Novel construction and sealing method for modular pressure reservoir

Abstract

A pressure vessel made of two thin-walled, closed-end tube sections joined at a central hub that encircles the open ends of the two closed-end tube sections, with a plurality of radial bolts attaching the sections together. The central hub has an O-ring groove in which an O-ring rests, providing a seal between the interior of the pressure vessel and the outside. The inner wall of the central hub may have radially thin and radially thick sections to distribute and minimize weight without sacrificing strength. The assembly may be attached to a mounting surface through a dovetail mount on the central hub.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel, comprising: two closed-end tube sections, where each of the two closed end tube sections has a closed end, an open end, and a cylindrical body, and a central hub, where the central hub is a cylindrical band, into which the open ends of the two closed-end tube sections fit and are secured, thereby creating a pressurized volume inside of the pressure vessel.

2. The pressure vessel of claim 1, where the central hub additionally comprises a plurality of radial bolt holes, and where the two closed-end tube sections additionally comprise a plurality of threaded tube holes, where the plurality of radial bolt holes mate with the plurality of threaded tube holes, and additionally comprising a plurality of bolts, where the plurality of bolts attach the two closed-end tube sections to the central hub.

3. The pressure vessel of claim 2, additionally comprising a dovetail mounting surface.

4. The pressure vessel of claim 2, where the central hub additionally comprises two O-ring grooves, and additionally comprising two O-rings, where the two O-rings fit into the two O-ring grooves and seal an interior section of the pressure vessel.

5. The pressure vessel of claim 4, where the central hub has an inner diameter, and where each of the two closed-end sections have an outer diameter, and where the inner diameter of the central hub is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the two closed-end sections.

6. The pressure vessel of claim 5, where each of the two O-ring grooves has a depth, and where the depth is less than a diameter of each O-ring, such that when one of the two closed-end sections is inserted and secured inside of central hub, the O-ring is compressed.

7. The pressure vessel of claim 2, where the central hub comprises at least one thin-walled section and at least one thick-walled section.

8. The pressure vessel of claim 7, where there is at least one female threaded hole, where the at least one female threaded hole is a blind hole, such that one of the bolts does not penetrate into the pressurized volume.

9. The pressure vessel of claim 7, where the central hub additionally comprises at least one area of additional thickness, where the at least one area of additional thickness supports at least one of inlet/outlet plumbing ports, bulkheads, connectors for electrical connections, manifolds, mounting provisions, solenoid valves, or additional internally mounted components such as an air compressor.

10. The pressure vessel of claim 1, where the central hub and the two closed-end tube sections are made from one of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another reinforced composite material and may be manufactured through one of the process of drawing, metal impact extrusion, molding, forming, or hydroforming.

11. A method of making a pressure vessel, comprising: first, taking two closed-end tube sections, where each of the two closed end tube sections has a closed end, an open end, and a cylindrical body, and second, taking a central hub, where the central hub is a cylindrical band, and third, putting the open ends of the two closed-end tube sections fit and are secured, thereby creating a pressurized volume inside of the pressure vessel.

12. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 1, where the central hub additionally comprises a plurality of radial bolt holes, and where the two closed-end tube sections additionally comprise a plurality of threaded tube holes, where the plurality of radial bolt holes mate with the plurality of threaded tube holes, and additionally comprising a plurality of bolts, where the plurality of bolts attach the two closed-end tube sections to the central hub.

13. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 2, additionally comprising a dovetail mounting surface.

14. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 2, where the central hub additionally comprises two O-ring grooves, and additionally comprising two O-rings, where the two O-rings fit into the two O-ring grooves and seal an interior section of the pressure vessel.

15. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 4, where the central hub has an inner diameter, and where each of the two closed-end sections have an outer diameter, and where the inner diameter of the central hub is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the two closed-end sections.

16. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 5, where each of the two O-ring grooves has a depth, and where the depth is less than a diameter of each O-ring, such that when one of the two closed-end sections is inserted and secured inside of central hub, the O-ring is compressed.

17. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 2, where the central hub comprises at least one thin-walled section and at least one thick-walled section.

18. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 7, where there is at least one female threaded hole, where the at least one female threaded hole is a blind hole, such that one of the bolts does not penetrate into the pressurized volume.

19. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 7, where the central hub additionally comprises at least one area of additional thickness, where the at least one area of additional thickness supports at least one of inlet/outlet plumbing ports, bulkheads, connectors for electrical connections, manifolds, mounting provisions, solenoid valves, or additional internally mounted components such as an air compressor.

20. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 1, where the central hub and the two closed-end tube sections are made from one of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another reinforced composite material and may be manufactured through one of the process of drawing, metal impact extrusion, molding, forming, or hydroforming.

