Frame for fixing and transporting tank body
Through the design of the multi-constraint mechanism of the frame, the movement and rotation problems of the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank during transportation are solved, and safe and reliable fixation and simplified connection are achieved, ensuring the stability and safety of the transportation process.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410190893.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-22
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to effectively fix the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, which makes it easy to move, slide or rotate during transportation, poses safety risks, and the connection process is complicated.
The frame design is adopted, including a main body, a first restraint mechanism, a second restraint mechanism and a third restraint mechanism, which are respectively used to restrict movement, rotation and movement of the tank body in the vertical direction, and fixing is achieved through components such as detachable holding plates, belts and fixtures.
It effectively limits the movement and rotation of the tank during transportation, ensures transportation safety and simplifies the connection process.
Smart Images
Figure CN120521141A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of machinery, and in particular to a frame for a tank. Background Art
[0002] Hydrogen is considered a promising clean energy source with great potential for future development. One method for storing and transporting hydrogen is to use composite tanks capable of withstanding high pressures. However, the expansion of these tanks under high pressure makes it challenging to securely attach them to transport vehicles.
[0003] Due to the extreme pressures involved, traditional methods of securing tanks, such as straps and brackets, may not be effective. The swollen walls of the tank may prevent the securing mechanism from effectively restraining and limiting it, making it prone to moving, sliding, or even rotating, and potentially endangering the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. In addition, the weight and bulk of these tanks may further complicate the connection process. The size and weight of the tanks make them difficult to maneuver and incorporate into the design of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for an improved solution that ensures that high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks are safely and securely secured to the vehicle. It is expected that such a solution will contribute to the widespread use of hydrogen as a clean energy source for a variety of applications. Summary of the Invention
[0004] An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the related art and to provide a frame that allows for safe and efficient transport of high pressure tanks by transport vehicles.
[0005] The present disclosure provides a frame for a tank body, which includes a main body; a first constraint mechanism, which is arranged near the bottom of the main body and is used to limit the movement of the tank body in the vertical direction; a second constraint mechanism, which is arranged near the middle and lower part of the main body and is used to limit the rotation of the tank body relative to the vertical direction; and a third constraint mechanism, which is arranged near the top of the main body and is used to limit the movement of the tank body in the horizontal direction and limit the freedom of rotation.
[0006] In a possible implementation, the first restraint mechanism includes a first number of detachable retaining plates and a first clamp.
[0007] In a possible embodiment, the first number of detachable retaining plates, when spliced together, form a sleeve for a neck of the can body to pass through, and an inner wall of the sleeve is adapted to a contour of the neck.
[0008] In a possible embodiment, the first clamp is used to tighten around the outer wall of the sleeve.
[0009] In a possible embodiment, the first number of detachable retaining plates can be fixed to the main body.
[0010] In a possible embodiment, the second restraint mechanism includes a belt and a second clamp.
[0011] In a possible embodiment, the belt is used to surround the outer surface of the can body, and a flexible material is provided on the inner side of the belt.
[0012] In a possible embodiment, the belt is supported by a first support member extending from the body.
[0013] In a possible embodiment, the second clamp is used to fasten the belt.
[0014] In a possible embodiment, the belt consists of a second number of belt segments, and a plurality of the second clamps are used to fasten the second number of belt segments together.
[0015] In a possible embodiment, the first supporting member can be fixed at different positions on the main body along the vertical direction.
[0016] In a possible embodiment, the third restraint mechanism comprises a third clamp, and the third clamp is used to fasten around the other neck of the can body.
[0017] In a possible implementation, the third clamp is used to allow the other neck of the can body to slide along the vertical direction.
[0018] In a possible embodiment, the third clamp is supported by a second supporting member, and the second supporting member is disposed near the top of the main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Further features, details and advantages of the invention are shown in the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic perspective view of a frame and a tank body fixed thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 2 The figure shows a partial schematic perspective view from the bottom of the frame depicting a frame and a canister fixed thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 3 The figures show schematic diagrams depicting different types of canisters and removable retaining plates according to exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 4The figures show schematic diagrams depicting different types of bottom clamps according to exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure.
[0024] Figure 5 The figure shows a partial schematic perspective view from the middle of the frame depicting a frame and a tank fixed thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0025] Figure 6 The figures show schematic diagrams depicting variations of the second restraint mechanism according to exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure.
[0026] Figure 7 The figures show schematic diagrams depicting implementation variants of movably fixing a first supporting structure to a body of a frame according to exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure.
