Self-sealing bladders and related methods

A self-sealing bladder may automatically seal a puncture wound formed in a bladder wall thereof, such as due to being perforated by a projectile. Self-sealing bladders may be used in containers, such as fuel tanks, in order to prevent loss of fuel or other fluid from the container. Self-sealing bladders may contain a sealant material contained within one or more localized reservoirs formed within the bladder wall, the sealant material being pressurized within the bladder wall such that a localized reduction in pressure due to a perforation in the bladder wall causes the sealant material to migrate to the perforated site, whereupon the sealant material hardens, thereby sealing the wound. The localized reservoirs may include one or more channels and/or connecting layers extending therefrom and in fluid communication therewith, to facilitate migration of the sealant material away from the localized reservoirs and towards the perforated portion of the bladder wall.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to self-sealing bladders and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles having tanks of liquid (e.g., fuel, oil, etc.) often employ one or more features to protect the tank against damage and/or minimize the impact if damage does occur. A fuel tank that suffers damage, such as a puncture or perforation, may suffer fuel leakage, which can reduce the amount of fuel available to power the vehicle, result in a financial loss of valuable fuel, result in environmental contamination, and/or create a risk of fire. Military vehicles (e.g., military aircraft), may be subject to damage from combat, such as being hit by ballistics, small arms fire, projectile weapons, and/or any other device. Such damage from these or other weapons may result in bullet holes, punctures, tears, piercings, etc. in the vehicle, with those affecting the fuel tank being particularly problematic. Accordingly, many vehicles, military or otherwise, utilize self-sealing fuel tanks to minimize such risks when the fuel tank is hit. Conventional self-sealing fuel tanks use a thick layer of natural rubber in the center of a bladder wall. When the tank and self-sealing bladder are punctured, fuel from the tank interacts with the natural rubber of the bladder, and the fuel causes the rubber to swell to an extent that the hole is effectively sealed, thereby preventing further fuel leakage. However, the natural rubber takes a significant amount of time (e.g., 2 minutes or more) to swell enough (by absorbing the leaking fuel) to seal the penetration, and also is not capable of sealing larger caliber penetrations. Furthermore, conventional self-sealing fuel tank bladders are stiff, heavy, and difficult to install.

SUMMARY

Presently disclosed self-sealing bladders may be used in any container holding a fluid, in order to minimize the effects of damage (e.g., a perforation) thereto. For example, presently disclosed self-sealing bladders may be placed within a fuel tank to automatically seal any punctures suffered by the fuel tank. The seal-sealing effect may be rapid in some examples, may be capable of sealing larger caliber penetrations than are conventional self-sealing bladders, may be lighter and easier to install than conventional self-sealing bladders, and/or may be more flexible than conventional self-sealing bladders. Generally, presently disclosed self-sealing bladders may include a bladder wall with multiple layers, where sealant material is sandwiched in a central bladder area between respective barrier layers and sealant-impermeable layers. The central bladder area may be passively pressurized such that the sealant material is automatically forced to migrate to a damaged (e.g., perforated) area of the bladder due to elastomeric threads configured to keep the bladder wall in a state of compression. Localized, spaced apart reservoirs formed in the bladder wall may be included to distribute the sealant material throughout the bladder wall.

One example of a self-sealing bladder according to the present disclosure may be configured to be positioned inside a container configured for holding a fluid, with the self-sealing bladder positioned between the container and the fluid when the container contains the fluid. The self-sealing bladder may have a non-perforated filled configuration, a non-perforated unfilled configuration, and a perforated configuration, depending on whether a sealant material is present within a bladder wall, and/or depending on whether the bladder wall has been perforated. The bladder wall may be formed of a plurality of layers, including a first barrier layer, a first sealant-impermeable layer, a second sealant-impermeable layer, and/or a second barrier layer. The first barrier layer may include a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite the first inner surface, wherein the first barrier layer may be substantially impervious to the fluid when the self-sealing bladder is in the non-perforated filled and non-perforated unfilled configurations. The first sealant-impermeable layer may be coupled to the first inner surface of the first barrier layer.

The second barrier layer may include a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface, and the second barrier layer also may be substantially impervious to the fluid when the self-sealing bladder is in the non-perforated filled and non-perforated unfilled configurations. The second inner surface may be arranged to be facing the first inner surface of the first barrier layer, whereas the first outer surface of the first barrier layer and the second outer surface of the second barrier layer may be oriented facing away from one another. The second sealant-impermeable layer may be coupled to the second inner surface of the second barrier layer and to the first sealant-impermeable layer, such that the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer may define a central bladder area formed therebetween. The central bladder area may be configured to receive the sealant material, and the central bladder area may have a variable volume depending on the amount of sealant material within the central bladder area.

The self-sealing bladder also may include one or more localized reservoirs formed within the central bladder area and an elastomeric thread coupling the second sealant-impermeable layer to the first sealant-impermeable layer. The elastomeric thread may be configured to couple the second sealant-impermeable layer to the first sealant-impermeable layer such that the elastomeric thread allows for variable, elastic separation of the second sealant-impermeable layer from the first sealant-impermeable layer when the elastomeric thread is under tension. In the perforated configuration, the self-sealing bladder may be configured to, at least partially, automatically seal a perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder, thereby substantially preventing loss of the fluid from the container through the perforated portion.

Related methods also are disclosed. For example one method of fabricating a container configured for holding a fluid, where the container includes an internal space configured to receive the fluid therein, may include providing a self-sealing bladder by coupling a first barrier layer to a first sealant-impermeable layer, coupling a second barrier layer to a second sealant-impermeable layer, coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer using elastomeric thread, thereby forming a central bladder area defined between the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer, and/or forming a plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs within the central bladder area. The self-sealing bladder may be positioned inside the container such that the first outer surface of the first barrier layer is adjacent an interior surface of the container and the second barrier layer is interior to the first barrier layer, with the second outer surface of the second barrier layer facing the internal space of the container. Methods may further include inserting a sealant material into the central bladder area between the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer, such that the sealant material is distributed throughout substantially the entire central bladder area. In this manner, a container may be provided having a self-sealing bladder according to the present disclosure, that may be configured to automatically prevent or reduce loss of fluid from the container in the event that the container wall is breached or perforated.

DESCRIPTION

Self-sealing bladders and related methods are disclosed herein. Such presently disclosed self-sealing bladders and related methods may be used to reduce loss of a fluid from a container when the container is perforated, such as by being used in a fuel tank of an aircraft or other large apparatus. Presently disclosed self-sealing bladders may provide faster sealing of punctures to the bladder walls compared to prior art self-sealing tanks, may be able to seal larger wounds than prior art self-sealing tanks, may be easier to install than prior art devices, may be more flexible than prior art devices, may be lighter than prior art devices, may use less sealant than prior art devices, may have a thinner bladder wall than prior art devices, and/or may enable the cavity or container in which the self-sealing bladder is placed to hold more fuel than if a prior art device is used. In some examples, such self-sealing bladders may be included in an apparatus, such as apparatus100, as schematically Illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, apparatus100may include one or more cavities102or containers102configured to hold a fluid, such as one or more fuel tanks104, that may include one or more self-sealing bladders106according to the present disclosure.

Apparatus100may be provided in the form of a passenger aircraft101; however, other apparatuses100are within the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to aircraft and aircraft applications. For example, as illustrative, non-exclusive examples, other apparatuses100that may include one or more self-sealing bladders according to the present disclosure include (but are not limited to) watercraft, land vehicles, spacecraft, automobiles, military vehicles, combat aircraft, rotorcraft, jet fighters, military aircraft, military patrol vehicles, armored limousines, motorsport vehicles, space vehicles, space structures, military armor, boats, performance vehicles, and/or any other apparatus. Moreover, aircraft101may take any suitable form, including commercial aircraft, military aircraft, private aircraft, or any other suitable aircraft. WhileFIG. 1illustrates aircraft101in the form of a fixed wing aircraft, other types and configurations of aircraft are within the scope of aircraft101according to the present disclosure, including (but not limited to) helicopters and other rotorcraft.

Aircraft101may include a fuselage108, which also may be referred to herein as a barrel108, and which generally corresponds to the main body of aircraft101for holding passengers, crew, cargo, and/or equipment, for example, depending on the particular configuration and/or function of an aircraft101. Typically, although not required, the fuselage108of an aircraft101is elongate and somewhat cylindrical or tubular. In some embodiments, the fuselage108may be constructed of multiple sections that are longitudinally spaced along the fuselage108and operatively coupled together to define the fuselage108. Aircraft101also may include wings110, horizontal stabilizers112, and a vertical stabilizer114, each of which may be constructed as a unitary structure or in subsections that are subsequently assembled together. One or more containers102, fuel tanks104, and/or self-sealing bladders106installed therein, may be included anywhere within or coupled to apparatus100, such as within and/or coupled to fuselage108, wings110, horizontal stabilizers112, and/or vertical stabilizer114. Generally, one or more containers102, fuel tanks104, and/or self-sealing bladders106may be coupled to or positioned within any component or structure of apparatus100, whether apparatus100is an aircraft101or another type of vehicle.

Turning now toFIG. 2, examples of a system116according to the present disclosure may generally include container102, self-sealing bladder106, a fluid source134, and/or a sealant source118. Generally, in the figures, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example are illustrated in broken lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Container102, which may be, for example, fuel tank104, may be configured to hold a fluid120within an internal space122defined by one or more container walls124. For example, container walls124may each have an exterior wall surface126that defines the exterior of container102, and an interior wall surface128collectively forming an interior surface130of container102, which defines internal space122. Internal space122may have a volume sufficient to hold fluid120, as needed or desired for a particular application. For example, in the case of a fuel tank104, internal space122may be configured to be large enough to hold a sufficient volume of fuel125(which is an example of fluid120) for fueling an apparatus (e.g., apparatus100) for a desired amount of time. For example, internal space122may be configured to hold a volume of fluid120that is greater than 1 liter (L), greater than 5 L, greater than 10 L, greater than 50 L, greater than 100 L, greater than 500 L, greater than 1,000 L, greater than 5,000 L, greater than 10,000 L, greater than 50,000 L, greater than 100,000 L, and/or greater than 500,000 L. Container102can be any type of container, such as a drum, a storage tank, an aircraft fuel tank, a tank, a vehicle fuel tank (e.g., a military vehicle fuel tank), a tank truck, a rotorcraft fuel tank, a combat vehicle fuel tank, and/or any cavity configured to hold a self-sealing bladder106according to the present disclosure. Fluid120may include one or more of a liquid, a gas, a fuel, a hazardous chemical, a nuclear waste product, an oil, a caustic acid, a corrosive gas, a hazardous waste product, a hypergolic fuel, a synthetic fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, a jet fuel, a fuel additive, and combinations thereof. Self-sealing bladders106can be used with any such container102and any such fluid120in order to provide automatic, passive, sealing of perforations formed therethrough, in order to prevent loss of fluid120in the event of such damage to container102.

