Fuel Tank Mount Assembly for Impact-Absorbing Vehicle Chassis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel storage tank mounting systems for vehicles lack effective solutions to securely integrate fuel tanks, preventing excessive movement or displacement, and absorbing impacts, which is crucial for vehicles like hydrogen electric trucks that require robust and stable fuel storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel storage tank mount assembly that utilizes a ladder frame chassis with C-channel side members and crossmembers, coupled with lateral and vertical supports, and brackets to securely attach fuel tanks to the vehicle chassis, providing resistance to compressive and expansive forces, and allowing for flexible deformation to absorb stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid mounting structures are used to securely attach fuel tanks, then structural strength and stability are improved, but impact resistance and stress absorption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the mounting members by using elastomeric materials that can deform under load. This allows the system to maintain structural strength while absorbing impact energy through elastic deformation, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and impact resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly uses composite construction combining metal brackets with elastomeric mounting members. This composite approach allows the metal components to provide structural strength and the elastomeric materials to provide impact absorption and stress dissipation, simultaneously achieving both requirements
2Reliability
If flexible mounting structures are used to absorb impacts, then impact resistance is improved, but structural strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric mounting members are designed with specific durometer hardness values and cross-sectional geometries that allow them to deform controllably under impact loads while maintaining sufficient structural support. This parameter optimization enables the system to be both flexible for impact absorption and strong for structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of rigid metal brackets and flexible elastomeric members creates a composite mounting system where each material performs its optimal function - the metal provides structural strength and the elastomer provides impact resistance, achieving both requirements simultaneously
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple mounting points are used to prevent excessive movement, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system divides the fuel tank attachment into multiple discrete mounting points distributed around the tank perimeter. Each mounting point is a separate elastomeric member that independently absorbs stress, providing stable attachment while keeping each individual component simple and the overall assembly straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric mounting members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, absorb impacts, allow thermal expansion, and prevent excessive movement. This multi-functionality achieves mounting stability without requiring additional specialized components, thereby avoiding increased complexity
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
The solution ensures secure and stable mounting of fuel tanks, reducing excessive movement and impact absorption, enhancing the structural integrity and safety of hydrogen electric vehicles by providing improved resistance to forces and flexibility during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second elastomeric mounting members can deform in a flexible manner to absorb impacts applied to the fuel storage tank assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Components and systems for mounting fuel tanks to a vehicle and vehicle chassis are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a vertically oriented structure for mounting multiple fuel tanks to outboard brackets of a vehicle chassis. Via use of the system, improved vehicle mechanical characteristics and improved impact absorption are obtained.