Storage Cassette With Elastic Retainer For Pressurized Cylinder Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage and transport systems for pressurized fluid and gas cylinders fail to accommodate the expansion of cylinders during filling and do not adapt to varying bottle geometries and dimensions, leading to potential damage from abrasion and mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A storage cassette system with a first retaining member for the first end of the bottle and a second retaining member with a degree of freedom for the second end, allowing longitudinal movement and preventing rotation, along with a locking device providing 5-30% elasticity to absorb expansion, and a primary structure with wedging elements to support the bottles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed mechanical connections are used at both ends of the cylinder, then the cylinder is securely held in position, but the system cannot accommodate cylinder expansion during filling or varying bottle geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of cylinderVSAvoidaccommodation of expansion and varying geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the second retaining member movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to cylinder expansion during filling while the first retaining member remains fixed to prevent rotation. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between secure holding and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining system is segmented into two distinct functions: the first retaining member provides fixed mechanical connection for rotational stability, while the second retaining member provides movable connection for expansion accommodation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If cylinders are arranged side-by-side with fixed connections, then they are securely stored, but the bottle surface suffers damage through abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure storageVSAvoidabrasion damage to bottle surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (elastic element or damping element) between the second retaining member and the cylinder surface. This intermediary absorbs contact forces and prevents direct abrasion while maintaining the securing function, thus resolving the contradiction between secure storage and abrasion prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If fixed mechanical connections are used, then the cylinder position is firmly held, but the system cannot absorb the expansion of bottles during filling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm position holdingVSAvoidabsorption of volume expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of the second retaining member from fixed to movable, enabling it to accommodate volume expansion during filling. The elastic element further enables parameter change by deforming elastically to absorb expansion forces while maintaining position holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the second retaining member is made movable to allow longitudinal movement, then expansion is accommodated, but the cylinder may rotate or become unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of longitudinal movementVSAvoidrotational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively absorbs the expansion of the cylinders during filling, prevents damage from abrasion and mechanical stress, and ensures secure storage and transport by allowing for the adaptation to varying bottle dimensions and orientations.

Implementation Method 1

a second elastic element (12) arranged between the second retaining member (6) and the second end (103b) of the bottle, the second elastic element (12) being shaped to absorb any variation in the position of the second end (103b) of the bottle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3344909B1Storage box for bottles of pressurized fluid and associated storage frame

Publication Date: 2022.10.05 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention primarily relates to a storage box (102) for at least one bottle (103) of pressurized fluid, said storage box (102) being intended to be fitted in a primary structure (101) of a storage frame (100), and comprising at least one first retaining member (4) configured to rigidly engage with a first end (103a) of a bottle (103), and at least one second retaining member (6) configured to engage with a second end (103b) of the bottle (103), characterized in that the second retaining member (6) is configured to maintain the position of the second end (103b) of the bottle (103) while having at least one predetermined degree of freedom.