Chassis Tank Arrangement Between Longitudinal Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frame support structures for tractor units, with fuel tanks attached laterally, face issues of space consumption, weight, and dynamic loading, leading to unfavorable eccentric loading during excitation events.
Innovation Solution
A frame support structure with a tank device positioned between longitudinal support structures, running between front and rear wheels, and potentially under the motor device, which acts as a connecting element and supports the driver's cab, while also serving as a reinforcement and force absorption component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fuel tanks are attached laterally to the outside of side members, then the fuel tanks can be easily installed and accessed, but they take up relatively large space and have considerable weight when filled, causing unfavorable eccentric loading during dynamic excitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel tank with the frame support structure by integrating the tank into the space between longitudinal support structures. The tank is not merely attached externally but becomes part of the structural assembly, with support structures passing through or alongside the tank. This integration reduces the need for separate mounting hardware and improves load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from lateral attachment (external, side-mounted) to longitudinal integration (internal, between support structures). The tank is positioned in the longitudinal space between front and rear wheels, utilizing the internal volume of the frame rather than external lateral space. This dimensional repositioning eliminates eccentric loading by centering the mass within the frame's longitudinal axis.
2Ease of manufacture
If fuel tanks are attached laterally to the outside of side members, then the installation is simple, but the side members are considerably loaded during dynamic excitation such as bumps in the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are merged with the tank assembly, where the longitudinal support structures pass through or alongside the tank. This integration creates a unified load-bearing system where forces are distributed across the entire assembly rather than concentrated on the tank attachments to side members.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank itself acts as an intermediary element between the longitudinal support structures. Rather than attaching tanks externally to side members, the support structures are positioned to work through or alongside the tank, which mediates the load transfer and reduces direct loading on any single component.
3Volume of moving object
If the tank device is arranged between the first and second support structures, then space usage is optimized and structural integrity is enhanced, but the tank device must be precisely integrated with the support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal support structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the vehicle and simultaneously serve as mounting structures for the tank. The support structures are designed to accommodate the tank in between them, creating a universal assembly approach where the same components fulfill both structural and storage functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is divided into sections that can be positioned between the longitudinal support structures at different locations along the vehicle. This segmentation allows for flexible integration where tank sections can be accommodated within the available space between support structures without requiring precise overall positioning of the entire tank assembly.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the tank device runs between front and rear wheels, then the weight distribution is improved, but the tank device occupies space in the wheel well area
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is positioned in the longitudinal dimension between the front and rear wheels rather than occupying lateral wheel well space. By utilizing the longitudinal space along the vehicle's centerline, the design achieves improved weight distribution without significantly encroaching on the lateral wheel well volume needed for wheel rotation and suspension movement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a frame support structure (1) for a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, preferably a semi-trailer truck. The frame support structure (1) comprises a first longitudinal support structure (10) and a second longitudinal support structure (20), which are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction (QR) of the frame support structure (1). The frame support structure (1) also includes at least one tank assembly (T) for fluid storage, in particular a fuel tank and/or an air tank. The tank assembly (T) is arranged at least partially between the first support structure (10) and the second support structure (20).