Fuel Storage Mounting Structure for Collision Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel storage devices for vehicles, particularly those storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or hydrogen, require a mounting structure that ensures stability and prevents damage or deformation during collisions, while also improving vehicle durability, NVH performance, ride comfort, and handling.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure for fuel storage devices that includes a rear side member with a deformation-inducing portion and mounting brackets positioned in front of this portion, allowing the fuel storage device to be rigidly fixed and preventing deformation during collisions, while enhancing vehicle body stiffness and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel storage device is rigidly mounted to ensure stability during collisions, then safety and stability are improved, but the mounting structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple mounting brackets distributed at different positions (front and rear) on the vehicle body. Each bracket independently supports the fuel storage device, distributing the mounting function across multiple locations rather than using a single complex mounting point.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide rigid mounting support for the fuel storage device, enhance vehicle body stiffness, distribute input loads during normal operation, and maintain stability during collisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
2Strength
If the fuel storage device is heavily constructed to withstand collision forces, then collision resistance is improved, but the overall vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure utilizes the vehicle body's existing structural framework (spring seat portion, quarter member, wheel house) as counter-support elements. By integrating the fuel storage device mounting with these existing load-bearing structures, the system leverages the vehicle body's inherent strength rather than adding independent heavy reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are integrated with the vehicle body's existing structural components (spring seat portion, quarter member). This merging of functions allows the fuel storage device to be supported by the vehicle's existing load-bearing structures, avoiding the need for separate heavy reinforcement elements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple mounting brackets are installed to distribute load and improve stiffness, then vehicle durability and NVH performance are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: structural support, load distribution, and enhancement of vehicle body stiffness. By using the same bracket design at multiple locations, the system achieves improved durability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are strategically positioned at specific locations (spring seat portion, quarter member area) where they can most effectively distribute loads and enhance stiffness. This localized placement optimizes the durability benefits while minimizing the overall number of components required.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment mounting structure includes a rear side member having a rear end portion configured as a deformation-inducing portion, and a mounting portion configured to fix a fuel storage device to a portion in front of the deformation-inducing portion in the rear side member. An embodiment vehicle includes a vehicle body including rear side members on opposite sides of the vehicle body, each of the rear side members having a rear end portion configured as a deformation-inducing portion, a fuel storage device, and mounting brackets each coupled to a respective one of the rear side members and configured to fix the fuel storage device to a portion of the rear side members in front of the deformation-inducing portion.