Multi-Part Fuel Tank Bracket for Faster Vehicle Line Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting fuel systems, such as side-mounted compressed gas tanks, are time-consuming and costly, requiring the vehicle to be removed from the assembly line for a complicated and lengthy installation process.
Innovation Solution
The use of a 'drop and go' bracket system that consists of a multi-part bracket with a first portion attached to the vehicle chassis and a second portion attached to the fuel system, allowing for quick and secure mounting without the need for additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting procedures are used for fuel tanks, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time increases and vehicle must be removed from assembly line
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple portions: a first bracket portion attached to the vehicle chassis and a second bracket portion attached to the fuel system. These portions can be engaged separately and then connected together, allowing the fuel system to be mounted without removing the vehicle from the assembly line while maintaining secure mounting through the interlocking bracket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-part bracket serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the fuel system and the vehicle chassis. The bracket portions are configured to be engaged and connected in a manner that mounts the fuel system while preventing substantial translation without rotation, thus providing secure mounting through the intermediary bracket structure.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting procedures are used for fuel tanks, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into multiple portions that can be attached to different components (vehicle chassis and fuel system) separately. This segmentation simplifies the mounting procedure by allowing independent attachment of bracket portions, reducing the overall complexity of the mounting process while maintaining secure mounting through the interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket portions are pre-configured with engagement features that allow them to be connected in a specific manner. The first bracket portion is pre-attached to the vehicle chassis and the second bracket portion is pre-attached to the fuel system, so that when brought together, they automatically engage in the correct configuration, simplifying the mounting procedure.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners are used to secure bracket portions, then mounting security is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket portions are designed to be engaged and connected directly to one another through complementary engagement features, merging the function of connection and security into a single integrated mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional separate fasteners, reducing device complexity while maintaining mounting security through the interlocking design that prevents substantial translation without rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.