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US 12,601,449 B2Granted
Methods for assembling a multi-conic preform and manufacturing a semi-ellipsoidal shell using the multi-conic preform
OwnerMatthew Michael Dethlefsen, Michael Smith Brendel +1inventors
InventorsMatthew Michael Dethlefsen, Michael Smith Brendel, William Thomas Johnson, IV
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A semi-ellipsoidal, semi-toroidal, or toroidal shell includes an annular sheet metal wall that is longitudinally segmented so as to include a plurality of annular wall segments. Each of the plurality of annular wall segments is joined to an adjacent wall segment by a respective latitudinal wall weld. Also disclosed is a tank including the shell, a vehicle including the shell, a multi-conic preform used to manufacture the shell, a method for assembling the preform, and a method for manufacturing the shell using the preform.
Claims22
A method for manufacturing a semi-ellipsoidal shell using a multi-conic preform, comprising:
- providing a multi-conic preform having:
- a preform cap;
- a multi-conic preform wall;
- and
- a first latitudinal preform weld joining the preform cap to the preform wall;
- wherein the preform cap and the preform wall are sheet metal components;
- wherein the preform wall is longitudinally segmented so as to include a plurality of annular preform wall segments;
- and
- wherein each of the plurality of annular preform wall segments is joined to an adjacent preform wall segment by a respective latitudinal preform wall weld;
- performing a first fluid pressure forming step, during which an inner surface of the preform is exposed to a strengthening pressure that work hardens at least the preform cap and the preform wall;
- performing a second fluid pressure forming step, during which the inner surface of the preform is exposed to a design pressure that causes the preform to plastically deform and bulge so as to form the semi-ellipsoidal shell;
- and
- between the first and second fluid pressure forming steps, at least partially reducing the pressure applied to the inner surface of the preform.
10 more elements
A method for manufacturing a semi-ellipsoidal shell using a multi-conic preform, comprising:
- providing a multi-conic preform having:
- a preform cap;
- a multi-conic preform wall;
- and
- a first latitudinal preform weld joining the preform cap to the preform wall;
- wherein the preform cap and the preform wall are sheet metal components;
- wherein the preform wall is longitudinally segmented so as to include a plurality of annular preform wall segments;
- and
- wherein each of the plurality of annular preform wall segments is joined to an adjacent preform wall segment by a respective latitudinal preform wall weld;
- performing a first fluid pressure forming step, during which an inner surface of the preform is exposed to a strengthening pressure that work hardens at least the preform cap and the preform wall;
- performing a second fluid pressure forming step, during which the inner surface of the preform is exposed to a design pressure that causes the preform to plastically deform and bulge so as to form the semi-ellipsoidal shell;
- exposing the preform to cold temperatures during at least one of the first fluid pressure forming step and the second fluid pressure forming step.
9 more elements
A method for manufacturing a semi-ellipsoidal shell using a multi-conic preform, comprising:
- providing a multi-conic preform having:
- a preform cap;
- a multi-conic preform wall;
- and
- a first latitudinal preform weld joining the preform cap to the preform wall;
- wherein the preform cap and the preform wall are sheet metal components;
- wherein the preform wall is longitudinally segmented so as to include a plurality of annular preform wall segments;
- and
- wherein each of the plurality of annular preform wall segments is joined to an adjacent preform wall segment by a respective latitudinal preform wall weld;
- performing a first fluid pressure forming step, during which an inner surface of the preform is exposed to a strengthening pressure that work hardens at least the preform cap and the preform wall;
- performing a second fluid pressure forming step, during which the inner surface of the preform is exposed to a design pressure that causes the preform to plastically deform and bulge so as to form the semi-ellipsoidal shell;
- wherein the plastic deformation and bulging that occurs during the second pressure fluid pressure forming step causes at least one of the preform cap and the preform wall to form a wrinkle;
- and
- wherein the second fluid pressure forming step includes exposing the inner surface of the preform to the design pressure for a predetermined period of time after the wrinkle has formed.
11 more elements
A method for assembling a multi-conic preform, the method comprising:
- providing first and second preform wall segments, each in the form of a frustoconical sheet metal component, the first preform wall segment having top edge alignment markings disposed relative to a top edge of the first preform wall segment, and the second preform wall segment having bottom edge alignment markings disposed relative to a bottom edge of the second preform wall segment;
- positionally fixing the first preform wall segment relative to the second preform wall segment such that the top edge alignment markings of the first preform wall segment are aligned with the bottom edge alignment markings of the second preform wall segment;
- and
- joining the top edge of the first preform wall segment to the bottom edge of the second preform wall segment via a first latitudinal weld.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.