Modular Floor Panel Support for Compressed Gas Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accommodating high-pressure methane gas cylinders in motor vehicles are limited by the circular space constraints, leading to reduced gas capacity and passenger/boot space utilization due to large support frames.
Innovation Solution
A modular support system for combustible gas cylinders is integrated into the vehicle's floor panel, featuring a U-shaped attachment with a separate indented support portion and a frame beneath, allowing secure retention with belts, which can be easily adapted to existing vehicle production lines using laser cutting and welding or injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a modular support system with U-shaped attachment and separate indented support portion is used, then the gas cylinder capacity can be increased without significantly reducing boot space, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a U-shaped attachment portion for securing the cylinder, and a separate indented support portion that engages with the U-shaped attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is designed to be adaptable to different cylinder sizes and vehicle models. The U-shaped attachment and indented support portion can accommodate various cylinder dimensions, making the system universally applicable across different vehicle platforms without requiring complete redesign.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser cutting and welding or injection molding is used to produce the support system, then manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture are improved, but production time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fabrication methods with advanced manufacturing techniques such as laser cutting and welding, or injection molding. These methods provide superior precision and consistency while reducing manual labor requirements, though they require significant energy input during the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If the support system is integrated into the vehicle floor panel, then the ease of operation and space utilization are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring installation correctness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is integrated directly into the vehicle floor panel structure, combining the support function with the existing floor assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate support components and simplifies installation, as the support system becomes part of the vehicle's existing structure rather than an add-on component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for the manufacture of motor vehicles; according to the method, a portion of floor panel, to be connected to a frame or body (2), is selected from amongst a first (104) and a second (4) portion of floor panel available; the first and second portions of floor panel (104,4) are provided respectively with a first (106) and a second (6) attachment portion which are identical to one another and can be coupled to the frame or body (2) as an alternative to one another; the first and second portions of floor panel (104,4) are also provided respectively with a first (108) and a second (8) support portion which are different from one another and are secured to the corresponding attachment portions (106,6); the first support portion (108) defines a seat (113) to accommodate a spare wheel; on the other hand the second support portion (8) is configured such as to support a combustible gas cylinder (9). Support module for a combustible gas cylinder, characterised in that it comprises a portion of floor panel which can define a boot of a motor vehicle, and comprising: - an attachment portion which can be coupled to a frame or body of a motor vehicle; and - a support portion which is fixed relative to the said attachment portion and is configured such as to carry a combustible gas cylinder; the said attachment portion being a part which is separate from the said support portion, and defining a through opening which is engaged by the said support portion.