Container102may include a fluid port132that is configured to allow fluid120to be flowed into internal space122of container102(e.g., fluid port132may include any opening or access port that may enable passage of fluid120into internal space122from a location outside internal space122). Self-sealing bladder106may generally be formed of a relatively thin bladder wall140surrounding an internal volume123. Internal volume123may be similar in capacity to internal space122of container102, and bladder wall140may generally conform to and/or take a similar shape as container walls124when self-sealing bladder106contains fluid120within internal volume123. Self-sealing bladder106may be positioned inside container102(e.g., within internal space122), with fluid120being contained within self-sealing bladder106(e.g., within internal volume123, on the inside of bladder wall140). In some examples, self-sealing bladder106may be configured to be inserted into container102through fluid port132. For example, self-sealing bladder106may be flexible and compressible enough, with a thin enough bladder wall140, to be passed into internal space122via fluid port132, and then may be expanded once inside container102, such as by at least partially filling internal volume123of self-sealing bladder106with fluid120. Self-sealing bladder106may generally conform to container walls124of container102once inserted into container102. Once inserted into container102, self-sealing bladder106may be coupled thereto in some examples, such as by being laced into container102with a thermoplastic cord, but other methods are also suitable.

System116may include fluid source134, which may be selectively removably coupled to fluid port132(e.g., fluid source134may be coupled to fluid port132when fluid120is being added to container102from fluid source134via fluid port132, and fluid source134may be decoupled from fluid port132when not in use). Fluid source134may be a supply of fluid120, a portion of which may be removed from fluid source134in order to at least partially fill container102with fluid120via fluid port132. Fluid port132may be sealed or closed when not in use (e.g., when not coupled to fluid source134and/or when not being used to allow placement of self-sealing bladder106within container102) in order to prevent loss of fluid120through fluid port132.

Sealant source118may be a supply of a sealant material136, which may be inserted (e.g., injected, pumped into, poured into, or otherwise forced into) into a central bladder area160(FIG. 3) within bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106, as will be described in more detail. Sealant source118may be configured to hold a volume of sealant material136sufficient to fill at least a portion of central bladder area160defined within bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106. Sealant source118may be selectively removably coupled to a sealant port138, which may allow sealant material136be inserted into bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106before and/or after self-sealing bladder106is positioned within container102. In the event of damage to self-sealing bladder106, such as a perforation in bladder wall140, sealant material136may be configured to flow through bladder wall140towards the site of the perforation, and solidify at the perforation, in order to seal the perforation and substantially prevent loss of fluid120from container102. In some examples, a single sealant source118may be operatively coupled in order to supply a plurality of self-sealing bladders with sealant material136. For example, in an apparatus100having multiple containers102and multiple self-sealing bladders106, a single sealant source118may be housed in or coupled to apparatus100and serve each of the plurality of containers102and self-sealing bladders106. For example, sealant source118may be a manually-operated or automatically-operated valve that may be configured to prevent sealant material136from exiting sealant source118until a perforation is detected to one or more of the containers102in a given apparatus100.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic cross-sectional diagram of self-sealing bladder106positioned within container102(e.g., self-sealing bladder106may be positioned inside internal space122of container102, with bladder wall140positioned between container walls124and fluid120). Bladder wall140may be formed of a plurality of layers of material, some of which may be coupled together via one or more elastomeric threads142. For example, bladder wall140may include a first barrier layer144, a first sealant-impermeable layer146, a second sealant-impermeable layer148, and/or a second barrier layer150, each of which may themselves include multiple layers in some examples. Central bladder area160may be defined between first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148, and self-sealing bladder106may be selectively transformable (e.g., transitionable) between a non-perforated unfilled configuration (FIG. 4) and a non-perforated filled configuration (FIG. 5), such as by at least partially filling central bladder area160with a substance, such as sealant material136. Self-sealing bladder106may be selectively induced to a perforated configuration (FIG. 6), where at least a portion of the bladder wall is compromised, such as by intentionally damaging bladder wall140(e.g., for testing, experimentation, etc.). In some examples, self-sealing bladder106may be induced to a perforated configuration, such as when container102is used in a combat application and is perforated (e.g., punctured, torn, pierced, etc.) in combat.

Still with reference toFIG. 3, first barrier layer144and second barrier layer150may generally be substantially impervious to fluid120when not perforated (e.g., when self-sealing bladder106is in the non-perforated filled configuration or the non-perforated unfilled configuration), thereby substantially preventing passage of fluid120from one side of bladder wall140to the other. First barrier layer144and second barrier layer150may be, for example, a thin polymer film material. First barrier layer144and second barrier layer150may be formed of an elastomeric material. In one specific example, first barrier layer144and/or second barrier layer150may include a fluoroelastomer (e.g., Viton®), but any material that is substantially impervious to fluid120may be used. As indicated inFIG. 3, some examples of self-sealing bladders106may include just second barrier layer150, without first barrier layer144.

First sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148may be configured to add strength and/or structure to bladder wall140(e.g., to first barrier layer144and second barrier layer150). First sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148may be formed from fibers (e.g., strands of fibers that are grouped together and woven to form a fiber-based material), and/or first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148may be formed of materials without fibers. For example, first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148may be formed of fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid, polymer fibers, polyamide and/or fibers thereof, polyester and/or fibers thereof, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or fibers thereof, polypropylene and/or fibers thereof, polyoxymethylene and/or fibers thereof, polyethylene and/or fibers thereof, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or fibers thereof, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and/or fibers thereof, rubber, and/or combinations thereof. In some examples, first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148may be formed of a woven fabric material, may be a pre-impregnated composite material, and/or may include a plurality of plies coupled together. In examples where first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148are formed of fibrous materials, they may include a resin matrix binding the fibers together (e.g., first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148may be formed of a composite material). Generally, first sealant-impermeable layer146and second impermeable layer148may be formed of any material or materials that may be configured to contain sealant material136within central bladder area160, between said first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148. Coupling such layers together into bladder wall140may provide a multi-layer bladder wall140having characteristics of multiple materials (e.g., bladder wall140may be impervious to fluid120due to barrier layers144,150, and may be flexible yet strong due to sealant-impermeable layers146,148). Such construction of bladder wall140may generally function to keep sealant material136separate from fluid120within container102, until such time that bladder wall140is perforated.

First barrier layer144may include a first inner surface152and a first outer surface154opposite first inner surface152, with “inner” and “outer” being defined with respect to bladder wall140(e.g., first inner surface152faces central bladder area160of bladder wall140, while first outer surface154faces away from central bladder area160of bladder wall140and may be positioned adjacent interior surface130of container102). Similarly, second barrier layer150may include a second inner surface156and a second outer surface158. Second inner surface156may be arranged facing first inner surface152(e.g., facing central bladder area160) and second outer surface158may be oriented facing away from first outer surface154(e.g., first outer surface154may be oriented facing away from internal space122and towards interior surface130of container walls124, while second outer surface158may be oriented facing a center of internal space122of container102and internal volume123of self-sealing bladder106).

First sealant-impermeable layer146may be coupled to first inner surface152of first barrier layer144(e.g., via an adhesive), and second sealant-impermeable layer148may be coupled to second inner surface156of second barrier layer150(e.g., via an adhesive). Additionally or alternatively, first sealant-impermeable layer146may be coupled to second sealant-impermeable layer148. In some examples, elastomeric thread142may couple first sealant-impermeable layer146to second sealant-impermeable layer148. Additionally, elastomeric thread142may be coupled to first barrier layer144and/or second barrier layer150. Elastomeric thread142may be a single, continuous thread, or may be a plurality of threads. Elastomeric thread142may be made of an elastomeric material that allows for stretching, such that applying tension to elastomeric thread142allows for elongation of elastomeric thread142, thereby extending a distance between first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148, thereby increasing the size of central bladder area160between said sealant-impermeable layers. Additionally or alternatively, the function of elastomeric threads142may be facilitated or performed by other fasteners, such as rigid tie downs, screws, rivets, nuts, bolts, barbs, tension springs, and/or any other fastener.

Elastomeric thread142may be biased to pull first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148towards one another. In this manner, elastomeric thread142may be configured to allow for variable, elastic separation of first sealant-impermeable layer146from second sealant-impermeable layer148, when elastomeric thread142is under tension. In this manner, elastomeric threads142may be customized to passively pressurize central bladder area160, in order that sealant material136contained therein may be automatically forced to migrate towards a spaced-away drop in pressure that may occur in the event of a perforation being formed in bladder wall140. Elastomeric threads142may thereby pressurize central bladder area160without use of an external pressure source in some examples. Elastomeric thread142may be functional to at least partly control or limit the thickness of bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106, as well as bind together at least some of the layers of bladder wall140. Elastomeric threads142may be configured to pressurize substantially the entire central bladder area160such that, in the event of a perforation being formed in bladder wall140, the entire volume of sealant material136container within central bladder area160may be drawn on to flow towards and solidify at the perforation, in some examples. Elastomeric threads142may be formed of, for example, silicone, polyamides, and/or polychloroprene (e.g., Neoprene®), or any other suitable material.

First sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148may define central bladder area160therebetween, where central bladder area160may be configured to receive sealant material136. The volume of sealant material136used may be optimized or altered as desired to accommodate more or less fluid120within container102(e.g., a smaller volume of sealant material136may be used in order to leave more space for a higher volume of fluid120). Central bladder area160may have a variable volume depending on the amount of sealant material136within central bladder area160. For example, with a relatively small amount of sealant material136(or no sealant material136) placed in central bladder area160, tension from elastomeric threads142may force first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148to be in contact with each other, or very close together, such that the volume of central bladder area160is close to zero, or relatively small. Placing additional sealant material136or other material within central bladder area160may force central bladder area160to expand, thereby increasing the distance between first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148, thereby increasing the volume of central bladder area160. For example, forcing sealant material136or another material into central bladder area160may create enough pressure within central bladder area160that elastomeric threads142are forced to elastically elongate, thereby increasing the volume of central bladder area160.

