Commercial Vehicle Fuel Tank Baffles Integrated Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel tank assembly methods for commercial vehicles are complex and require numerous external fastening elements, increasing weight and complicating the mounting process.

Innovation Solution

The fuel tank incorporates baffles with dual functions: preventing fuel sloshing and serving as attachment points to the vehicle, eliminating the need for external fasteners, straps, and tank carriers, and utilizing longitudinal struts for increased stability and flexible design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external mounting elements (tank brackets, tension straps, rubber pads) are used to attach the fuel tank to the vehicle frame, then the fuel tank can be securely mounted, but the assembly process becomes complex and the overall weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle wall is merged with the mounting function by integrating mounting lugs directly into the baffle structure. This combines the fuel surge prevention function and the mounting function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate tank brackets, tension straps, and rubber pads, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The baffle wall serves multiple functions: it prevents fuel sloshing, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting element through integrated lugs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated mounting components, reducing both assembly complexity and overall weight while ensuring reliable attachment to the vehicle frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If external mounting elements (tank brackets, tension straps, fasteners) are used to attach the fuel tank, then secure mounting is achieved, but the overall weight of the fuel tank system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidoverall weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting function is merged into the baffle wall structure itself through integrated lugs. This eliminates the need for separate heavy components like tank brackets, tension straps, and multiple fasteners, significantly reducing the overall weight of the fuel tank system while maintaining secure mounting capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The baffle wall serves as both a fuel surge prevention structure and a mounting element. By making the baffle wall multi-functional, the patent eliminates redundant components and reduces the total weight of the fuel tank assembly while ensuring reliable attachment to the vehicle frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple external fastening components are used, then the fuel tank can be securely attached, but installation space below the vehicle is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting lugs are integrated into the baffle wall structure, eliminating the need for external tank brackets and mounting frames that would occupy space below the vehicle. This integration frees up installation space while maintaining secure attachment capability through the streamlined design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If numerous external fastening elements are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but the number of parts increases requiring more assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle wall and mounting lugs are combined into a single integrated component, reducing the number of parts from multiple separate fastening elements (brackets, straps, pads, fasteners) to a unified structure. This dramatically reduces the number of assembly steps and improves installation productivity while maintaining secure mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3395598B1Fuel tank
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 MAGNA STEYR FUEL SYSTEMS GMBH WERK SCHWAEBISCH GMUEND
  • EP3395598B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3395598B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3395598B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A fuel tank for a commercial vehicle is proposed with a circumferential wall (2) which, together with end walls (4), forms at least one filling chamber (3) for receiving a liquid or gaseous medium, wherein at least one baffle wall (15) is provided within the circumferential wall (2), wherein the at least one baffle wall has a means (19, 24) for fastening within the circumferential wall (2) which can be connected to an external fastening means (10) through the circumferential wall (2).