Single-Piece Cryogenic Valve Block for Compact Low-Loss Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid extraction systems for vehicles face challenges due to limited installation space, numerous connections leading to errors, high pressure loss, and increased assembly effort, as well as inefficiencies in space utilization and heat management.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece pressure management valve block integrates multiple components, including a heat exchanger and pressure management system, reducing the need for individual lines and connection points, and optimizing space usage by combining valves and sensors within a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual lines and connectors are used to connect components in the cryogenic fluid extraction system, then the system allows for modular assembly and easy maintenance, but the installation space required increases significantly and the number of connection points leads to higher error rates and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual lines and connectors into a single integrated manifold structure. The manifold integrates the heat exchanger, pressure management system, and fluid distribution network into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate lines and multiple connectors. This merging reduces the installation space while maintaining the modular functionality through standardized connection interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual lines and connectors are used in the extraction system, then component flexibility is maintained, but the number of sealing points increases leading to higher error rates and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold integrates multiple fluid pathways and connection points into a single sealed structure. By combining multiple individual connections into one integrated component with internal fluid distribution, the system reduces the number of external sealing points from multiple connector interfaces to a single manifold assembly, thereby improving reliability while maintaining adaptability through standardized mounting interfaces.
3Ease of repair
If multiple individual lines are used to route cryogenic fluid between components, then the system allows for easy replacement of individual lines, but the pressure loss increases due to the large number of connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold consolidates multiple fluid pathways into a single integrated structure with internal channels. This eliminates numerous connection points where pressure loss occurs, while maintaining ease of repair through standardized external interfaces. The internal fluid distribution within the manifold minimizes turbulence and pressure drops compared to multiple external connections.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented to reduce installation space, then the available space on the vehicle is optimized, but the system complexity increases making assembly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a modular assembly with standardized interfaces that can be segmented for manufacturing and assembly. The integrated structure is divided into functional sections (heat exchanger portion, pressure management section, fluid distribution network) that can be assembled in a systematic manner, reducing the complexity of integration while achieving compact dimensions.
5Adaptability or versatility
If numerous connectors and lines are used in the extraction system, then individual components can be independently selected and replaced, but the assembly effort and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold integrates multiple functional components into a single pre-assembled unit with standardized interfaces. This allows the entire manifold assembly to be installed as one component, dramatically reducing assembly effort and cost compared to installing multiple individual lines and connectors. The integrated design maintains adaptability through standardized mounting interfaces that allow for component replacement.
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
This integration minimizes pressure loss, reduces assembly effort, enhances safety, and improves efficiency by allowing for precise control of cryogenic fluid flow, while maintaining modularity and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger with a first heat exchanger tube for cryogenic fluid, wherein a withdrawal line of the cryogenic container is connected to the first heat exchanger tube of the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
divert cryogenic fluid heated by the external heat exchanger from the extraction line and recirculate it through another heat exchanger extending into the cryogenic vessel, thereby increasing the pressure in the cryogenic vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising a cryogenic container (1) and a heat exchanger (4, 60) with a first heat exchanger tube (49) for cryogenic fluid, a removal line (9, 10) of the cryogenic container (1) being connected to the first heat exchanger tube (49) of the heat exchanger (4). The system comprises a single-piece pressure management valve block (12) with at least one first inlet opening (35), a second inlet opening (36), a first outlet opening (37), and a second outlet opening (38), wherein at least the first inlet opening, the first outlet opening, and the second outlet opening are connected in the interior of the single-piece pressure management valve block by a connection passage, and the connection passage has a first inlet-side connection section (40), a first outlet-side connection section (41), and a second outlet-side connection section (42) which meet at a first node point (43). The single-piece pressure management valve block has at least one valve recess (45) which is open towards the outside.