Such a configuration may enable self-sealing bladder106to, at least partially, automatically seal a perforated portion162(FIG. 6) of self-sealing bladder106in a perforated configuration (e.g., in the event that container102and/or self-sealing bladder106is perforated), thereby substantially preventing loss of fluid120from container102, through perforated portion162. For example, because sealant material136may be pressurized within central bladder area160, with first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148being in constant compression and squeezed together, when damage (e.g., a perforation) occurs to bladder wall140, sealant material136may be forced to migrate and flow towards the perforated portion, where sealant material136may be configured to solidify in order to seal the puncture, damage, tear, or other wound in bladder wall140. The distance of migration of sealant material136may be customized, based on factors such as viscosity of sealant material136, pressure within central bladder area160, and the distribution of sealant material within localized reservoirs164in bladder wall140.

As shown inFIG. 3, self-sealing bladder106may be positioned with respect to container102such that first outer surface154of first barrier layer144is positioned adjacent interior surface130of container102. Fluid120inside container102may be positioned inside self-sealing bladder106such that it is adjacent second barrier layer150(e.g., adjacent second outer surface158of second barrier layer150). Thus, bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106may be sandwiched between interior surface130of container102and fluid120within container102.

Self-sealing bladder106may contain one or more localized reservoirs164, which may be at least partially located within central bladder area160. In some examples, localized reservoir164may be a plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs164. Localized reservoirs164may be distributed throughout central bladder area160in some examples, or located in just certain portions of central bladder area160in other examples. Localized reservoirs164may be arranged within self-sealing bladder106such that self-sealing bladder106contains a certain minimum number of localized reservoirs164per unit of surface area. For example, localized reservoirs164may be spaced such that there is at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, and/or at least eight or more localized reservoirs164located in self-sealing bladder106, in each bladder wall140, and/or in each respective square foot of the bladder surface area (if self-sealing bladder106has a bladder surface area on the order of square feet). Such figures may be scaled up or scaled down, depending on the size of self-sealing bladder106, the thickness of central bladder area160, and the size of localized reservoirs164. Spacing of localized reservoirs164may be determined based on factors such as viscosity of sealant material136, achievable pressure within central bladder area160, the quantity of sealant material136contained within bladder wall140, and any other design determination for a given application. Localized reservoirs164placed on or near the bottom of container102may additionally take advantage of the weight of fluid120providing extra pressure to central bladder area160in those areas. Localized reservoirs164may be any shape or size. For example, localized reservoirs164may be polygonal in cross-section, substantially spherical, substantially cylindrical, rectangular prisms, substantially hemispherical, irregularly shaped, and/or any other desired shape that may concentrate a desired volume of sealant material136in a given area.

One or more channels166positioned within central bladder area160may be in fluid communication with one or more respective localized reservoirs164. As used herein, a first structure may be considered in “fluid communication” with a second structure if a substance may pass from the first structure to the second structure. For example, any substance contained within a respective localized reservoir164may be free to migrate from the localized reservoir into a respective channel166in fluid communication therewith and/or from the channel166into the localized reservoir164. In some examples, one or more channels166may extend out from localized reservoir164. Channels166may be substantially tubular in nature, or have any cross-sectional shape, but generally may have a length that is significantly greater than its width and height. Generally, channels166can provide a mode for sealant material136contained within localized reservoirs164to travel away from the respective localized reservoir164, towards other areas of central bladder area, in the event of a perforation through self-sealing bladder106. In this way, sealant material136may be concentrated in localized reservoirs164within central bladder area160, and migrate towards a perforated portion of self-sealing bladder106in the event of such a perforation being formed in self-sealing bladder106that causes a reduction in pressure in central bladder area160spaced away from the respective localized reservoir164. Sealant material136may be configured to migrate via channels166, connecting layers174, and/or through central bladder area160, and between adjacent localized reservoirs164, towards the location of the pressure reduction, adjacent the perforated portion of self-sealing bladder106. Such migration may be automatic and passive, in response to a reduction in pressure in central bladder area160due to a perforation through bladder wall140.

Localized reservoirs164and channels166may be arranged in any fashion within central bladder area160. In some examples, channels166may extend radially outward from localized reservoirs164. Each respective channel166may be in fluid communication with more than one localized reservoir164. In some examples, channels166extending from different respective localized reservoirs164may be arranged with respect to one another in an alternating, or interlocking finger arrangement. For example, a first localized reservoir168(which may be an example of localized reservoir164) may be spaced apart from a second localized reservoir170(which may be an example of localized reservoir164). Each of first localized reservoir168and second localized reservoir170may include a plurality of channels166extending therefrom, where at least one of the channels166extending from second localized reservoir170may be positioned between respective adjacent channels166extending from first localized reservoir168, such as to form an interlocking finger pattern172.

Some examples of self-sealing bladders106may include one or more connecting layers174positioned within central bladder area160and in fluid communication with one or more localized reservoirs164. Connecting layers174may be similar in function to channels166, but may be shaped differently, such as by having a limited height, or thickness, with a relatively much larger length and width. In some examples, respective connecting layers174may be positioned at different depths within central bladder area160. For example, a first connecting layer174may be positioned adjacent first sealant-impermeable layer146, while a second connecting layer174may be positioned adjacent second sealant-impermeable layer148, as shown inFIG. 3. Localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174may be formed by any suitable technique, such as thermoplastic welding to form the desired pattern, using adhesive materials, stitching (e.g., using elastomeric threads142), and/or placing formed materials or structures within bladder wall140.

Various localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174may contain different materials or substances therein. For example, one or more of localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174may contain sealant material136that is configured to migrate or travel through said channels166and/or connecting layers174. In some examples, sealant material136may be present or contained within central bladder area160, without such channels164or connecting layers174. In some examples, one or more channels166and/or connecting layers174may contain a non-mobile reactive species176that is designed to react with sealant material136in the event of a perforation being formed through container102and/or self-sealing bladder106. Additionally or alternatively, non-mobile reactive species176may be present in bladder wall140, such as embedded within first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148, and/or non-mobile reactive species176may be contained within or embedded in container102(e.g., within container walls124). Non-mobile reactive species176may be, for example, a reactive component that is consumed in a reaction with sealant material136, or a catalyst which may be configured to cause and/or accelerate a reaction between sealant material136and another material. Additionally or alternatively, one or more localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174may contain a mobile reactive species177that is designed to react with sealant material136, non-mobile reactive species176, and/or a different material in bladder wall140and/or container walls124, in the event of a perforation being formed through container102and/or self-sealing bladder106. Additionally or alternatively, mobile reactive species177may be present in bladder wall140, such as embedded within first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148. In some examples, different respective localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174may contain different substances. For example, one or more respective localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174may contain sealant material136, while one or more different respective localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174may contain non-mobile reactive species176, mobile reactive species177, and/or a different material.

In some examples, one or more tack locations178may be utilized to connect adjacent connecting layers174. Tack locations178may serve to limit movement of adjacent connecting layers176with respect to one another, but may not provide fluid communication between adjacent connecting layers176. This may enable adjacent connecting layers to contain different materials (e.g., sealant material136in one connecting layer174, non-mobile reactive species176in a different connecting layer174, and/or mobile reactive species177in another connecting layer174), such that the different materials are kept separate until bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106is breached, due to a perforation being formed through container102and self-sealing bladder106.

In some examples, localized reservoirs164may be formed by distinct structures formed within central bladder area160. Additionally or alternatively, localized reservoirs may be formed by localized bulges or expansions formed in bladder wall140. For example, localized areas of second barrier layer150and second sealant-impermeable layer148, and/or localized areas of first barrier layer144and first sealant-impermeable layer146may be configured to form localized, larger spaces within central bladder area, thereby forming one or more localized reservoirs164. For example, localized reservoirs164may be formed integrally within central bladder area160by second barrier layer150and second sealant-impermeable layer148, such as by expanded regions180of second sealant-impermeable layer148being spaced further away from first sealant-impermeable layer146than adjacent regions of second sealant-impermeable layer148. Similarly, localized reservoirs164may be formed integrally within central bladder area160by first barrier layer144and first sealant-impermeable layer146, such as by expanded regions182of first sealant-impermeable layer146being spaced further away from second sealant-impermeable layer148than adjacent regions of first sealant-impermeable layer146. Expanded regions180of second sealant-impermeable layer148and expanded regions182of first sealant-impermeable layer146, when present, respectively, may be positioned in corresponding locations to each other, and/or may be spaced apart from each other. Elastomeric threads142may be configured to create a plurality of connections between first sealant-impermeable layer146second sealant-impermeable layer148between localized reservoirs164of any type. In some examples, one or more localized reservoirs164may be coupled to second barrier layer150, second sealant-impermeable layer148, first sealant-impermeable layer146, and/or first barrier layer144via one or more fittings. For example, fittings may be utilized in a self-sealing bladder that uses a spring system and a canister of pressurized inert gas to pressurize central bladder area160, if desired. Additionally or alternatively, one or more localized reservoirs164may be directly connected to first sealant-impermeable layer146, first barrier layer144, second sealant-impermeable layer148, and/or second barrier layer150without a fitting.

Sealant port138may be configured to allow sealant material136, non-mobile reactive species176, mobile reactive species177, and/or another material to be inserted or injected into central bladder area160, such as by using a pump to insert material via sealant port138. Sealant port138may include, for example, a valve, a fitting, a coupling, and/or any other opening or entry port that may be configured to allow passage of sealant material136from sealant source118into central bladder area160. Sealant port138may be accessible through either or both sides of bladder wall140. In some examples, sealant port138may be coupled to first barrier layer144and provide a passage through first barrier layer144and first sealant-impermeable layer146, such that sealant material136(and/or another material) may be passed from a location spaced-apart from self-sealing bladder106(e.g., within sealant source118ofFIG. 2) to central bladder area160. Additionally or alternatively, sealant port138may be coupled to second barrier layer150and provide a passage through second barrier layer150and second sealant-impermeable layer148such that sealant material136(and/or another material) may be passed from a location spaced-apart from self-sealing bladder106to central bladder area160.

In some examples, sealant material136may be distributed substantially throughout the entire central bladder area160. Sealant material136may be inserted into central bladder area160such that it is forced into localized reservoirs164and at least partially fills one or more localized reservoirs164. Sealant material136may be chosen based on the type of fluid120that container102is intended to hold. For example, sealant material136may be selected to be insoluble in fluid120(e.g., sealant material136may be insoluble in fuel (e.g., jet fuel) in examples where fuel will be contained by container102). In some examples, sealant material136(or other material(s) contained in central bladder area160) may be reactive with fluid120(or constituents thereof and/or additives therein), or may be non-reactive with fluid120, as desired. Sealant material136may include a liquid, a gas, and/or a combination thereof. Sealant material136may be elastomeric and/or viscoelastic, in some examples. In one specific example, sealant material136may include one or more of a gum-based material, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, urethane, plasticized urethane, silicone, fluorosilicone, water, nitrile rubber, polybutadiene, polyester urethane, rubber, synthetic rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, styrene butadiene, perfluorocarbon rubber, silicone-based rubbers, polysulfide, and/or any other material having suitable properties for the practical application of self-sealing bladders106. In some examples, any sealant material136that allows for lateral flow through the structure of central bladder area160towards a penetration or perforation may be contained within central bladder area160.