[0027] Figure 8 The figures show a schematic diagram depicting another embodiment variant of movably fixing a first supporting structure to a main body of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0028] Figure 9 The figure shows a partial schematic perspective view from the top of the frame depicting a frame and a canister secured thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0029] Figure 10 The figures illustrate a schematic top view and a partially schematic enlarged view of a third restraint mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following descriptions of the exemplary embodiments refer to the accompanying drawings. These exemplary embodiments are merely specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be implemented and are not intended to impose any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Directional terms mentioned in the present disclosure, such as [up], [down], [front], [back], [left], [right], [inside], [outside], [end], etc., only refer to directions with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are used to illustrate and understand the present disclosure, rather than to limit the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, units with similar structures are represented by the same reference numerals. In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clear understanding and ease of description, the sizes of some components are exaggerated and / or the structures of some components are simplified. That is, the size and structure of each component shown in the drawings are shown schematically, and the present disclosure does not limit this.
[0031] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic perspective view of a frame and a tank body fixed thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure, and Figure 2The figure shows a partial schematic perspective view from the bottom of the frame depicting a frame and a canister fixed thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the frame 1 may include three restraint mechanisms from bottom to top, namely, a first restraint mechanism 3, a second restraint mechanism 4, and a third restraint mechanism 5, which are used in combination to secure the tank 2 to the frame and restrict the mobility of the tank 2 on the frame 1 (e.g., movement, sliding, and / or rotation, etc.). The dimensions of the frame 1 can be set according to the size of the tank 2 to be transported. For example, the dimensions of the frame 1 can be set to accommodate the deformed volume (e.g., partial or overall expansion) of the tank 2 when filled with contents. In some cases, the dimensions of the frame 1 can be set to facilitate transportation, loading / unloading, or the use of the tank 2. The material of the frame 1 can be selected based on practical considerations, such as cost, load capacity, and ease of transportation or transit, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations in this regard. In some examples, the frame 1 can be made of one or more materials, and different parts of the frame can be made of different types of materials. Examples of materials used to manufacture the frame 1 include metals, alloys, composite materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, as shown, the frame 1 can have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, it will be readily understood that the shape of the frame 1 can be varied as desired. In some cases, the frame 1 may have reinforcing features, such as the X-shaped reinforcements shown in the figures, but this is not required.
[0033] As shown, the tank body 2 can include three parts, namely, a top neck, a tank body, and a bottom neck. The top neck and / or the bottom neck can be configured to facilitate filling the tank body with contents and / or releasing the contents from the tank body. As used herein, the term "tank body" refers to a container for storing and releasing contents (e.g., gas, liquid, or a substance in a gas-liquid coexisting state).
[0034] Hereinafter, three restraint mechanisms of the frame 1 , ie, the first restraint mechanism 3 , the second restraint mechanism 4 , and the third restraint mechanism 5 , will be described in a direction from the bottom to the top of the frame 1 .
[0035] Reference Figure 2, the first restraint mechanism 3 may include at least several detachable retaining plates 31 (for example, two detachable retaining plates are shown in the figure) and a bottom clamp 32. The detachable retaining plate 31 can match a neck of the tank body 2 (for example, the bottom neck of the tank body 2). When the detachable retaining plates 31 are put together (for example, spliced together), a sleeve is formed, through which the neck of the tank body 2 passes. And the inner wall of the sleeve can be adapted to the contour of the neck. In the exemplary process of fixing the tank body with the first restraint mechanism 3, several detachable retaining plates 31 can first match the bottom neck of the tank body 2, thereby allowing the neck to pass through the sleeve formed by the detachable retaining plates, while these detachable retaining plates are spliced together, followed by tightening around the outer wall of the formed sleeve with the bottom clamp 32. In the illustrated example, the degree of clamping of the bottom clamp 32 on the sleeve can be adjusted by rotating the nut to change its position on the bolt. Subsequently, the removable retaining plates (now joined together with the bottom neck of the can 2 held therebetween) are mounted to the main body of the frame 1, for example, using a reworkable connection. As shown, in some examples, the removable retaining plates 31 can be mounted to the frame 1 using nuts 33. In other examples, other reworkable connection methods, such as pins or snaps, can be used to mount the removable retaining plates 31 to the frame 1. Of course, non-reworkable connection methods, such as adhesives or welding, can also be used to mount the removable retaining plates 31 to the frame 1. It should be noted that while the above process involves first securing the removable retaining plates 31 to the bottom neck of the can 2 using the bottom clamp 32 and then securing the removable retaining plates 31 to the frame 1, it is understood that the removable retaining plates 31 can also be first secured to the frame 1 with the bottom neck held therebetween and then secured to the bottom neck of the can 2 using the bottom clamp 32; or these two actions can be performed concurrently.
