Fuel Gas Pump Mounting for Collision Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell vehicles, the fuel gas pump attached to the stack frame can be pushed into the dash panel during a front-end collision, leading to potential damage and safety risks due to its projection from the stack frame.
Innovation Solution
The fuel gas pump is fixed to the stack frame and fuel cell stack via first and second brackets, with an inclined rotation axis, allowing it to rotate and separate from the dash panel during a collision, and featuring notches and fastening members that release at different timings to absorb and distribute impact loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fuel gas pump is attached to the stack frame so as to project toward the dash panel side to shorten the circulation route, then the circulation efficiency is improved, but the fuel gas pump may be pushed into the dash panel during a front end collision
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel gas pump is configured to be rotatable relative to the stack frame around a rotation center, transforming from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic movable connection. This allows the pump to rotate away from the dash panel during collision, avoiding direct impact while maintaining the projected position for efficient circulation during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into multiple fastening members (first and second fastening members) that detach sequentially at different timings. This segmentation of the detachment process allows controlled rotation and energy absorption, preventing sudden rigid impact transmission to the dash panel.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fuel gas pump is fixed rigidly to the stack frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the impact load during collision cannot be absorbed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The fastening members can detach in sequence, allowing the structure to adapt during collision by permitting rotation and controlled separation, thereby absorbing impact energy while maintaining stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched structure and sequential fastening member detachment are designed in advance to absorb impact energy. The first fastening member detaches before the second, creating a staged energy absorption mechanism that cushions the impact before it reaches the dash panel.
3Strength
If the fuel gas pump is allowed to rotate freely, then the impact load is absorbed effectively, but the circulation route lengthens and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel gas pump is configured with a controlled rotatable connection that allows rotation only when necessary (during collision). The rotatable connection maintains the pump's projected position toward the dash panel during normal operation for efficient circulation, but permits rotation away from the dash panel when collision occurs, thus balancing efficiency and impact absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined rotation axis is designed in advance to counteract the harmful effect of direct impact. The inclination angle is specifically designed so that during collision, the rotation naturally directs the pump away from the dash panel, preventing the harmful action before it can occur.
4Speed
If both fastening members detach simultaneously, then the rotation occurs quickly, but the impact load is concentrated at one moment causing greater damage
Solution Approach 1:
The detachment process is segmented into two sequential stages with different timings. The first fastening member detaches before the second fastening member, creating a staged detachment sequence. This segmentation distributes the impact load over time rather than concentrating it at one moment, reducing peak stress on the dash panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential detachment timing is designed in advance to cushion the impact. The first fastening member detaches to allow initial rotation and energy absorption, then the second fastening member detaches after some impact energy has already been absorbed, reducing the overall impact load on the dash panel.
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
This configuration effectively prevents the fuel gas pump from pushing into the dash panel, reduces deformation, and enhances occupant safety by absorbing impact loads through plastic deformation of the second bracket and controlled release of fastening members.
Implementation Method 1
the second bracket is configured such that, when the fuel gas pump rotates relative to the stack frame, the third fastening member comes off from the second bracket after at least the bending portion of the second bracket deforms plastically
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel gas pump of a fuel cell vehicle is fixed to a stack frame and a fuel cell stack via a first bracket and a second bracket so that a rotation axis of a motor is inclined to a reference line along a front-rear direction. The first bracket is fixed by passing a second fastening member through a first notch. The second bracket is fixed by passing a third fastening member through a second notch of a second arm. The first and second brackets are provided such that, when the fuel gas pump rotates, the third fastening member comes off from the second bracket at a timing different from a timing when the second fastening member comes off from the first bracket.