Sealant material136may be selected based on its ability to “set,” (e.g., cure, react, solidify, and/or harden), when exposed to various substances. For example, sealant material136may be selected such that it sets when exposed to oxygen, air, fluid120, non-mobile reactive species176, mobile reactive species177, and/or some other predetermined material contained within container102(e.g., inside internal space122of container102and/or within container walls124) and/or self-sealing bladder106. Generally, sealant material136may be contained within central bladder area160such that it is separated from the agent that causes it to set (e.g., for a sealant material that solidifies or hardens when it contacts fuel, self-sealing bladder106may be configured to keep sealant material136separate from fluid120(e.g., a fuel) within container102, by virtue of being contained within central bladder area160) unless and until bladder wall140is punctured, at which point sealant material136would be allowed to contact the agent, and therefore harden, in order to seal the puncture wound. Sealant material136may be configured to cure at ambient temperatures.

The speed at which sealant material136migrates towards a puncture wound or other perforation formed in bladder wall140may be customized by the tension of elastomeric threads142, pressure within central bladder area160, and/or viscosity of sealant material136. Suitable sealant materials136may have a wide range of viscosities. In some examples, a low viscosity sealant material136, such as a gas or liquid, may be used. In some examples, a higher viscosity sealant material136may be used. Viscosity of various sealant materials at 25° C. can vary greatly. For example, sealant material136may have a viscosity of less than 1 centipoise (1 cP), less than 2 cP, less than 3 cP, less than 5 cP, less than 10 cP, less than 100 cP, and/or less than 1,000 cP. In some examples, sealant material136may have a viscosity of greater than 1,000 cP, greater than 5,000 cP, greater than 10 Pascal-seconds (Pa·s) (e.g., greater than 10,000 cP), greater than 25 Pa·s, greater than 50 Pa·s, greater than 100 Pa·s, greater than 250 Pa·s, greater than 500 Pa·s, and/or greater than 1,000 Pa·s.

Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations ofFIGS. 2-3are used to designate corresponding parts ofFIGS. 4-16(which also are schematic in nature); however, the examples ofFIGS. 4-16are non-exclusive and do not limit self-sealing bladders106and systems116to the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 4-16. That is, self-sealing bladders106and systems116may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations ofFIGS. 2-3and/or the embodiments ofFIGS. 4-16, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to each ofFIGS. 4-16; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with any of the illustrated examples.

As shown inFIGS. 4-6, self-sealing bladder106may be selectively configurable into a plurality of different configurations. For example, self-sealing bladder106may have a non-perforated unfilled configuration (FIG. 4), a non-perforated filled configuration (FIG. 5), and a perforated configuration (FIG. 6). In the non-perforated unfilled configuration ofFIG. 4, first sealant-impermeable layer146may be positioned adjacent second sealant-impermeable layer148, and may even be in contact with second sealant-impermeable layer148, in some examples. In the non-perforated unfilled configuration, central bladder area160may be substantially devoid of sealant material136, non-mobile reactive species176, mobile reactive species177, and/or any other materials that may be injected or inserted into central bladder area160(e.g., into central bladder area160directly, and/or into one or more localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174). Elastomeric threads142may be configured to compress first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148together, thereby compressing central bladder area160to a minimal volume, in the non-perforated unfilled configuration. Thus, an unfilled thickness184of bladder wall140in the non-perforated unfilled configuration may be at a minimum.

At least a portion of central bladder area160between first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148may be selectively filled (e.g., with sealant material136, via sealant port138), in order to transition self-sealing bladder106to the non-perforated filled configuration shown inFIG. 5. As used herein, self-sealing bladder106may be in the non-perforated filled configuration even if central bladder area160is less than completely filled with sealant material136and/or other material. As compared with the non-perforated unfilled configuration ofFIG. 4, central bladder area160may be expanded in the non-perforated filled configuration ofFIG. 5, with first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148being spaced further apart in the non-perforated filled configuration, due to presence of sealant material136(and/or another material) within central bladder area160(e.g., within one or more localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174) causing extension of elastomeric threads142and enlargement of the volume of central bladder area160. Such insertion of material into central bladder area160may increase the thickness of bladder wall140from unfilled thickness184(FIG. 4; defined by first barrier layer144, first sealant-impermeable layer146, second sealant-impermeable layer148, and second barrier layer150)) to a filled thickness186(FIG. 5; defined by first barrier layer144, first sealant-impermeable layer146, second sealant-impermeable layer148, second barrier layer150, and sealant material136). While the configuration ofFIG. 5is referred to as a “filled” configuration, central bladder area160need not be maximally filled in order to be in the non-perforated filled configuration. As used herein, “filled” means “at least partially filled,” such that central bladder area160(and/or structures therein) contain at least some material, such as sealant material136. Furthermore, filled thickness186may be defined as an average wall thickness in a filled configuration, in order to take into account examples of self-sealing bladders106having expanded regions180and/or182.

In specific examples, bladder wall140may have an unfilled thickness184of less than about 2 inches (in) (5 cm), less than about 1.5 in (3.8 cm), less than about 1 in (2.5 cm), less than about 0.75 in (1.9 cm), less than about 0.5 in (1.27 cm), less than about 0.25 in (0.64 cm), less than about 0.1 in (0.25 cm), and/or less than about 0.05 in (0.13 cm). The average filled thickness186generally may be greater than unfilled thickness184, and may be greater than about 2 inches (in) (5 cm), greater than about 1.5 in (3.8 cm), greater than about 1 in (2.5 cm), greater than about 0.75 in (1.9 cm), greater than about 0.5 in (1.27 cm), greater than about 0.25 in (0.64 cm), and/or greater than about 0.1 in (0.25 cm).

In the non-perforated filled configuration ofFIG. 5, elastomeric thread142may be configured such that it causes pressurization of central bladder area160when a sufficient volume of sealant material136(and/or other material) is inserted into central bladder area160. For example, when enough sealant material136is inserted into central bladder area160such that elastomeric threads142are forced to elongate, the tension from elastomeric threads142pulling sealant-impermeable layers146,148towards one another may cause sealant material136within central bladder area160to be pressurized and squeezed between first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148. In some examples, central bladder area160may be configured to have a greater pressure than the head pressure of fluid120inside container102. For example, bladder wall140may be configured such that with a sufficient volume of sealant material136within central bladder area160, a sealant pressure of sealant material136may be at least 0.1 psi, 0.25 psi, 0.5 psi, 1 psi, 2.5 psi, 5 psi, and/or at least 10 psi greater than the head pressure of fluid120inside container102.

FIG. 6illustrates a portion of a surface of a sealant-impermeable layer (e.g., first sealant-impermeable layer146or second sealant-impermeable layer148) of self-sealing bladder106, having a perforated portion162formed therein. Perforated portion162may be, for example, a rip, a tear, a penetration, a puncture, and/or any other perforation formed through bladder wall140, such as caused by a projectile that is caused to hit container102and/or self-sealing bladder106, thereby compromising fluid120contained within container102. Perforated portion162may be, for example, a puncture or tear through at least a portion of first barrier layer144, first sealant-impermeable layer146, second sealant-impermeable layer148, and/or second barrier150. In other words, perforated portion162may extend through the entire bladder wall140, or through just a portion of it. Due to the compromise of first barrier layer144and/or second barrier layer150at the site of perforated portion162, first barrier layer144and/or second barrier layer150may no longer be impervious to fluid120in the perforated configuration ofFIG. 6, due to the ability of fluid120to flow through the barrier layers at perforated portion162.

As discussed, self-sealing bladder106may be configured to automatically seal such a perforated portion162, by virtue of sealant material136being passively forced to migrate towards perforated portion162, due to the design of self-sealing bladder106, whereupon sealant material136may be configured to harden at the location of perforated portion162, thereby sealing and repairing perforated portion162, due to reaction of sealant material136with one or more of air, oxygen, fluid120, any substance contained within bladder wall140, any mobile reactive species177, and any non-mobile reactive species176contained within bladder wall140. Hardening of sealant material136at the location of perforated portion162may seal perforated portion162, thereby substantially preventing loss of fluid120through perforated portion162. Self-sealing bladders106may be configured to automatically seal perforated portions162of various sizes, such as 14.5 mm in length or larger. In some examples, self-sealing bladders106may be configured to automatically seal a puncture in bladder wall140from a tumbled 0.5 caliber projectile. In some examples, self-sealing bladders106may be configured to automatically seal a perforated portion162quickly within a sealing time period, such as in less than 4 minutes, less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 15 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 5 seconds, less than 2 seconds, and/or less than 1 second.

Upon formation of perforated portion162, compression of central bladder area160due to elastomeric threads142(FIGS. 3-5) may cause sealant material136and/or mobile reactive species177contained in one or more localized reservoirs164, channels166, and/or connecting layers174, to be squeezed out of or through the respective structure and migrate towards perforated portion162and/or react together in order to seal perforated portion162. Additionally or alternatively, formation of perforated portion162may result in breach of a respective channel166and/or connecting layer174containing non-mobile reactive species176, which may then cause non-mobile reactive species176to be present at perforated portion162, by allowing non-mobile reactive species176to escape the channel166and/or connecting layer174at the site of the breach (e.g., adjacent perforated portion162).FIG. 6shows a formation163of hardened sealant material136, mobile reactive species177, and/or non-mobile reactive species176, in dashed line, that has pooled and solidified around perforated portion162to seal the same. Formation163of sealant material136may be flexible, semi-flexible, elastic, semi-rigid, and/or rigid once sealant material136(or other materials in formation163) has hardened. In some examples, sealant material136may be configured to foam during solidification.

In some examples, first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or second sealant-impermeable layer148may be configured to form a scaffold structure188adjacent perforated portion162, the scaffold structure188being formed of a plurality of fiber ends190when the respective layer is punctured or otherwise perforated. Sealant material136may harden onto scaffold structure188, thereby aiding in sealing of perforated portion162. Scaffold structure188may aid in sealing perforated portion162and/or holding the shape of the solidified sealant material136at or near the site of perforated portion162. For example, scaffold structure188may essentially serve as a platform for, or internal structure for, sealant material136, in order to reinforce sealant material136and/or facilitate coupling of formation163to the non-perforated portion of the sealant-impermeable layer.