[0036] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 The figures show schematic diagrams depicting different types of tanks and removable retaining plates according to exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, two options for the design of the bottom neck of the can body are schematically illustrated. One option is a grooved shape, as depicted in illustration (a). The other option is a V-shaped flange shape, as depicted in illustration (d). Accordingly, in the case where the number of detachable retaining plates 31 is two, the two detachable retaining plates 31 that match the bottom neck with the grooved shape can be as depicted in illustrations (b) and (c), and the two detachable retaining plates 31 that match the bottom neck with the V-shaped flange shape can be as depicted in illustrations (e) and (f). From Figure 3As can be seen in FIG, the removable retaining plate 31 can be designed to hold the bottom neck between them when they are put together (e.g., spliced together), thereby providing a redundant fastening mechanism to prevent the bottom neck from sliding vertically when the bottom clamp 32 becomes loose due to unexpected factors. It can be understood that Figure 3 The examples of the contours of the bottom neck of the can body and / or corresponding features on the retaining plate depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative, and any other suitable designs may be employed and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0037] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic diagram of different types of bottom clamps according to exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure. Figure 3 Examples of two compatible bottom fixtures 32 in FIG. The fixture shown in inset (a) can be configured to surround the bottom fixture 32 formed by Figure 3 The outer wall of the sleeve formed by the two spliced detachable retaining plates 31 depicted in the illustrations (b) and (c) is fastened (as shown in the figure, Figure 4 The inner wall of the fixture (a) is vertical and smooth to match the grooved shape that conforms to the shape of the outer wall of the sleeve). The fixture shown in illustration (b) can be configured to surround the Figure 3 The outer wall of the sleeve formed by the two spliced detachable retaining plates 31 depicted in the illustrations (e) and (f) is fastened (as shown in the figure, Figure 4 The inner wall of the clamp (b) has a groove to match the flange shape consistent with the shape of the outer wall of the sleeve. It can be understood that the example of the design of the bottom clamp 32 included in the first restraint mechanism 3 as shown in the figure is merely illustrative, and any other suitable design can be adopted, and the present disclosure does not impose any limitation on this.
[0038] Thus, when the tank 2 is Figure 1 When mounted vertically on the frame 1 as shown, the first restraint mechanism 3 effectively limits the vertical movement of the tank body 2. This limitation is achieved at least in part by securing one end of the tank body, in particular the bottom neck, between removable retaining plates 31 and securing them in place using a bottom clamp 32. This design prevents any potential displacement of the tank body 2 in the vertical direction relative to the frame 1, which could occur during transport in a vehicle due to bumps or vibrations or other factors. As a result, safety of transport is ensured. The first restraint mechanism effectively limits the freedom of vertical movement, thereby providing stability and safety to the tank body during transport.
[0039] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the sleeve formed by splicing the removable retaining plate 31 may only surround a portion of the bottom neck contour of the can 2. In other words, the bottom neck contour is not completely enclosed by the inner wall of the sleeve. Accordingly, the bottom clamp 32 can be tightened around the outer wall of the sleeve and the portion of the bottom neck contour not surrounded by the inner wall of the sleeve. This allows the forces generated by the vertical movement of the can 2 to be effectively transmitted to the frame 1, thereby limiting the freedom of vertical movement of the bottom neck of the can 2.
[0040] Although the above description exemplifies the first restraint mechanism 3 using two detachable holding plates 31 , it can be understood that the number of detachable holding plates 31 can be determined as needed, and the present disclosure does not impose any limitation thereto.
[0041] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 The figure shows a partial schematic perspective view from the middle of the frame, depicting a frame and a canister secured thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure. The second restraining mechanism 4 may include at least a strap 41 and an intermediate clamp 42. The strap 41 may be supported by a first support member 43. The first support member 43 may extend from the main body of the frame 1, for example, radially extending from a column of the frame 1 toward the interior of the frame 1. In some examples, the first support member 43 may be secured to the frame via a reworkable connection (e.g., a nut as shown). In other examples, the first support member 43 may be integrally formed with the frame 1 or secured to the frame 1 via a non-reworkable connection (e.g., welding). The material of the strap 41 may be selected from metals, alloys, composite materials, or combinations thereof, depending on the material of the outer wall of the canister 2, to ensure that the strap 41 does not damage the canister 2 and does not cause leakage of the contents when the strap 41 is wrapped around the main body of the canister 2. For example, the intermediate clamp 42 may be used to tighten the strap 41 to completely enclose the main body of the canister 2. As shown in the figure, the degree of locking of the intermediate clamp 42 on the belt 41 can be adjusted by rotating the nut to change its position on the bolt.