21. A pressure vessel, consisting of: two closed-end tube sections, where each of the two closed end tube sections has a closed end, an open end, and a cylindrical body, and a central hub, where the central hub is a cylindrical band, into which the open ends of the two closed-end tube sections fit and are secured, thereby creating a pressurized volume inside of the pressure vessel, where the central hub additionally comprises a plurality of radial bolt holes, and where the two closed-end tube sections additionally comprise a plurality of threaded tube holes, where the plurality of radial bolt holes mate with the plurality of threaded tube holes, and additionally comprising a plurality of bolts, where the plurality of bolts attach the two closed-end tube sections to the central hub, additionally comprising a dovetail mounting surface, where the central hub additionally comprises two O-ring grooves, and additionally comprising two O-rings, where the two O-rings fit into the two O-ring grooves and seal an interior section of the pressure vessel, where the central hub has an inner diameter, and where each of the two closed-end sections have an outer diameter, and where the inner diameter of the central hub is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the two closed-end sections.

22. The pressure vessel of claim 21, where each of the two O-ring grooves has a depth, and where the depth is less than a diameter of each O-ring, such that when one of the two closed-end sections is inserted and secured inside of central hub, the O-ring is compressed, where the central hub comprises at least one thin-walled section and at least one thick-walled section.

23. The pressure vessel of claim 21, where there is at least one female threaded hole, where the at least one female threaded hole is a blind hole, such that one of the bolts does not penetrate into the pressurized volume, where the central hub additionally comprises at least one area of additional thickness, where the at least one area of additional thickness supports at least one of inlet/outlet plumbing ports, bulkheads, connectors for electrical connections, manifolds, mounting provisions, solenoid valves, or additional internally mounted components such as an air compressor, where the central hub and the two closed-end tube sections are made from one of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another reinforced composite material and may be manufactured through one of the processes of drawing, metal impact extrusion, molding, forming, or hydroforming.

24. A method of making a pressure vessel, consisting of the steps of: first, taking two closed-end tube sections, where each of the two closed end tube sections has a closed end, an open end, and a cylindrical body, and second, taking a central hub, where the central hub is a cylindrical band, and third, putting the open ends of the two closed-end tube sections fit and are secured, thereby creating a pressurized volume inside of the pressure vessel, where the central hub additionally comprises a plurality of radial bolt holes, and where the two closed-end tube sections additionally comprise a plurality of threaded tube holes, where the plurality of radial bolt holes mate with the plurality of threaded tube holes, and additionally comprising a plurality of bolts, where the plurality of bolts attach the two closed-end tube sections to the central hub.

25. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 24, where the central hub additionally comprising a dovetail mounting surface.

26. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 24, where the central hub additionally comprises two O-ring grooves, and additionally comprising two O-rings, where the two O-rings fit into the two O-ring grooves and seal an interior section of the pressure vessel, where the central hub has an inner diameter, and where each of the two closed-end sections have an outer diameter, and where the inner diameter of the central hub is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the two closed-end sections.

27. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 26, where each of the two O-ring grooves has a depth, and where the depth is less than a diameter of each O-ring, such that when one of the two closed-end sections is inserted and secured inside of central hub, the O-ring is compressed, where the central hub comprises at least one thin-walled section and at least one thick-walled section, where there is at least one female threaded hole, where the at least one female threaded hole is a blind hole, such that one of the bolts does not penetrate into the pressurized volume.

28. The method of making a pressure vessel of claim 27, where the central hub additionally comprises at least one area of additional thickness, where the at least one area of additional thickness supports at least one of inlet/outlet plumbing ports, bulkheads, connectors for electrical connections, manifolds, mounting provisions, solenoid valves, or additional internally mounted components such as an air compressor, where the central hub and the two closed-end tube sections are made from one of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another reinforced composite material and may be manufactured through one of the process of drawing, metal impact extrusion, molding, forming, or hydroforming.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates the same isometric view of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A that is illustrated in FIG. 1, with the central hub 1, radial bolts 3 and dovetail mount 9 removed to better illustrate the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 and the array of radial holes 4 configured therein for the purpose of passing the radial bolts 3 through the thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a front section view of FIG. 2 along section line 2B to further illustrate the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a top broken section view of FIG. 1 along section line 3A.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a detail view of FIG. 4 at location 3B for the purpose of describing the mechanical retention and sealing interface between the central hub 1 and the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the central hub 1 of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates an extrusion profile view of the central hub 1 of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A shown in its extruded state 1E prior to post process machine work operations.

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of the central hub 1B for use with said modular pressure vessel 1A.