FIG. 7schematically illustrates an example of self-sealing bladder106, in the process of being inserted into container102, via fluid port132. As illustrated, bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106may be flexible enough to be compressed and folded into a small enough profile (e.g., with internal volume123collapsed) that it may be inserted through fluid port132, which is configured for filling container102with fluid120. Self-sealing bladder106may be more flexible than prior art devices, which may in part be due to a reduced average thickness of the bladder wall as compared to prior art devices in some examples. Because the presently disclosed self-sealing bladders106provide for migration of sealant material136to perforated portion162, as well as distribution of sealant material136into localized, spaced-apart reservoirs164, the overall volume of sealant material136may be reduced as compared to prior art devices. As a result, the overall average thickness of bladder wall140may be reduced as compared to prior art devices, which may be at least partly due to a reduced volume of sealant material136. Additionally or alternatively, such thinner bladder walls140may reduce the weight of self-sealing bladder106as compared to prior art devices, and/or may increase available volume within container102for fluid120once self-sealing bladder106is placed inside container102.

Self-sealing bladder106generally may be inserted into container102before it is at least partially filled with fluid120. Self-sealing bladder106may be inserted into container102before and/or after any sealant material136(FIGS. 3 and 5) is inserted into bladder wall140. Furthermore, self-sealing bladder106may be removable from container102, such as through fluid port132. For example, in the event that self-sealing bladder106is perforated, self-sealing bladder106may be removed, repaired, re-inflated with new sealant material, and/or re-inserted into container102.

FIG. 8is a schematic representation of a close-up view of the surface of first sealant-impermeable layer146, showing that first sealant-impermeable layer146may be a woven fabric, such as a fabric woven from overlapping strands192of fiber or other material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid, polymer fibers, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and/or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene).FIG. 8illustrates a plurality of elastomeric threads142extending through the thickness of first sealant-impermeable layer146, with elastomeric threads142oriented substantially perpendicularly to the surface of first sealant-impermeable layer146. Elastomeric threads142may extend into bladder wall140, through central bladder area160(FIGS. 4-5), and into second sealant-impermeable layer148, in order to elastically couple first sealant-impermeable layer146to second sealant-impermeable layer148. Elastomeric threads142may be present in any suitable number in order to provide desired variability of the distance between first sealant-impermeable layer146and second sealant-impermeable layer148(e.g., the thickness of central bladder area160) and/or the desired pressure within central bladder area160when filled with sealant material136and/or other material. More or fewer elastomeric threads142may be included in a given example than are shown inFIG. 8, and elastomeric threads142may be distributed in any pattern or arrangement, or randomly throughout the sealant-impermeable layers.

FIG. 9illustrates a schematic view of a portion of a cross-section of bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106according to the present disclosure, in a non-perforated filled configuration.FIG. 9shows a localized reservoir164formed integrally with central bladder area160, defined by an expanded region180, where a localized portion of second sealant-impermeable layer148is distended such that it is farther away from first sealant-impermeable layer146in expanded region180than are adjacent portions of second sealant-impermeable layer148. WhileFIG. 9shows only a portion of bladder wall140, a given self-sealing bladder can include a plurality of such localized reservoirs164, spaced apart from one another and formed at various locations along bladder wall140. As a result, the thickness of bladder wall140may vary across the surface of bladder wall140, with some areas having a reduced thickness, indicated by a nominal wall thickness194, and other areas (corresponding to localized reservoirs164) having an enlarged thickness196. The enlarged thickness196may be a maximum reservoir thickness, and may be greater than about 2 inches (5 cm), greater than about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), greater than about 1 inch (2.5 cm), greater than about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm), greater than about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), greater than about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), greater than about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), and/or greater than about 0.063 inches (0.16 cm).

In contrast to the examples ofFIG. 9, and as shown inFIGS. 10-16, localized reservoirs164may not affect the overall thickness of bladder wall140in some examples.FIGS. 10-13illustrate schematic representations of localized reservoirs164that may be formed within a central bladder area160of a self-sealing bladder106according to the present disclosure, viewed looking into the depth of the thickness of bladder wall140, as if showing an elevation view of bladder wall140, with first barrier layer144and first sealant-impermeable layer146removed, so central bladder area160is visible.FIG. 10shows one arrangement of a localized reservoir164, with a plurality of channels166extending therefrom. Channels166may provide for migration of sealant material136from localized reservoir164, through one or more channels166, towards a perforated portion of bladder wall140. The plurality of channels166are shown arranged in rows, parallel to one another, and spaced apart from adjacent channels166, but other arrangements are possible. In some examples, adjacent channels166may be spaced close enough to each other such that the smallest anticipated puncture would rupture at least one channel166no matter where the projectile hit bladder wall140.

FIG. 11shows a similar arrangement, with a first localized reservoir168and a second localized reservoir170spaced apart from first localized reservoir168. First localized reservoir168may include a first respective plurality of channels166extending therefrom, and second localized reservoir170may include a second respective plurality of channels166extending therefrom. In some examples, the channels166extending from first localized reservoir168may be arranged with respect to the channels166extending from second localized reservoir170to form interlocking finger pattern172. In some examples, first localized reservoir168may contain a different material than second localized reservoir170. For example, first localized reservoir168may contain sealant material136, while second localized reservoir170may contain mobile reactive species177and/or another material (or vice versa). In other examples, first localized reservoir168and second localized reservoir170may contain the same material. In some examples, channels166may be arranged such that adjacent channels are close enough together that, with any anticipated puncture, at least two channels166are ruptured, one of the two channels being in fluid communication with first localized reservoir168and the other of the two channels being in fluid communication with second localized reservoir170.

FIG. 12illustrates a schematic view of a localized reservoir164having a plurality of channels166extending radially therefrom, within central bladder area160. Central bladder area160may include a plurality of such localized reservoirs164, which may be positioned with respect to one another such that respective channels166extending from each respective localized reservoir164may at least partially overlap one another or extend into a space between adjacent channels166. Each localized reservoir164may include more or fewer channels166extending therefrom, as desired. As shown inFIG. 13, a given system of channels166may include one or more radially extending channels198and/or one or more circumferential channels200. Circumferential channel200may provide fluid communication between itself and radially extending channels198in some examples. Similarly, parallel channels166ofFIGS. 10-11may include other channels extending at different angles or connecting the parallel channels, such that an interconnected network of channels166may be formed within central bladder area160.

FIGS. 14-16illustrate schematic representations of cross-sections of portions of bladder walls140of self-sealing bladders106according to the present disclosure. Each of the examples ofFIGS. 14-16include one or more localized reservoirs164in fluid communication with one or more connecting layers174within central bladder area160of bladder wall140of self-sealing bladder106. As shown inFIG. 14, first localized reservoir168may be spaced apart from second localized reservoir170, each having a respective connecting layer174extending therefrom and in fluid communication with the respective reservoir (e.g., a first connecting layer202may extend from and be in fluid communication with first localized reservoir168, while a second connecting layer204may extend from and be in fluid communication with second localized reservoir170). Connecting layers174and localized reservoirs164all may contain sealant material136in some examples, or first localized reservoir168and second localized reservoir170(and their respective connecting layers202,204) may contain different materials in some examples. For example, first localized reservoir168and first connecting layer202may contain sealant material, while second localized reservoir170and second connecting layer204may contain mobile reactive species177. In the event of a perforation being formed through bladder wall140, localized reservoirs168,170and connecting layers202,204may be breached at the site of the perforation such that the respective material in first localized reservoir168and first connecting layer202is allowed to contact and react with the respective material in second localized reservoir170and second connecting layer204. A seal may thereby be formed adjacent the damage. Respective connecting layers202,204each may extend over substantially the same surface area within central bladder area160, with one (e.g., second connecting layer204) being positioned adjacent first sealant-impermeable layer146(FIG. 3) and the other (e.g., first connecting layer202) being positioned adjacent second sealant-impermeable layer148(FIG. 3) on opposite sides of central bladder area160.

FIG. 15shows a similar configuration asFIG. 14, except that second connecting layer204may contain non-mobile reactive species176and/or may not include a second localized reservoir. In the event of a breach in (e.g., a perforation formed in) bladder wall140in the configuration ofFIG. 15, the material contained in localized reservoir164(e.g., sealant material136or mobile reactive species177) may migrate via first connecting layer202to the site of the breach and react with non-mobile species176contained in second connecting layer204adjacent the site of the perforation that breaches second connecting layer204and first connecting layer202.FIG. 16shows the same configuration asFIG. 15, but includes a plurality of tack locations178that may be configured to connect first connecting layer202to second connecting layer204, without creating fluid communication between the two layers, thereby keeping separate the respective materials contained within the respective connecting layers174.

FIGS. 17-18schematically provide flowcharts that represent illustrative, non-exclusive examples of methods according to the present disclosure. InFIGS. 17-18, some steps are illustrated in dashed boxes, indicating that such steps may be optional or may correspond to an optional version of a method according to the present disclosure. That said, not all methods according to the present disclosure are required to include the steps illustrated in solid boxes. The methods and steps illustrated inFIGS. 17-18are not limiting and other methods and steps are within the scope of the present disclosure, including methods having greater than or fewer than the number of steps illustrated, as understood from the discussions herein.

FIG. 17illustrates methods300of fabricating a container (e.g., container102) configured for holding a fluid (e.g., fluid120) that may include providing a barrier layer at302(e.g., first barrier layer144and/or second barrier layer150) and coupling the barrier layer to a sealant-impermeable layer at304(e.g., coupling first barrier layer144to first sealant-impermeable layer146and/or coupling second barrier layer150to second sealant-impermeable layer148). For example, coupling at304may include coupling the first inner surface of the first barrier layer to the first sealant-impermeable layer, and/or coupling the second inner surface of the second barrier layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer. Methods300may include installing one or more elastomeric threads at305(e.g., elastomeric threads142) to couple the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer and define a central bladder area (e.g., central bladder area160) therebetween. Installing elastomeric thread at305may include using a single, continuous elastomeric thread or a plurality of elastomeric threads. As coupled at305, the first sealant-impermeable layer may be positioned adjacent the second sealant-impermeable layer, and the elastomeric threads may be configured to allow for variable, elastic separation of the second sealant-impermeable layer from the first sealant-impermeable layer, when the elastomeric threads are under tension.

One or more localized reservoirs (e.g., localized reservoirs164), channels (e.g., channels166), and/or connecting layers (e.g., connecting layers174) may be formed within the central bladder area at306, and one or more of the same may be at least partially filled with sealant material (e.g., sealant material136) and/or another material (e.g., mobile reactive species177or non-mobile reactive species176) at308. For example, forming one or more localized reservoirs, channels, and/or connecting layers at306may include forming the same using adhesives, thermoplastic welding, and/or placing a formed structure in the central bladder area. In some methods, the central bladder area (e.g., the space between the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer) may be at least partially filled with the sealant material at308such that the sealant material is distributed throughout substantially the entire central bladder area. In some methods300, filling the central bladder area with sealant material at308may include filling a first localized reservoir, channel, and/or connecting layer with a first substance (e.g., sealant material136) and filling a second localized reservoir, channel, and/or connecting layer with a second substance (e.g., mobile reactive species177or non-mobile reactive species176).