[0042] It should be noted that due to the constraint of the first restraint mechanism 3 of the frame 1 on one end of the tank body 2 (e.g., the bottom neck), when the tank body 2 is filled with contents such as gas, the wall of the tank body 2 tends to expand and deform upward. Based on experiments, the inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that when the bottom of the tank body is constrained by the first restraint mechanism, the deformation is more significant in the upper portion of the outer wall of the tank body. Therefore, positioning the second restraint mechanism 4 in the middle and lower portion of the tank body 2 is necessary to prevent the upward displacement of the band 41 caused by deformation on the outer wall of the tank body, which may adversely affect the intended restraining effect of the second restraint mechanism.
[0043] Therefore, when the tank 2 is Figure 1 When the tank body 2 is vertically mounted on the frame 1 as shown, the rotation of the tank body 2 relative to the vertical direction is reduced or limited by means of the second restraint mechanism 4, thereby preventing the tank body 2 from rotating around the vertical direction due to factors such as turning or emergency maneuvering during transportation, thereby ensuring transportation safety.
[0044] In some embodiments, the number of the first support member 43 may be more than one. Figure 6 The figure shows a schematic diagram depicting a variation of the second restraint mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, there are two first support members 43 .
[0045] In some embodiments, the strap 41 may be composed of multiple strap sections, and in such cases, there may be multiple intermediate clamps 42 that may be used to tension the strap portions.
[0046] It is understood that there is no mapping relationship between the number of first support members 43, the number of belt segments, and the number of intermediate clamps 42. In other words, the number of first support members 43, the number of belt segments, and / or the number of intermediate clamps 42 can be selected as needed, and the present disclosure does not impose any limitations thereto.
[0047] In some embodiments, the support of the belt 41 by the first support member 43 can be achieved by connecting or fixing the first support member 43 to the belt 41, which can be achieved by a reworkable or non-reworkable connection as described above, and the present disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.
[0048] In some embodiments, the first support member may be integrally formed with the belt 41 , and the entirety may be supported by the frame 1 .
[0049] In some embodiments, the inner side of the belt 41 may be provided with a flexible material (e.g., rubber, sponge, padding, etc.) to further compensate for the radial expansion of the tank body 2. In addition, due to the friction between the flexible material and the material of the outer wall of the tank body, it can help limit and prevent the rotation of the tank body relative to the vertical direction.
[0050] Figure 7 The figure shows a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment variant of movably fixing the first support structure to the body of the frame according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure, and Figure 8 The figures show a schematic diagram depicting another embodiment variant of movably fixing a first supporting structure to a main body of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0051] In some embodiments, the first support member 43 may be fixed at different positions on the body of the frame 1 (eg, one of the columns of the frame 1 ) along the vertical direction. Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a top view of a column of the frame 1 to which the first support member 43 is fixed. Figure 7 As shown, in one example, the height at which the first support member 43 is positioned can be adjusted by changing the position of the nut 45 (e.g., within a pair of vertical slots on the column). As another example, Figure 8 As shown, several fixing holes 46 can be provided on a pillar (e.g., at reasonable intervals) to fix the first support member 43 at a desired height. It is understood that the present disclosure does not impose any limitation on the specific embodiment in which the height of the second restraint mechanism 4 can be adjusted within a certain range according to actual needs.
[0052] Figure 9 The figure shows a partial schematic perspective view from the top of the frame depicting a frame and a tank fixed thereto according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure, and Figure 10 The figures illustrate a schematic top view and a partially schematic enlarged view of a third restraint mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment described in the present disclosure.
[0053] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the third restraint mechanism 5 may include at least a top clamp 52. The top clamp 52 may be supported by a second support member 51. In some examples, the third restraint mechanism 5 may further include a second support member 51. The second support member 51 may be positioned near the top of the frame 1, for example, in the form of a crossbeam at the top of the frame 1, as shown. In some examples, the second support member 51 may be secured to the main body of the frame 1 via a reworkable connection (e.g., a nut 53 as shown) or via a non-reworkable connection as described above.
[0054] In some embodiments, the top clamp 52 can be configured to be tightened around the other end of the tank body 2, for example, around the top neck of the tank body 2. Additionally, when the top clamp 52 is tightened, this end of the tank body 2 can slide in the vertical direction within the top clamp 52. In other words, compared to the first constraint mechanism 3, the third constraint mechanism 5 does not limit the vertical displacement of the tank body 2. This allows the release of vertical deformation of the tank body caused by, for example, radial expansion of the tank body 2 and up and down sliding. At the same time, due to the radial constraint of the top clamp 52 included in the third constraint mechanism 5 on the top neck of the tank body 2, the horizontal movement of the tank body 2 is restricted, and the rotational freedom of the tank body 2 relative to the vertical direction is also restricted.
