Pressure Tank Valve Layout for Protected Safety Sub-Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tank valves for pressure gas tanks, especially in automotive applications, are vulnerable to damage in accidents, leading to potential uncontrolled gas release and explosion risks due to the placement of safety-critical components outside the tank, where they are unprotected.

Innovation Solution

The tank valve design integrates security-relevant functional sub-groups, such as nonreturn valves, pipe burst protection, and safety valves, within the first base body section that projects into the pressure gas tank, ensuring these components remain undamaged in case of accidents, while compactly arranging other sub-groups in the second base body section outside the tank for efficient space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If security-relevant functional sub-groups are placed in the second base body section outside the pressure gas tank, then the installation volume for the first base body section is reduced, but the safety-critical components become vulnerable to damage in accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation volume of first base body sectionVSAvoidsafety of functional sub-groups

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into two sections: first base body section inside the pressure gas tank and second base body section outside. Security-relevant functional sub-groups are specifically placed in the first base body section to protect them, while other functional sub-groups are in the second base body section. This segmentation allows critical components to be protected while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the base body are assigned different functions based on their protection needs. The first base body section inside the tank provides protection for security-relevant functional sub-groups, while the second base body section outside the tank accommodates other functional sub-groups that do not require the same level of protection. This local differentiation optimizes both safety and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple functional sub-groups are integrated in the first base body section inside the pressure gas tank, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of functional sub-groupsVSAvoidcomplexity of base body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple security-relevant functional sub-groups (nonreturn valve, pipe burst protection, safety valve) are merged and integrated within the first base body section. This consolidation protects multiple critical components simultaneously while utilizing the available space inside the pressure gas tank efficiently, reducing the need for separate protected housings for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first base body section serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tank valve, houses security-relevant functional sub-groups, and protects them from external damage. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate protective structures for each functional sub-group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the tank valve is designed with a compact structure, then the storage volume in vehicles is increased, but the installation space for functional sub-groups is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volume in vehicleVSAvoidinstallation space for functional sub-groups

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The functional sub-groups are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration within the first base body section. By utilizing vertical space and optimizing the spatial arrangement of components, the design achieves a compact overall structure that reduces the external dimensions of the tank valve while still accommodating all necessary functional sub-groups inside the pressure gas tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10948087B2Tank valve

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 CELLCENTRIC GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A tank valve for installation at a pressure gas tank has a base body including a first base body section, which in the assembled state projects into the pressure gas tank and is sealingly connected with the same, and includes a second base body section, which in the assembled state remains outside the pressure gas tank. The tank valve further has a plurality of functional sub-groups for refueling the pressure gas tank via a refueling path, for the extraction of gas from the pressure gas tank via an extraction path, and for implementing safety and operating functions.