Flexible TPU Fuel Membrane with Static Dissipative Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel storage and transportation methods face issues with fuel evaporation, leakage, corrosion, and the buildup of static electricity, which can lead to hazardous conditions and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A flexible multilayer composite made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with specific properties, including a static dissipative layer, a vapor barrier layer, and an optional abrasion-resistant layer, designed to prevent fuel vapor transmission, dissipate static electricity, and be easily assembled and stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid tanks (metal or composite) are used for fuel storage, then fuel containment is achieved, but corrosion and cracking occur leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible TPU membrane as a thin film barrier to replace rigid metal or composite tanks. This flexible membrane provides fuel containment while eliminating corrosion and cracking issues associated with rigid materials. The membrane is designed to be collapsible and storable when not in use, while providing reliable fuel storage when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If thermoplastic polyurethane is used for fuel storage, then flexibility and ease of processing are achieved, but static electricity buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anti-static layer as an intermediary between the fuel and the TPU membrane. This layer dissipates static electricity generated by fuel movement while allowing the TPU membrane to maintain its flexible and collapsible properties. The anti-static layer acts as a mediator that eliminates the harmful static charge without compromising the mechanical benefits of the TPU material.
3Ease of manufacture
If typical TPU polymer is used for fuel storage, then ease of processing is achieved, but fuel vapor transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of a TPU membrane combined with a vapor barrier layer and an anti-static layer. This composite material approach allows the TPU to provide flexibility and ease of processing, while the additional layers provide vapor barrier properties and static dissipation. The composite structure achieves none of the properties alone.
4Quantity of substance
If rigid storage tanks are used, then fuel storage capacity is achieved, but collapsibility and storability when not in use are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid tank structure into a dynamic flexible membrane system. The TPU membrane can expand to hold large quantities of fuel when needed and collapse to a compact form for easy storage when not in use. This dynamic adaptability provides both large storage capacity and easy storability, eliminating the trade-off present in rigid tank systems.
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 composite effectively reduces fuel vapor transmission, prevents static electricity buildup, and allows for easy storage and transportation, enhancing safety and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a low gasoline vapor transmission rate of less than 1 gram/meter2/day
Implementation Method 2
resistant to the buildup of static electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A flexibly multilayer composite comprising at least one barrier layer of high hardness TPU having a Shore D hardness of at least 80, a soft segment content of less than 5%, and a low gasoline vapor transmission rate of less than 1g/M2/day. The composite also has at least one layer of soft TPU static dissipative polymer having a surface resistivity of less than 1.0x1012 ohms/square a Shore durometer of form 60A to 60D, and a gum residue of less than 20mg per 100ml of gasoline after 1 week exposure. The composite may have an optional third layer of an abrasion resistant TPU. The abrasion resistant TPU layer may contain reinforcement material, such as fabric.