements similarly use thin-walled construction to connect components without adding excessive structural complexity, achieving pressure resistance through optimized thin-structure design
3Strength
If shell elements are introduced to connect jacket shells and tension elements, then pressure resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel is segmented into modular components (jacket shells, tension elements, shell elements) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing while the overall structure achieves the required pressure resistance through the assembled configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The shell elements act as intermediary components that connect the jacket shells and tension elements. These intermediary elements simplify the overall manufacturing process by providing standardized connection interfaces and allowing modular assembly, reducing the complexity of integrating all structural components
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a pressure container (1) having a jacket comprising partial cylindrical jacket shells (2, 4) that are located parallel next to each other and define a bead (8, 10) in the longitudinal direction. The front ends thereof are closed off by a curved bottom (16,18), wherein between the partial cylindrical shells (2, 4) a tractive element designed in particular as a flat wall (6, 6a, 6b) is arranged, the upper or lower edge (12, 14) of which extends into or penetrates the upper or lower bead region (8, 10). The invention further comprises a shell element (42) running in the longitudinal direction and connecting the jacket shells (2, 4) and the tractive element (6), said shell element being at least sectionally rigidly connected to the jacket shells (2, 4) and to the particularly beveled edge (12, 12a; 14, 14a) of the tractive element (6) such so that in the bead region (8, 10) a carrier structure is formed. The invention further relates to a transport container arrangement, particularly a tank container unit (100) having a pressure container (1) according to the invention.