Vehicle Air Tank Cradle Layout for Service Access and Hood Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs do not effectively provide access to the compressed air tank for servicing while maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The air tank is mounted on the vehicle using a cradle system that secures the tank adjacent to the wheel well and hood, allowing for easy access and maintaining structural integrity through the use of materials like fiberglass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the air tank is mounted in a conventional location on the vehicle, then the structural integrity of the vehicle is maintained, but the accessibility of the air tank for servicing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The air tank system is segmented from the main vehicle structure by using a separate cradle assembly. The cradle acts as an independent mounting structure that can be attached to or removed from the vehicle frame, allowing the air tank to be accessible while maintaining the integrity of the main vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle serves as an intermediary component between the air tank and the vehicle frame. This intermediate structure provides a mounting solution that facilitates easy access to the air tank for servicing while distributing loads appropriately to maintain overall vehicle structural integrity.
2Ease of repair
If the air tank is mounted adjacent to the wheel well and hood, then the accessibility for servicing is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed as a separate, modular structure that can be independently attached to the vehicle frame near the wheel well and hood area. This segmentation allows the air tank to be positioned for easy servicing without permanently modifying or compromising the structural integrity of the hood and surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle mounting system is designed to be dynamically adjustable or removable, allowing the air tank to be easily accessed for servicing while maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle's hood and wheel well area. The cradle can be detached or adjusted as needed without permanent structural changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An air module (21) is disposed on a vehicle (12). The air module comprises a cradle (20) and an air tank (10). The air tank is connected with the cradle. The air module comprises is disposed adjacent an edge of a wheel well (16) and a hood (18) on the vehicle.