As shown inFIG. 18, methods310of using a self-sealing bladder according to the present disclosure may include filling a portion of the central bladder area with a sealant material at308, along with a number of other steps preceding and/or following filling the central bladder area with a sealant material at308. For example, a self-sealing bladder according to the present disclosure may be provided at312, a sealant source (e.g., sealant source118) may be connected to the central bladder area at314, such as via a sealant port (e.g., sealant port138), in order to at least partially fill the central bladder area (or portions thereof) with a sealant material (and/or another material) at308. In some methods310, the central bladder area and/or structures formed therein (e.g., channels, localized reservoirs, and/or connecting layers) may be filled at308until a point at which the central bladder area is full enough that it is pressurized at316, such as by filling the central bladder area to a point at which the volume of sealant material is great enough to cause tensioning of the elastomeric threads coupling the sealant-impermeable layers together, thereby creating a pressurized environment within the central bladder area. In other words, once the central bladder area is at least partially filled with sealant material at308, the elastomeric thread may be at least partially elastically deformed from its resting state (e.g., the non-perforated unfilled configuration of the self-sealing bladder).

Once the central bladder area has been filled with sealant material to the extent desired, the sealant source may be removed, or disconnected, from the self-sealing bladder at318, and the sealant port may be sealed at320in order to retain the sealant material and pressurization of the central bladder area. Before and/or after the central bladder area is at least partially filled with sealant material, the self-sealing bladder may be inserted into a container at322. In some methods310, the self-sealing bladder may be inserted into the container at322before the central bladder area is at least partially filled with sealant material at308, which may ease insertion of the self-sealing bladder into the container. Inserting the bladder into the container at322may include positioning the self-sealing bladder inside the container such that the first outer surface of the first barrier layer is adjacent the interior surface of the container. As positioned, the second barrier layer may be interior to the first barrier layer, with the second outer surface of the second barrier layer facing the internal space of the container and defining the internal volume of the self-sealing bladder. Inserting the self-sealing bladder into the container at322may include coupling the self-sealing bladder to the interior of the container, such as by lacing the bladder into place using thermoplastic cord; however, other techniques are also possible.

Once the self-sealing bladder has been placed inside the container, the interior space of the container and bladder therein may be at least partially filled with a fluid (e.g., fluid120) at324. In an example where the container is a fuel tank, the fluid may be fuel, and the interior space of the fuel tank may be at least partially filled with fuel at324, such that the fuel is inside the container and inside the self-sealing bladder, adjacent the inner fuel barrier layer (e.g., second barrier layer150) of the self-sealing bladder. Filling the container at324may therefore include filling the container such that the bladder wall of the self-sealing bladder is sandwiched between the fluid and the interior surface of the container. In some methods310, filling the container with fluid at324may include coupling a fluid source (e.g., fluid source134) to a fluid port (e.g., fluid port132) of the container, flowing the fluid from the fluid source into the container via the fluid port, and closing off the fluid port after filling at least a portion of the internal space of the container with the fluid.

Once filled, the apparatus of which the container is a part, may be used in the normal manner. For example, in a military vehicle application in which the container is a fuel tank, the vehicle may be utilized in combat or other military application. In the event of a perforation being formed in the fuel tank, such as by being hit and punctured by a projectile (e.g., a bullet or other projectile), the self-sealing bladder may be configured to operate as described, and sealant material may flow to the perforation and solidify there in order to seal the wound. In some methods, once a self-sealing bladder has been so perforated, the bladder may be removed from the container at326. A new self-sealing bladder may be placed within the container in some examples, and/or the self-sealing bladder may be repaired at328(e.g., re-filled with sealant material) and replaced back into the container at330for further use.

A1. A self-sealing bladder for use within a container configured for holding a fluid, the self-sealing bladder being configured to be positioned inside the container, between the container and the fluid when the container contains the fluid, the self-sealing bladder being selectively transitionable from a non-perforated unfilled configuration to a non-perforated filled configuration, the self-sealing bladder comprising:

a bladder wall, comprising:a first sealant-impermeable layer;a barrier layer comprising an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, wherein the barrier layer is substantially impervious to the fluid when the self-sealing bladder is in the non-perforated filled and non-perforated unfilled configurations, wherein the inner surface is arranged to be facing the first sealant-impermeable layer; anda second sealant-impermeable layer coupled to the inner surface of the barrier layer and to the first sealant-impermeable layer; and

an elastomeric thread coupling the second sealant-impermeable layer to the first sealant-impermeable layer, the elastomeric thread being configured to couple the second sealant-impermeable layer to the first sealant-impermeable layer such that the elastomeric thread allows for variable, elastic separation of the second sealant-impermeable layer from the first sealant-impermeable layer when the elastomeric thread is under tension,

wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer define a central bladder area formed between the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer, the central bladder area being configured to receive a sealant material, and wherein the central bladder area has a variable volume depending on the amount of sealant material within the central bladder area.

A1.1 The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1, wherein the self-sealing bladder has a perforated configuration, and wherein, in the perforated configuration, the self-sealing bladder is configured to, at least partially, automatically seal a perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder, thereby substantially preventing loss of the fluid from the container through the perforated portion.

A1.2. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1, wherein the bladder wall contains a mobile reactive species and/or a non-mobile reactive species configured to react with the sealant material, thereby automatically sealing the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

A1.3. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A1.2, wherein the barrier layer is a second barrier layer, the inner surface is a second inner surface, and the outer surface is a second outer surface, the self-sealing bladder further comprising a first barrier layer having a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite the first inner surface, the first barrier layer being substantially impervious to the fluid when the self-sealing bladder is in the non-perforated filled and non-perforated unfilled configurations, wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer is coupled to the first inner surface of the first barrier layer, wherein the second inner surface of the second barrier layer is arranged to be facing the first inner surface of the first barrier layer, and wherein the first outer surface of the first barrier layer and the second outer surface of the second barrier layer are oriented facing away from one another.

A2. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A1.3, further comprising a localized reservoir within the central bladder area.

A2.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2, wherein the localized reservoir comprises a plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs, such as at least one localized reservoir per bladder wall, at least two localized reservoirs per bladder wall, at least three localized reservoirs per bladder wall, at least four localized reservoirs per bladder wall, at least five localized reservoirs per bladder wall, at least two localized reservoirs, at least three localized reservoirs, at least four localized reservoirs, at least five localized reservoirs, at least six localized reservoirs, at least seven localized reservoirs, and/or at least eight localized reservoirs.

A2.2. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2.1, wherein the self-sealing bladder comprises a bladder surface area, and wherein the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs comprises at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, and/or at least six localized, spaced-apart reservoirs per square foot of the bladder surface area.

A2.3. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2-A2.2, further comprising a channel in fluid communication with the localized reservoir, the channel being positioned within the central bladder area.

A2.4. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2.3, wherein the channel comprises a plurality of channels, each channel extending away from the localized reservoir and in fluid communication with the localized reservoir.

A2.5. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2.4, wherein the plurality of channels extend radially out from the localized reservoir.

A2.6. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2.4-A.2.5, wherein the localized reservoir comprises at least a first localized reservoir and a second localized reservoir spaced apart from the first localized reservoir, wherein the plurality of channels comprises a first plurality of channels and a second plurality of channels, the first plurality of channels being in fluid communication with the first localized reservoir, and the second plurality of channels being in fluid communication with the second localized reservoir.

A2.7. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2.6, wherein at least some of the first plurality of channels are positioned between respective adjacent channels of the second plurality of channels.

A2.8. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2.6-A2.7, wherein the first plurality of channels are arranged with respect to the second plurality of channels such that an alternating interlocking finger pattern is formed.

A2.9. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2-A2.8, further comprising a connecting layer in fluid communication with the localized reservoir, the connecting layer being positioned within the central bladder area.

A2.10. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2.9, wherein the connecting layer comprises a plurality of connecting layers, each connecting layer being in fluid communication with the localized reservoir.

A2.11. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2.10, wherein the localized reservoir comprises at least a first localized reservoir and a second localized reservoir spaced apart from the first localized reservoir, wherein the plurality of connecting layers comprises a first connecting layer and a second connecting layer, the first connecting layer being in fluid communication with the first localized reservoir, and the second connecting layer being in fluid communication with the second localized reservoir.

A2.12. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2.11, wherein the first connecting layer is positioned adjacent the first sealant-impermeable layer of the self-sealing bladder, and wherein the second connecting layer is positioned adjacent the second sealant-impermeable layer of the self-sealing bladder.

A2.13. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2-A2.12, wherein one or more of the localized reservoir, a/the channel in fluid communication with the localized reservoir, and a/the connecting layer in fluid communication with the localized reservoir contains a/the mobile reactive species and/or a/the non-mobile reactive species configured to react with the sealant material.

A2.14. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2-A2.13, wherein one or more of the localized reservoir, a/the channel in fluid communication with the localized reservoir, and a/the connecting layer in fluid communication with the localized reservoir contains the sealant material.

A2.15. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2-A2.14, wherein a/the first localized reservoir contains a first substance, wherein a/the second localized reservoir contains a second substance, and wherein the first substance is different from the second substance.

A2.16. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A2.10 and any of paragraphs A2.11-A2.15, wherein the plurality of connecting layers are coupled to one another at a plurality of tack locations, wherein the plurality of tack locations do not provide fluid communication between respective connecting layers.

A3. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A2.1-A2.16, wherein the barrier layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer are configured to form a/the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs within the central bladder area.

A3.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A3, wherein the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs are formed integrally with the bladder wall, such that each is defined by an expanded region of the second sealant-impermeable layer being spaced further away from the first sealant-impermeable layer than are adjacent regions of the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A3.2. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A3, wherein each of the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs is coupled to the barrier layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer via a respective fitting.

A4. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A2.1-A3.2, wherein the first barrier layer and the first sealant-impermeable layer are configured to form a/the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs within the central bladder area.

A5. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A4, wherein the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs are formed integrally with the bladder wall, such that each is defined by expanded regions of the first sealant-impermeable layer being spaced further away from the second sealant-impermeable layer than are adjacent regions of the first sealant-impermeable layer.

A5.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and paragraph A4, wherein each of the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs is coupled to the first barrier layer and the first sealant-impermeable layer via a/the respective fitting.