[0055] In some embodiments, the support of the top clamp 52 by the second support member 51 can be achieved by connecting or fixing the second support member 51 to the top clamp 52. Such connection or fixing can be achieved by a reworkable or non-reworkable connection as described above, and the present disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.
[0056] In some embodiments, the top clamp 52 is vertically sized to accommodate: (a) the maximum vertical elongation of the top neck caused by maximum internal expansion when the bottom neck of the tank body 2 is secured, and (b) the height of the top neck when the bottom neck of the tank body 2 is secured and the tank body 2 is not experiencing any expansion.
[0057] Thus, the present disclosure provides a fixing device (for example, a frame as described above) for vertically fixing a cylindrical container on a transportation vehicle such as a vehicle. The container may have a cylindrical tank body and an upper neck (for example, a top neck as described above) and a lower neck (for example, a bottom neck as described above) respectively arranged at both ends of the tank body along the axial direction of the container. The fixing device may include a frame body, a first restraint mechanism, a second restraint mechanism and a third restraint mechanism.
[0058] The frame body can define a space for accommodating the container and can be vertically fixed on the vehicle, and the frame can have a bottom, a middle and a top. A first restraint mechanism can be fixed to a first position on the frame near the bottom, for fixing the lower neck to limit the movement of the container along the axial direction. A second restraint mechanism can be fixed to a second position in the middle of the frame, for fixing the tank body to limit the circumferential rotation of the container. A third restraint mechanism can be fixed to a third position on the frame near the top, for limiting the freedom of movement of the upper neck along the radial direction of the container and allowing the upper neck to slide along the axial direction. Thereby, during the transportation of the tank body filled with contents with relatively high pressure, it can be ensured that the tank body is safely and reliably fixed to the vehicle.
[0059] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various arrangements that may be made without departing from the scope of the broadest interpretation of the appended claims.
[0060] Reference numerals
[0061] 1 Framework
[0062] 2 tanks
[0063] 3. First constraint mechanism
[0064] 31 Removable retaining plate
[0065] 32 bottom clamp
[0066] 33 Nut
[0067] 4 Second constraint mechanism
[0068] 41 belt
[0069] 42 Intermediate fixture
[0070] 43 first supporting member
[0071] 45 Nut
[0072] 46 fixing holes
[0073] 5 Third Constraint Mechanism
[0074] 51 second supporting member
[0075] 52 Top clamp
[0076] 53 Nut
Claims
1. A frame for a tank, comprising: main body; a first restraining mechanism, the first restraining mechanism being arranged near the bottom of the main body and being used to restrain the movement of the tank in the vertical direction; a second restraining mechanism, the second restraining mechanism being arranged near the middle and lower portion of the main body and being used to restrict the rotation of the tank body relative to the vertical direction; as well as A third constraint mechanism is provided near the top of the main body and is used to limit the horizontal movement of the tank body and the degree of freedom of rotation.
2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein The first restraint mechanism includes a first number of detachable retaining plates and a first clamp.
3. The frame according to claim 2, wherein The first plurality of detachable retaining plates form a sleeve for a neck of the can body to pass through when being spliced together, and the inner wall of the sleeve is adapted to the contour of the neck.
4. The frame according to claim 3, wherein The first clamp is used to tighten around the outer wall of the sleeve.
5. A frame according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The first number of removable retention plates can be secured to the body.
6. The frame according to claim 1, wherein The second restraint mechanism includes a strap and a second clamp.
7. The frame according to claim 6, wherein The belt is used to surround the outer surface of the can body, and a flexible material is provided on the inner side of the belt.
8. A frame according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The belt is supported by a first support member extending from the body.
9. The frame according to claim 8, wherein The second clamp is used to fasten the belt.
10. The frame according to claim 8, wherein The strap is comprised of a second number of strap portions, and a plurality of the second clamps are used to secure the second number of strap portions together.
11. The frame according to claim 8, wherein The first supporting member can be fixed at different positions on the main body along the vertical direction.
12. The frame according to claim 1, wherein The third restraint mechanism includes a third clamp for fastening around the other neck of the can.
13. The frame according to claim 12, wherein The third clamp is used to allow the other neck portion of the can body to slide along the vertical direction.
14. A frame according to claim 12 or 13, wherein The third jig is supported by a second support member disposed near the top of the body.