Toroidal Support Structure with Thermal Isolation for Cryogenic Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures face challenges in fitting within complex geometries, such as between cylindrical and spherical objects, and suffer from misalignment due to thermal expansions, while requiring high strength and low mass to withstand vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A toroidal support structure comprising a tubular ring and a planar ring with isolating linear support components that provide thermal isolation and prevent mechanical distortion, allowing attachment to various mounting bases and accommodating thermal changes without misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional support structures are used to fit within complex geometries (between cylindrical and spherical objects), then the structure can be installed in the available space, but the structure suffers from underutilized space and poor structural efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) geometry that naturally conforms to the curved surfaces of cylindrical and spherical objects. This curved design allows the structure to fit efficiently within the complex geometric constraints while maximizing space utilization and providing optimal structural distribution of loads around the curved mounting surfaces.
2Strength
If conventional rigid support structures are used to withstand vibrations and temperature fluctuations, then the structure provides high strength, but the structure experiences thermal expansions and contractions causing deformations and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates elements with different thermal expansion coefficients to compensate for thermal effects. By selecting materials and design features that account for thermal parameter changes, the structure maintains its geometric stability and alignment across a range of temperatures while still providing the necessary strength to withstand vibrations.
3Strength
If high-strength materials and rigid structures are used to support loads and withstand vibrations, then the structure provides high strength and stability, but the structure increases in mass
Solution Approach 1:
The toroidal geometry inherently provides high structural efficiency with reduced mass. The curved, ring-shaped design distributes loads more effectively throughout the structure, allowing for lighter materials and thinner sections while maintaining the required strength and vibration resistance, thereby reducing overall structure mass compared to conventional rigid support designs.
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 toroidal design enhances stiffness and stability, enabling higher load support and vibration resistance with reduced mass, while maintaining orientation and thermal management, suitable for applications like spacecraft cryogenic tanks.
Implementation Method 1
the isolating linear support components are attached to a mounting base for supporting the structure relative to the base, while providing thermal isolation to the rings
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Provided are toroidal support structures and assemblies comprising these structures. A toroidal support structure comprises one or more side panels forming a tubular ring and one or more floor panels forming a planar ring. These rings define the toroidal shape of the structure. The structure also comprises multiple isolating linear support components connected to a top edge of the tubular ring. During installation of the structure, the isolating linear support components are attached to a mounting base for supporting the structure relative to the base, while providing thermal isolation to the rings and preventing their mechanical distortion. As such, a toroidal support structure can be attached to various types of mounting bases, such as a cryogenic tank of a spacecraft. Both rings provide supporting and mounting surfaces for equipment, cables, and pipes, while the toroidal opening allows external components to protrude through the support structure.