A6. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A5.1, wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer is positioned adjacent the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A7. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A6, further comprising a sealant port configured to allow the sealant material to be inserted within the central bladder area.

A8. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and paragraph A7, wherein the sealant port is coupled to the first barrier layer such that the sealant port provides a passage through the first barrier layer and the first sealant-impermeable layer, such that the sealant material may be passed from a location spaced-apart from the self-sealing bladder to the central bladder area.

A8.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A7 or A8, wherein the sealant port is coupled to the barrier layer such that the sealant port provides a passage through the barrier layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer, such that the sealant material may be passed from a/the location spaced-apart from the self-sealing bladder to the central bladder area.

A9. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A8.1, further comprising the sealant material, wherein the sealant material at least partially fills the central bladder area between the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer, thereby placing the self-sealing bladder in the non-perforated filled configuration.

A10. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A9, wherein the sealant material is distributed throughout substantially the entire central bladder area.

A11. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A10, wherein the sealant material fills the central bladder area to an extent that the sealant material enters and at least partially fills a/the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs formed within the central bladder area.

A12. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A11, wherein the sealant material is insoluble in the fluid the container is configured to hold.

A13. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A12, wherein the sealant material is insoluble in fuel.

A14. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A13, wherein the sealant material is insoluble in jet fuel.

A16. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A15, wherein the sealant material is reactive with the fluid the container is configured to hold and/or a constituent thereof and/or an additive therein.

A17. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A15, wherein the sealant material is non-reactive with the fluid the container is configured to hold.

A18. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A17, wherein the sealant material is reactive with jet fuel.

A19. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A17, wherein the sealant material is non-reactive with jet fuel.

A20. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A19, wherein the sealant material has a viscosity at 25° C., of less than 1 cP, less than 2 cP, less than 3 cP, less than 5 cP, less than 10 cP, less than 100 cP, less than 1000 cP, less than 5000 cP, less than 10 Pa·s (10,000 cP), less than 25 Pa·s, less than 50 Pa·s, less than 100 Pa·s, less than 250 Pa·s (250,000 cP), less than 500 Pa·s, and/or less than 1,000 Pa·s.

A21. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A20, wherein the sealant material comprises a liquid.

A22. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A21, wherein the sealant material comprises polysulfide.

A23. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A22, wherein the sealant material is elastomeric.

A24. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A23, wherein the sealant material is configured to set when it comes into contact with oxygen.

A25. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A24, wherein the sealant material is configured to set when it comes into contact with air.

A26. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A9-A25, wherein the sealant material is configured to set when it comes into contact with a predetermined material.

A27. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A26, wherein the elastomeric thread comprises one continuous elastomeric thread.

A28. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A26, wherein the elastomeric thread comprises a plurality of elastomeric threads.

A29. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A28, wherein the elastomeric thread comprises silicone and/or polychloroprene.

A30. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein the elastomeric thread is configured to compress the first sealant-impermeable layer towards the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A31. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein, in the non-perforated filled configuration, the elastomeric thread is configured to pressurize the sealant material contained in the central bladder area.

A31.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A31, wherein the elastomeric thread is configured to pressurize the sealant material contained in the central bladder area such that it has a sealant pressure that is at least 0.5 psi greater than a head pressure of a fluid inside the container.

A32. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A31.1, wherein the elastomeric thread is further coupled to the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer.

A33. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1 and any of paragraphs A2-A32, wherein the elastomeric thread is configured to create a plurality of channels connecting a/the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs, wherein, in the non-perforated filled configuration and in the perforated configuration, the plurality of channels are configured to allow migration of the sealant material through the central bladder area and between adjacent respective localized, spaced-apart reservoirs, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured such that, in the perforated configuration, the sealant material migrates towards the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder in response to a localized reduction in pressure adjacent the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

A34. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A33, wherein the self-sealing bladder is flexible.

A35. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A34, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured to be inserted through a fluid port of the container, the fluid port being configured to allow filling of the container with the fluid.

A36. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A35, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured to conform to at least one container wall of the container.

A37. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A36, wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer comprises one or more of fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, polymer fibers, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and combinations thereof.

A38 The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A37, wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer comprises a woven fabric.

A39. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A38, wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer comprises a pre-impregnated composite material.

A40. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A39, wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer comprises a respective plurality of plies coupled together.

A41. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A40, wherein the barrier layer comprises a fluoroelastomer.

A41.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraphs A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A41, wherein the first barrier layer and/or the second barrier layer comprises a fluoroelastomer.

A42. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A41.1, wherein the barrier layer comprises a film.

A42.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A42, wherein the first barrier layer and/or the second barrier layer comprises a film.

A43. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A42.1, wherein the barrier layer is substantially impervious to a liquid, a gas, a fuel, a hazardous chemical, a nuclear waste product, an oil, a caustic acid, a corrosive gas, a hazardous waste product, a hypergolic fuel, a synthetic fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, a jet fuel, a fuel additive, and/or combinations thereof.

A43.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A43, wherein the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are substantially impervious to a liquid, a gas, a fuel, a hazardous chemical, a nuclear waste product, an oil, a caustic acid, a corrosive gas, a hazardous waste product, a hypergolic fuel, a synthetic fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, a jet fuel, a fuel additive, and/or combinations thereof.

A44. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A43.1, wherein the barrier layer comprises an elastomeric material.

A44.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A44, wherein the first barrier layer and/or the second barrier layer comprises an elastomeric material.

A45. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A44.1, wherein the first barrier layer is adhesively bonded to the first sealant-impermeable layer.

A46. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A45, wherein the barrier layer is adhesively bonded to the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A47. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1 and any of paragraphs A2-A46, wherein, in the perforated configuration, the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer are configured to form a respective scaffold structure of a plurality of fiber ends when the respective sealant-impermeable layer is punctured and/or otherwise perforated at the perforated portion, such that the sealant material contained within the central bladder area is configured to migrate towards the perforated portion in response to a localized reduction in pressure adjacent the perforated portion, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured such that a portion of the sealant material migrates into the scaffold structure formed at the perforated portion and hardens, thereby at least partially repairing the perforated portion within a sealing time period.

A47.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A47, wherein the sealing time period is less than 4 minutes, less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 15 seconds, less than 10 second, less than 5 seconds, less than 3 seconds, and/or less than 1 second long.

A48. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A47.1, wherein, in the non-perforated unfilled configuration, the bladder wall has an unfilled wall thickness of less than about 2 inches (5 cm), less than about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), less than about 1 inch (2.5 cm), less than about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm), less than about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), less than about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), less than about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), and/or less than about 0.063 inches (0.16 cm).

A49. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A48, wherein, the bladder wall, which, in the non-perforated filled configuration, is defined by the barrier layer, the first sealant-impermeable layer, the second sealant-impermeable layer, and the sealant material located in the central bladder area, has an average filled wall thickness of greater than about 2 inches (5 cm), greater than about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), greater than about 1 inch (2.5 cm), greater than about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm), greater than about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), greater than about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), greater than about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), and/or greater than about 0.063 inches (0.16 cm).

A50. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A49, wherein a/the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs of the self-sealing bladder each has a maximum reservoir thickness of greater than about 2 inches (5 cm), greater than about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), greater than about 1 inch (2.5 cm), greater than about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm), greater than about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), greater than about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), greater than about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), and/or greater than about 0.063 inches (0.16 cm).

A51. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A50, wherein the self-sealing bladder is a passive self-sealing bladder.

A52. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A51, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured to be coupled to the container.

A53. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A52, further comprising the container, wherein the self-sealing bladder is arranged with respect to the container such that the barrier layer is positioned interiorly to the first sealant-impermeable layer and faces an internal space of the container.

A53.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A53, wherein the self-sealing bladder is arranged with respect to the container such that the first barrier layer is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the container, and such that the second barrier layer is positioned interiorly to the first barrier layer and faces an internal space of the container.

A54. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A53, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured to automatically seal a penetration therethrough of at least 14.5 mm in length.

A55. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A54, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured to automatically seal a/the penetration therethrough from a tumbled 0.5 caliber projectile.

A56. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A55, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured to automatically seal a/the penetration therethrough in less than 4 minutes, less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 15 seconds, less than 10 second, less than 5 seconds, less than 3 seconds, and/or less than 1 second.

A57. The self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A56, wherein the container comprises a drum, a storage tank, an aircraft fuel tank, a tank, a military vehicle fuel tank, a tank truck, a rotorcraft fuel tank, a combat vehicle fuel tank, and/or any cavity designed to hold the self-sealing bladder.

A58. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1 and any of paragraphs A2-A57, wherein, in the perforated configuration, the barrier layer is pervious to the fluid at the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

A58.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A2-A58, wherein, in the perforated configuration, the first barrier layer and/or the second barrier layer is pervious to the fluid at the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

A59. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1 and any of paragraphs A2-A58.1, wherein the perforated portion comprises a puncture through at least a portion of the barrier layer, the first sealant-impermeable layer, and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A59.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1, A1.3, and any of paragraphs A2-A59, wherein the perforated portion comprises a puncture through at least a portion of the first barrier layer, the second barrier layer, the first sealant-impermeable layer, and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A60. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1 and any of paragraphs A2-A59.1, wherein the perforated portion comprises a tear through at least a portion of the barrier layer, the first sealant-impermeable layer, and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A60.1. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1, A1.3, and any of paragraphs A2-A60, wherein the perforated portion comprises a tear through at least a portion of the first barrier layer, the second barrier layer, the first sealant-impermeable layer, and/or the second sealant-impermeable layer.

A61. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1 and of paragraph A2.1 and any of paragraphs A2-A60.1, wherein, in the perforated configuration, the sealant material contained within the localized, spaced-apart reservoirs in the non-perforated filled configuration is automatically at least partially squeezed out of and away from one or more of the localized, spaced-apart reservoirs and towards the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

A62. The self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.1 and any of paragraphs A2-A61, wherein the sealant material contained within the central bladder area in the non-perforated filled configuration is configured to seal the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder when the self-sealing bladder is induced to the perforated configuration.

B1. A container configured for holding a fluid, the container comprising:

a plurality of container walls defining an internal space having a volume sufficient to hold the fluid, each of the container walls having an exterior wall surface and an interior wall surface, the interior wall surfaces collectively forming an interior surface of the container; and

a fluid port configured to allow fluid to be flowed into the internal space of the container, the container being configured to receive the self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A62 via the fluid port.

B2. The container of paragraph B1, wherein the container comprises one or more of a drum, a storage tank, an aircraft fuel tank, a tank, a military vehicle fuel tank, a tank truck, a rotorcraft fuel tank, a cavity designed to hold the self-sealing bladder, and a combat vehicle fuel tank.

