Composite conformable pressure vessel
US6095367A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0168
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressure vessel for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas ("CNG") includes two end cells and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A web secured about the cells includes two sheets that are tangent to the cells. Unused volumes between the cells and the web contain wedges of foam or rubber. A valve provides fluid communication between the interior of the pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid line. The filled weight of one pressure vessel does not exceed the filled weight of a conventional gasoline tank that occupies substantially the same space as the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be configured with exterior recesses for engaging conventional gasoline tank straps.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.