Type IV Hydrogen Tank Liner Pinch Connection Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manufacturing methods for type IV compressed gas storage tanks are inefficient, leading to material waste and increased production time, and do not adequately address the safety risks associated with gas permeation, particularly for hydrogen storage, which requires more stringent standards.

Innovation Solution

A method involving separate processes for creating a tank liner and end cap, secured with a mechanical lock and outer filament winding, optimizing the pinch connection to withstand high pressures and enhance permeation qualities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional blow molding technique with pinch removal and end cap welding is used, then the tank can be manufactured, but manufacturing time increases and material is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the pinch removal step and end cap welding step into a single integrated operation. The end cap is positioned and welded directly to the pinch area without removing the pinch first, combining what were previously separate manufacturing operations into one continuous process, thereby reducing manufacturing time and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional blow molding technique with pinch removal and end cap welding is used, then the tank can be manufactured, but material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the pinch is left intact to avoid removal, then manufacturing time is reduced, but the pinch may separate under high pressure causing leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing timeVSAvoidpressure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by performing the welding operation on the pinch area while it is still in its formed state, creating a mechanical lock before the pinch could potentially separate under pressure. This preliminary welding action prevents future separation issues without requiring pinch removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of the pinch separating under pressure into a benefit by using the pinch structure itself as a locking mechanism. The end cap is designed to engage with the pinch area, transforming the vulnerable pinch into a secure mechanical lock that actually strengthens the structure under pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If type III composite tanks with aluminum liners are used, then emission results are excellent, but the tanks are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter of the liner from aluminum (type III) to polymer material (type IV), while maintaining the composite structure with filament winding. This parameter change in material composition achieves comparable emission performance while reducing cost and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method reduces material waste and production time, while providing a secure and efficient storage solution for compressed hydrogen, meeting stricter permeation standards and ensuring the tank's structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

blow molding the liner by extruding a parison, pinching the parison at least at one extremity and then blowing it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed gas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

applying the outer filament winding around the liner and the connecting part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical reinforcement through filament winding: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentUS8940121B2Method for manufacturing a storage tank

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 PLASTIC OMNIUM NEW ENERGIES FRANCE

AI summary

Method for manufacturing a storage tank comprising an inner liner, an outer filament winding and a connecting part. The method comprises the steps of: blow molding the inner liner by extruding a parison, pinching the inner liner at least at one extremity to create a pinch and then blowing the parison; providing the connecting part with a slot of appropriate shape and size to receive a part of the pinch; inserting the part of the pinch in the slot so as to secure the inner liner and the connecting part; and applying the outer filament winding around the liner and the connecting part.