Sorption Gas Tank Shock Absorbing Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas storage tanks for vehicles, such as those used for ammonia or hydrogen, face challenges in achieving low weight, low permeability, good pressure resistance, and impact resistance, particularly when trying to reduce thickness to minimize weight while maintaining impact resistance.

Innovation Solution

The tank incorporates shock absorption means, such as auxetic structures or protective envelopes made of lightweight materials like polyethylene or polyurethane foam, to compensate for the loss of impact resistance due to reduced thickness, while maintaining chemical compatibility and pressure resistance, and can be manufactured using overmolding for ease and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the thickness of the cells is reduced to minimize weight, then the weight of the tank is improved, but the impact resistance of the reservoir is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of tankVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a thin cell structure with an auxiliary shock-absorbing structure made of elastomeric material. The cell itself can be made of plastic or composite material, while the shock-absorbing structure provides additional impact protection. This composite approach allows the cell thickness to be reduced for weight savings while the elastomeric shock-absorbing structure compensates for the reduced impact resistance, resolving the contradiction between weight and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If the thickness of the cells is reduced to minimize weight, then the weight of the tank is improved, but the pressure resistance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of tankVSAvoidpressure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material construction where the cell is made of plastic or composite material with specific properties for pressure resistance, combined with the elastomeric shock-absorbing structure. The cell material is selected to maintain adequate pressure resistance despite reduced thickness, while the elastomeric layer provides shock absorption without significantly compromising pressure containment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials are used for the shock absorption means, then the weight of the tank is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of tankVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shock-absorbing structure with the cell assembly by positioning the elastomeric material to surround or support the cell. This integration allows the shock-absorbing function to be added without requiring completely separate complex manufacturing processes. The elastomeric material can be molded or attached in a way that combines with the existing cell manufacturing workflow, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining lightweight properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution results in a lighter, more efficient gas storage tank with improved impact resistance and pressure resistance, suitable for vehicle-mounted pollution control or energy storage systems, while ensuring stable ammonia production and easy mounting on vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The shock absorbing means can, for example, absorb impact energy by elastic or even plastic deformation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The shock absorbing means can, for example, absorb impact energy by elastic or even plastic deformation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

a gas (ammonia, hydrogen, etc.) is fixed by sorption, preferably by chemisorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSorption: Sorption

Implementation Method 4

a gas (ammonia, hydrogen, etc.) is fixed by sorption, preferably by chemisorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemisorption: Chemisorption

Data Source

PatentEP2935977B1Tank for storing a gas stored by sorption comprising shock-absorbing means
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION & RES SA
  • EP2935977B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2935977B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2935977B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is a tank (1) for storing a gas, the gas being stored by sorption to a compound. The tank includes a receptacle (2) capable of containing the compound. The receptacle is such that it includes shock-absorbing means (3).