[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates the back view of said second embodiment of the central hub 1B

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates an extrusion profile view of the additional embodiment of central hub 1B shown in its extruded state 1F prior to post process machine work operations which includes areas of additional thickness 6C.

[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the central hub 1 and dovetail mounting plate 15 in their uninstalled state for the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A.

[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates a non-exploded isometric view of the central hub 1 and dovetail mounting plate 15 in the installed state for the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A.

[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of an additional embodiment modular pressure vessel 2A which consists of a single removable thin-walled, closed-end tube section 2 that is joined to a closed end central hub 20 to define a cavity configured to store a pressurized fluid therein.

[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates a top broken section view of FIG. 13 along section line 7B.

[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of an additional embodiment modular pressure vessel 3A which consists of a single removable thin-walled, open-ended tube section 50 that is joined between two closed end central hubs 30 to define a cavity configured to store a pressurized fluid therein.

[0048] FIG. 16 illustrates a top broken section view of FIG. 15 along section line 8B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0049] The present invention is a uniquely designed pressure vessel, utilizing unique and effective/efficient technologies to create a superior, cost-effective product. The various advantages provided by this invention are described more fully with respect to the drawings that have been provided.

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A which consists of removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 that are joined to a central hub 1 to define a cavity configured to store a pressurized fluid therein. The thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 may be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another reinforced composite material and may be manufactured through the process of drawing, metal impact extrusion, molding, forming, or hydroforming all of which are highly efficient. The central hub 1 may be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or composite, and may be manufactured through the process of extrusion, casting, forging, or injection molding all of which are highly efficient. The removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 are non-permanently affixed to central hub 1 via radial bolts 3 further described herein. The preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A may be affixed to a mounting surface for the application for which the modular pressure vessel 1A will be used via the dovetail mount 14 and set screw 18 further described herein. Simple adjustments to the manufacturing process for the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 can yield a variety of X-axis length in order to vary the volume of the modular pressure vessel 1A to fit the requirements of the application. The removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 sections may be of dissimilar X-axis length if desirable for the application.

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates the same isometric view of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A that is illustrated in FIG. 1, with the central hub 1, radial bolts 3 and dovetail mount 9 removed to better illustrate the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 and the array of radial holes 4 configured therein for the purpose of passing the radial bolts 3 through the thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a front section view of FIG. 2 along section line 2B to further illustrate the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2. The minimum radial wall thickness of the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 is determined by the yield stress calculations based on the maximum pressure requirements for the pressure vessel and the material of which the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 are constructed. The shape or contour of the head portion 2H of the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube section 2 is selected to optimize fatigue and maintain the shape of the head portion 2H based on the maximum pressure requirements for the pressure vessel and the material of which the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 are constructed.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a top broken section view of FIG. 1 along section line 3A.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a detail view of FIG. 4 at location 3B for the purpose of describing the mechanical retention and sealing interface between the central hub 1 and the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A. A circumferential groove 5 on each end of the center hub 1 has an inner radius 5A and an outer radius 5B sized to closely receive the wall thickness of the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2. The depth of the circumferential groove 5 in the X-axis direction is such that a significant portion (0.375 inches or more) of the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 is engaged within the groove 5 of central hub 1. The inner wall 6 adjacent to the inner radius 5A extends further than the outer wall edge 7 adjacent to the outer radius 5B in the X-axis direction in order to accommodate the O-ring groove 8. O-ring groove 8 contains an annular O-ring 9 for the purpose of fluidly sealing the central hub 1 to the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2. Center hub 1 also contains radial holes 10A and radial threads 10B to receive the radial bolts 3 for the purpose of retaining the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 within the center hub 1. Radial female threaded hole 10B is a blind hole which does not pass through the inner wall 6 in order to prevent the radial bolts 3 from penetrating the pressurized volume 11 and requiring additional sealing requirements for the radial bolts 3. During assembly of the modular pressure vessel 1A, the radial bolts 3 pass through the radial holes 4 of the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 and the radial bolts 3 are torqued in order to generate a sufficient clamping force between the inner radius 5A and the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 and the outer radius 5B and the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 required to retain the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 within the center hub 1 based on the maximum pressure requirements for the pressure vessel. The radial bolts 3 provide additional retention of the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube sections 2 within the center hub 1 through contact between the radial bolts 3 and the radial holes 4.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the central hub 1 of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A. This preferred embodiment of the central hub 1 is manufactured by aluminum extrusion process and then secondary machine work. The inner wall 6 of central hub 1 may have radially thin sections 6A and radially thick sections 6B distributed around the inner circumference for the purpose of material and weight reduction. The radially thick sections 6A may be aligned with radial holes 10A and radial female threaded hole 10B to allow for ample thread depth of the radial female threaded hole 10B without penetrating the interior pressurized volume 11.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates an extrusion profile view of the central hub 1 of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A shown in its extruded state 1E prior to post process machine work operations.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of the central hub 1B for use with said modular pressure vessel 1A.

