Load-Distributing Base Layer for Underfloor Pressure Vessels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles with multiple pressure vessels require significant installation space due to inefficient energy absorption during impacts, reducing fuel storage capacity and vehicle range.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel system incorporating a load-distributing base layer that distributes impact forces over multiple pressure vessels, allowing for efficient energy absorption and reduced installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If impact energy is dissipated in the underfloor region through underbody panel deformation, then the pressure vessels are protected from impact forces, but a relatively large amount of installation space is required which cannot be utilized to store fuel
Solution Approach 1:
A load-distributing base layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the underbody panel and the pressure vessels. This base layer receives the impact force from the underbody panel and distributes it across multiple pressure vessels, thereby protecting the pressure vessels while requiring less installation space than direct impact absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of impact energy absorption is extracted from the underbody panel and transferred to the pressure vessels through the load-distributing base layer. This allows the underbody panel to be thinner and require less installation space, while the pressure vessels absorb the impact energy through their structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a relatively large amount of installation space is allocated for impact energy absorption in the underfloor region, then the pressure vessels are adequately protected, but the achievable range of the motor vehicle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-distributing base layer serves as a mediator that enables effective impact protection with reduced installation space. By distributing the impact force across multiple pressure vessels, the system achieves adequate protection while minimizing the space required, thereby maintaining fuel storage capacity and vehicle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of force distribution by introducing the load-distributing base layer. Instead of concentrating impact forces in a single location requiring large space, the force is distributed across multiple pressure vessels, reducing the installation space requirement and maintaining vehicle range.
3Reliability
If the underbody panel is positioned relatively far away from the pressure vessels to prevent impact energy transfer, then the pressure vessels are protected from damage, but the installation space required for impact energy absorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-distributing base layer is positioned between the underbody panel and the pressure vessels, serving as an intermediary that enables close positioning while still providing protection. It distributes the impact force across multiple pressure vessels, allowing the underbody panel to be closer to the pressure vessels without compromising their integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact protection function is segmented into two parts: the underbody panel provides initial impact absorption, and the load-distributing base layer distributes the remaining force across multiple pressure vessels. This segmentation allows for more efficient space utilization while maintaining pressure vessel integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively absorbs impact energy by distributing forces over a larger surface area, reducing penetration depth and maintaining vehicle range by optimizing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
The impact energy is converted by the application of load to the underbody panel 70 and its plastic and elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
The load-distributing base layer 720 has a stiffness against deformation in the direction of the vehicle vertical axis Z which is higher than that of the lower baseplate 700
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed here relates to a pressure container system. The pressure container system includes a plurality of pressure containers for storing fuel and at least one load-distributing base layer. The load-distributing base layer is advantageously arranged between a lower base plate and the plurality of pressure containers. The load-distributing base layer is designed such that forces F, which act locally on the lower base plate and which act on the lower base plate substantially in the direction of the vehicle vertical axis Z, can be distributed to the plurality of pressure containers.