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US 5,711,547 AGranted
Pressure vessel with two-part closure structure
AssigneeTRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
InventorsJack L. Blumenthal, Paul T. Saccone
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tank closure (14) has first and second parts (60,62) which are friction welded to each other. The first part (60) of the tank closure (14) is formed of steel, and includes a rupturable closure wall (20). The second part (62) of the tank closure (14) is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and has a fluid flow conduit (64) communicating the closure wall (20) with an outlet opening (22).
Claims38
Apparatus comprising:
- a tank closure having first and second parts which are friction welded to each other, said first part of said tank closure being formed of steel and including a rupturable closure wall, said second part of said tank closure being formed of material comprised at least substantially of aluminum and defining a fluid flow conduit communicating said rupturable closure wall with an outlet opening.
Apparatus comprising:
- a tank containing fluid under pressure, said tank having an outlet portion formed of material comprised at least substantially of aluminum;
- a first closure part formed of steel, said first closure part including a rupturable closure wall blocking said fluid from exiting said tank through said outlet portion of said tank;
- a second closure part formed of material comprised at least substantially of aluminum, said second closure part defining a fluid flow conduit communicating said closure wall with an outlet opening;
- a first friction weld which fixes and seals said first closure part to said second closure part;
- and
- a second friction weld which fixes and seals said second closure part to said outlet portion of said tank;
- said tank and said closure parts being arranged relative to each other such that said pressure induces stress in said first friction weld which consists essentially of compressive stress, said pressure further inducing stress in said second friction weld which consists essentially of tensile and shear stress.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.