Drop-and-Go Fuel Tank Bracket for Fast Chassis Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting fuel systems, such as side-mounted compressed gas tanks, on vehicles are time-consuming and costly due to complex and lengthy procedures that require removing the vehicle from the assembly line.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-part 'drop and go' bracket system that allows for quick and secure mounting of fuel systems to a vehicle chassis without additional fasteners, utilizing interlocking features between the chassis and fuel system brackets to prevent translation without rotation, enabling rapid installation on a production line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid mounting procedures are used for fuel tanks, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time increases and vehicle removal from assembly line is required
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into multiple segments: a first bracket portion attached to the vehicle chassis and a second bracket portion attached to the fuel system. These segments can be independently positioned and then quickly connected through interlocking features, eliminating the need for complex multi-step fastening procedures while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle chassis and the fuel system. The interlocking features between the first and second bracket portions provide a quick-connect mechanism that secures the fuel system without requiring direct complex fastening to the chassis, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring reliable mounting.
2Reliability
If complex fastening procedures are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bracket into two portions with complementary interlocking features, the system achieves secure attachment through a simple snap-fit or slide-in mechanism rather than multiple fasteners. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall system simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking features between the bracket portions are designed to self-align and self-secure through their geometric configuration. The first bracket portion has features that automatically engage with corresponding features on the second bracket portion, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or complex adjustment procedures, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners are used for mounting, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is segmented into two portions that connect through interlocking features designed to prevent translation without rotation. This segmentation allows the connection to be secured through a single quick-action maneuver rather than multiple fastening steps, thereby maintaining connection security while dramatically improving production line efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket portions serve as intermediaries with interlocking features that provide inherent mechanical restraint against translation. The design ensures that once the brackets are engaged, the interlocking features themselves prevent translational movement without requiring additional fasteners, thus maintaining secure connection while enabling rapid installation that preserves production line efficiency.
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.