Two-Part Tubular Interface Assembly for Cryogenic Tank Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid tanks face mechanical strength and sealing issues due to differential expansion and contraction of inner and outer containers, particularly with the single L-shaped flange connection system being insufficient for optimal mechanical strength and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A tubular interface with two sections connected by a junction system, each section linked to the outer and inner enclosures, and flanges positioned on either side for enhanced mechanical strength, along with a joining system using collars and connecting elements to ensure secure assembly and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single L-shaped flange connection system is used to link the tubular interface to the outer enclosure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mechanical strength and sealing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular interface is divided into two separate sections: a first section connected to the outer enclosure and a second section connected to the inner enclosure. This segmentation allows each section to be independently optimized and connected using appropriate linking systems, thereby improving mechanical strength and sealing without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular interface acts as an intermediary element between the outer and inner enclosures. By introducing this intermediate component with its two sections, the connection system achieves better mechanical strength and sealing performance while maintaining reasonable device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If both faces of the inner enclosure are made accessible during assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The first section of the tubular interface is pre-connected to the outer enclosure before the inner enclosure is assembled. This preliminary action allows the second section to be easily connected to the inner enclosure from the accessible face, improving ease of manufacture while managing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Dividing the tubular interface into two sections enables different assembly approaches for each section. The first section can be prepared in advance while the second section is installed during final assembly, balancing accessibility requirements with assembly process complexity
3Strength
If the inner enclosure is assembled before connecting the tubular interface, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular interface is segmented into two sections that can be connected at different times. The first section connects to the outer enclosure before inner enclosure assembly, while the second section connects after, allowing both strength and accessibility requirements to be met
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process is made dynamic and flexible by allowing different sequencing options. The tubular interface sections can be connected in different orders depending on accessibility requirements, while still achieving the desired mechanical strength through the two-section design
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 solution provides improved mechanical resistance and sealing, ensuring robust and reliable operation of the tank by allowing accessible assembly and optimal mechanical strength at both ends of the enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
a first link connecting the tubular interface and the outer enclosure and a second link connecting the tubular interface and the inner enclosure
Implementation Method 2
at least one junction system linking the sections two by two
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a tank comprising an outer enclosure (32), an inner enclosure (34) positioned in the outer enclosure (32) and at least one tubular interface (38) passing through the outer and inner enclosures (32, 34) and connected to the outer enclosure (32) by a first link (40.1) and to the inner enclosure (34) by a second link (40.2), the tubular interface (38) comprising at least two sections (46, 48) placed end to end and at least one junction system (50) connecting the sections two by two, a first section (46) being connected to the outer enclosure (32) by the first link (40.1), a second section (48) being connected to the inner enclosure (34) by the second link (40.2). Thus, the first and second sections of the tubular interface (38) can be connected respectively to the external and internal enclosures (32, 34) when they are not positioned one inside the other and when both their faces are accessible.