Multi-Layer Fuel Tank Structural Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel tanks lack sufficient rigidity, leading to reduced interior volume, installation space constraints, and increased costs due to the need for multiple smaller tanks, which also fail to effectively reinforce the vehicle's structure during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank design featuring at least two layers of elongated individual tanks stacked with orientations at a 90° angle to each other, connected via an auxiliary structure that enhances rigidity and allows structural integration within the vehicle, providing increased flexural rigidity and protection against deformation in accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fuel tanks are used without structural integration, then installation is simpler, but vehicle rigidity and structural strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is merged with the vehicle's load-bearing structure by integrating it into the passenger compartment floor. The tank's outer wall forms part of the floor structure, creating a unified load-bearing system that simultaneously provides fuel storage and structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel tank serves multiple functions: it stores fuel, reinforces the vehicle's load-bearing structure, and acts as part of the passenger compartment floor. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both storage and structural strength requirements.
2Strength
If multiple smaller tanks are used to achieve desired capacity, then installation flexibility improves, but costs increase and overall stiffness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is divided into multiple compartments or sections within the single integrated structure. This segmentation allows for optimized fuel distribution and structural reinforcement while maintaining a unified load-bearing system, avoiding the need for multiple separate tanks.
3Weight of moving object
If carbon fiber tanks are used to offset weight disadvantage, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters of the tank wall are optimized by using high-strength materials that provide the necessary structural reinforcement with reduced wall thickness, thereby reducing weight without requiring complex carbon fiber construction.
4Strength
If fuel tank is structurally integrated into passenger compartment, then rigidity and safety improve, but installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is positioned and oriented within the passenger compartment floor to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently. By arranging the tank's longitudinal and transverse extensions along different axes, the design maximizes structural reinforcement while minimizing space occupation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel tank (10) having at least two layers (12) stacked one on top of the other, the layers (12) each having a plurality of individual tanks (14) arranged adjacently in a row. The invention further relates to a vehicle (100) which comprises the fuel tank (10).