B3. The container of any of paragraphs B1-B2, wherein the fluid the container is configured to hold comprises one or more of a liquid, a gas, a fuel, a hazardous chemical, a nuclear waste product, an oil, a caustic acid, a corrosive gas, a hazardous waste product, a hypergolic fuel, a synthetic fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, a jet fuel, a fuel additive, and combinations thereof.

B4. The container of any of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein one or more of the plurality of container walls contains a/the mobile reactive species and/or a/the non-mobile reactive species configured to react with the sealant material.

the self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A62;

the container of any of paragraphs B1-B4; and

a sealant source comprising a volume of sealant material sufficient to fill at least a portion of the central bladder area of the self-sealing bladder.

C2. The system of paragraph C1, wherein the self-sealing bladder is positioned within the container.

C2.1. The system of any of paragraphs C1 and C2, wherein the self-sealing bladder comprises the self-sealing bladder of paragraph A1.3 and any of paragraphs A1-A62, and wherein the self-sealing bladder is positioned with respect to the container such that the first outer surface of the first barrier layer is positioned adjacent the interior surface of the container.

C3. The system of any of paragraphs C1-C2.1, further comprising the fluid, wherein the fluid fills at least a portion of the internal space of the container, inside the self-sealing bladder.

C3.1. The system of paragraph C3, wherein the fluid is adjacent the barrier layer of the self-sealing bladder.

C3.2. The system of any of paragraphs C3-C3.1, wherein the fluid is adjacent the outer surface of the barrier layer, such that the fluid is contained within the self-sealing bladder, such that the bladder wall of the self-sealing bladder is sandwiched between the interior surface of the container and the fluid.

C4. The system of any of paragraphs C3-C3.2, wherein the fluid comprises a liquid, a gas, a fuel, a hazardous chemical, a nuclear waste product, an oil, a caustic acid, a corrosive gas, a hazardous waste product, a hypergolic fuel, a synthetic fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, a jet fuel, a fuel additive, and/or combinations thereof.

C5. The system of any of paragraphs C1-C4, further comprising a fluid source coupled to the fluid port of the container, the fluid source being configured to fill at least a portion of the internal space of the container with the fluid via the fluid port.

D1. An apparatus comprising the self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A62, the container of any of paragraphs B1-B3, and/or the system of any of paragraphs C1-05.

D2. The apparatus of paragraph D1, wherein the apparatus comprises a watercraft, a land vehicle, a spacecraft, an automobile, a military vehicle, a combat aircraft, a rotorcraft, a jet fighter, a military aircraft, a military patrol vehicle, an armored limousine, a motorsport vehicle, a space vehicle, a space structure, a military armor, a boat, and/or a performance vehicle.

E1. A method of fabricating a container configured for holding a fluid, the container comprising an internal space configured to receive the fluid therein, the method comprising:

providing a first sealant-impermeable layer;

coupling a barrier layer to a second sealant-impermeable layer, the barrier layer comprising an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, wherein the barrier layer is substantially impervious to the fluid;

coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer using elastomeric thread, thereby forming a central bladder area defined between the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer, wherein the first sealant-impermeable layer, the second sealant-impermeable layer, and the barrier layer together form a bladder wall of a self-sealing bladder, wherein the self-sealing bladder is configured to contain the fluid inside the bladder wall, adjacent the outer surface of the barrier layer;

positioning the self-sealing bladder inside the container such that the barrier layer is interior to the second sealant-impermeable layer, with the outer surface of the barrier layer facing the internal space of the container; and

inserting a sealant material into the central bladder area between the first sealant-impermeable layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer, such that the sealant material is distributed throughout substantially the entire central bladder area, wherein the central bladder area contains a plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs.

E1.1 The method of paragraph E1, wherein the barrier layer and the second sealant-impermeable layer are configured to form the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs.

E1.2. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E1.1, wherein the inserting the sealant material into the central bladder area causes the sealant material to enter and substantially fill the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs.

E2. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E1.2, wherein the coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer comprises coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer such that the first sealant-impermeable layer is positioned adjacent the second sealant-impermeable layer.

E3. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E2, wherein the coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer comprises coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer such that the elastomeric thread allows for variable, elastic separation of the second sealant-impermeable layer from the first sealant-impermeable layer when the elastomeric thread is under tension.

E5. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E3, wherein the coupling the barrier layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer comprises coupling the inner surface of the barrier layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer.

E6. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E5, wherein the inserting the sealant material is performed after the positioning the self-sealing bladder inside the container.

E7. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E6, further comprising filling at least a portion of the internal space of the container with the fluid, such that the fluid is contained by the self-sealing bladder, adjacent the barrier layer of the self-sealing bladder, wherein the bladder wall is sandwiched between the fluid and the interior surface of the container.

E8. The method of paragraph E7, wherein the filling at least a portion of the internal space of the container with the fluid comprises coupling a fluid source to a fluid port of the container and flowing the fluid from the fluid source into the container via the fluid port, the method further comprising closing off the fluid port after the filling at least a portion of the internal space of the container with the fluid.

E9. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E8, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of a liquid, a gas, a fuel, a hazardous chemical, a nuclear waste product, an oil, a caustic acid, a corrosive gas, a hazardous waste product, a hypergolic fuel, a synthetic fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, a jet fuel, a fuel additive, and combinations thereof.

E10. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E9, wherein the container comprises one or more of a drum, a storage tank, an aircraft fuel tank, a tank, a military vehicle fuel tank, a tank truck, a rotorcraft fuel tank, and a combat vehicle fuel tank.

E11. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E10, wherein the self-sealing bladder is a flexible self-sealing bladder.

E12. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E11, wherein the coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer using elastomeric thread comprises coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer using a single, continuous piece of elastomeric thread.

E13. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E11, wherein the coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer using elastomeric thread comprises coupling the first sealant-impermeable layer to the second sealant-impermeable layer using a plurality of pieces of elastomeric thread.

E14. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E13, wherein the positioning the self-sealing bladder inside the container comprises coupling the self-sealing bladder to the container by lacing the self-sealing bladder into place using a thermoplastic cord.

E15. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E14, further comprising removing the self-sealing bladder from the container after the self-sealing bladder is perforated at a perforated portion.

E16. The method of paragraph E15, further comprising repairing the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

E17. The method of paragraph E16, further comprising replacing the self-sealing bladder back into the container after the repairing the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

E18. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E17, further comprising forming one or more channels within the central bladder area.

E18.1. The method of paragraph E18, wherein the forming the one or more channels within the central bladder area comprises forming the one or more channels to be in fluid communication with one or more respective localized spaced-apart reservoirs of the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs.

E18.2. The method of any of paragraphs E18-E18.1, wherein the forming one or more channels with the central bladder area comprises forming a first channel and a second channel.

E18.3. The method of paragraph E18.2, wherein the first channel is in fluid communication with a first localized reservoir.

E18.4. The method of any of paragraphs E18.2-E18.3, further comprising filling the first channel with a first substance and filling the second channel with a second substance, the first substance being different from the second substance.

E18.5. The method of paragraph E18.4, wherein the first substance comprises the sealant material.

E18.6. The method of any of paragraphs E18.4-E18.5, wherein the second substance comprises a non-mobile-reactive species.

E18.7. The method of any of paragraphs E18.4-E18.5, wherein the second substance comprises a mobile-reactive species.

E19. The method of any of paragraphs E18-E18.7, wherein the forming the one or more channels within the central bladder area comprises one or more of applying an adhesive material, thermoplastic welding, stitching, and placing a formed material in the central bladder area.

E20. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E19, wherein the plurality of localized, spaced-apart reservoirs comprises a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the method further comprising filling at least a portion of the first reservoir with a first substance, and filling at least a portion of the second reservoir with a second substance, the first substance being different from the second substance.

E21. The method of paragraph E20, wherein the first substance comprises the sealant material and wherein the second substance comprises a mobile reactive species. E22. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E21, wherein the barrier layer is a second barrier layer, the inner surface of the barrier layer is a second inner surface of the second barrier layer, and the outer surface is a second outer surface of the second barrier layer, the method further comprising: coupling a first barrier layer to the first sealant-impermeable layer, the first barrier layer having a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite the first inner surface, wherein the first barrier layer is substantially impervious to the fluid, wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface are oriented facing towards one another, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface are oriented facing away from one another, and wherein the bladder wall includes the first barrier layer; and wherein the positioning the self-sealing bladder inside the container comprises positioning the self-sealing bladder such that the first outer surface of the first barrier layer is adjacent an interior surface of the container and the second barrier layer is interior to the first barrier layer, with the second outer surface of the second barrier layer facing the internal space of the container.

E23. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E3, further comprising coupling the first inner surface of the first barrier layer to the first sealant-impermeable layer.

F1. A method of filling a self-sealing bladder, the method comprising:

providing the self-sealing bladder according to any of paragraphs A1-A62;

coupling the self-sealing bladder to a sealant source via a sealant port;

inserting a sealant material from the sealant source into the central bladder area of the self-sealing bladder;

removing the sealant source from the sealing port of the self-sealing bladder; and

closing off the sealant port such that the sealant material is retained within the central bladder area of the self-sealing bladder.

F2. The method of paragraph F1, further comprising inserting the self-sealing bladder into a container configured to contain a fluid.

F2.1. The method of paragraph F2, further comprising removing the self-sealing bladder from the container after the self-sealing bladder is perforated at a perforated portion.

F2.2. The method of paragraph F2.1, further comprising repairing the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

F2.3. The method of paragraph F2.2, further comprising replacing the self-sealing bladder back into the container after the repairing the perforated portion of the self-sealing bladder.

F3. The method of any of paragraphs F2-F2.3, wherein the inserting the self-sealing bladder into the container is performed before the inserting sealant material from the sealant source into the central bladder area.

F4. The method of any of paragraphs F2-F2.3, wherein the inserting the self-sealing bladder into the container is performed after the inserting sealant material from the sealant source into the central bladder area.

F5. The method of any of paragraphs F1-F4, wherein the inserting sealant material from the sealant source into the central bladder area comprises inserting sealant material such that the sealant material is pressurized within the central bladder area.

F6. The method of any of paragraphs F1-F5, wherein the inserting sealant material from the sealant source into the central bladder area comprises inserting sealant material such that the elastomeric thread is at least partially elastically deformed from a resting state.

G1. Use of the self-sealing bladder of any of paragraphs A1-A62 to minimize loss of a fluid within a container in the event of a perforation being formed in the container.

H1. Use of the container of any of paragraphs B1-B4 to minimize loss of a fluid within the container in the event of a perforation being formed in the container.

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus.