STRUCTURALLY INTEGRATED VACUUM TANK AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Organization Name

Inventor(s)

Robert E. Grip of Rancho Palos Verdes CA (US)

Nathaniel J. Noel of North Charleston SC (US)

STRUCTURALLY INTEGRATED VACUUM TANK AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240417097 titled 'STRUCTURALLY INTEGRATED VACUUM TANK AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Original Abstract Submitted

there is provided a structurally integrated vacuum tank that includes a vacuum tank main portion extending between vacuum tank end portions. the vacuum tank main portion includes a vacuum tank skin forming a cylinder. the vacuum tank skin has a longitudinal cross section with a profile geometry configured for buckling prevention for the vacuum tank skin under external pressure loads. the vacuum tank skin is configured to provide a pressure barrier between an outside ambient pressure and a vacuum in an interior of the vacuum tank main portion. the vacuum tank main portion further includes a plurality of stiffener members coupled to surface portions of the vacuum tank skin. the vacuum tank skin and the plurality of stiffener members are configured to carry structural loads.