[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates the back view of said second embodiment of the central hub 1B. In this embodiment of central hub 1B areas of additional thickness 6C are arranged within said inner wall 6 for the purpose of incorporating pneumatic solenoid valves and manifolding 12 and pneumatic coupling ports 13. The inner wall 6 may contain other radially thick sections (not shown) for the purpose of supporting additional features such as inlet/outlet plumbing ports, bulkheads or connectors for electrical connections, manifolds, mounting provisions, solenoid valves, or additional internally mounted components such as an air compressor.

[0059] FIG. 10 illustrates an extrusion profile view of the additional embodiment of central hub 1B shown in its extruded state 1F prior to post process machine work operations which includes areas of additional thickness 6C.

[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the central hub 1 and dovetail mounting plate 15 in their uninstalled state for the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A. In the unassembled state, the dovetail mounting plate may be attached to the mounting surface of the application for which the modular pressure vessel 1A will be used with mounting bolts 14. The dovetail mounting plate 15 incorporates male negative angled surfaces 15 that interface with female negative angled surfaces 16 incorporated within the central hub 1. Upon installation of the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A, the user slides center hub 1 over the dovetail mounting plate 15 until fully engaged then tightens set screw 18 in order to secure the modular pressure vessel 1A to the dovetail mounting plate 15.

[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates a non-exploded isometric view of the central hub 1 and dovetail mounting plate 15 in the installed state for the preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 1A.

[0062] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of an additional embodiment modular pressure vessel 2A which consists of a single removable thin-walled, closed-end tube section 2 that is joined to a closed end central hub 20 to define a cavity configured to store a pressurized fluid therein. The thin-walled, closed-end tube section 2 may be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another reinforced composite material and may be manufactured through the process of drawing, metal impact extrusion, molding, forming, or hydroforming all of which are highly efficient. The central hub 20 may be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or composite, and may be manufactured through the process of extrusion, casting, forging, or injection molding all of which are highly efficient. The removable thin-walled, closed-end tube section 2 is non-permanently affixed to central hub 20 via radial bolts 3 further described herein. The preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 2A may be affixed to a mounting surface for the application for which the modular pressure vessel 2A will be used via the dovetail mount 14 and set screw 18 further described herein. Simple adjustments to the manufacturing process for the removable thin-walled, closed-end tube section 2 can yield a variety of X-axis length in order to vary the volume of the modular pressure vessel 2A to fit the requirements of the application.

[0063] FIG. 14 illustrates a top broken section view of FIG. 13 along section line 7B.

[0064] FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of an additional embodiment modular pressure vessel 3A which consists of a single removable thin-walled, open-ended tube section 50 that is joined between two closed end central hubs 30 to define a cavity configured to store a pressurized fluid therein.

[0065] FIG. 16 illustrates a top broken section view of FIG. 15 along section line 8B.

[0066] In some use cases it may be beneficial for the modular pressure vessel to only utilize one removable thin-walled, open-ended tube section arranged with two closed end, or non-hollow variants of the central hub. The remainder of claims from the preferred embodiment may be applied to Alternative #2. FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of an additional embodiment modular pressure vessel 3A which consists of a single removable thin-walled, open-ended tube section 50 that is joined between two closed end central hubs 30 to define a cavity configured to store a pressurized fluid therein. The thin-walled, open-ended tube section 50 may be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another reinforced composite material and may be manufactured through the process of drawing, metal impact extrusion, molding, forming, or hydroforming all of which are highly efficient. The closed end central hubs 30 may be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or composite, and may be manufactured through the process of extrusion, casting, forging, or injection molding all of which are highly efficient. The removable thin-walled, open-ended tube section 50 is non-permanently affixed to central hubs 30 via radial bolts 3 further described herein. The preferred embodiment modular pressure vessel 3A may be affixed to a mounting surface for the application for which the modular pressure vessel 3A will be used via the dovetail mount 14 and set screw 18 further described herein. Simple adjustments to the manufacturing process for the removable thin-walled, open-ended tube section 50 can yield a variation of X-axis length in order to vary the volume of the modular pressure vessel 3A to fit the requirements of the application. FIG. 16 illustrates a top broken section view of FIG. 15 along section line 8B.

[0067] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0068] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings as attached. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0069] It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

[0070] All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.