Fuel Tank Push-Pull Rods for Stress Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel tanks in motor vehicles face stress due to thermal expansion and fuel removal, which can lead to deformation and seam failure, requiring a solution that balances reliability, durability, cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, and compact installation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tension-compression rod units with axial, latching, and radial spring elements, along with a sheet metal holder, to connect and stabilize the two container shells, allowing for assembly tolerance compensation and noise damping, and providing a snap connection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If push-pull rods are provided to counteract thermal expansion and fuel removal stress, then the structural integrity of the tank is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-pull rod is divided into two separate parts, each with a locking claw. These segments are assembled together to form the complete rod, allowing for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the structural reinforcement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The two rod parts with interlocking locking claws are nested together to form the complete push-pull rod assembly. This nested structure allows the rod to be compact when not in use while providing full structural support when activated.
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to secure the rod parts, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking claws are designed to automatically interlock and secure the two rod parts together through their own geometric shape, without requiring additional fasteners, tools, or complex assembly procedures. The parts self-secure through their inherent design.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical locking system is replaced with a simple geometric interlocking mechanism using conical surfaces and circumferential grooves, which provide reliable connection through basic mechanical principles rather than complex multi-component systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple spring elements and latching mechanisms are added to compensate for tolerances and dampen noise, then the durability and comfort are improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are designed with specific geometric parameters (cone angle, groove depth, ring shape) that allow them to compensate for assembly tolerances and dampen noise through their elastic deformation characteristics, achieving durability without excessive material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial spring element is designed as a thin ring-shaped component with spring tabs, providing flexibility and tolerance compensation without adding significant weight. The axial spring element uses a conical geometry that achieves damping and tolerance compensation with minimal material.
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
Enhances the structural integrity and reliability of fuel tanks by compensating for assembly tolerances and damping noise, ensuring durability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining a lightweight and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
An axial spring element 4 is disk-shaped. It includes a spring 4.1 - see figure 3. Because of the spring 4.1, it can be slightly compressed when a pressure is exerted in the axial direction.
Implementation Method 2
A radial spring element 6 follows. This is ring-shaped. It has spring tabs 6.1 on its circumference. It in turn serves to compensate for tolerances and to dampen noise.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel storage device comprising the following features: - a fuel container for receiving fuel; - at least one push-pull rod unit fixed to two opposing container areas; - a snap-fit element arranged on the respective container area; - the push-pull rod unit comprises a sleeve; - in the assembled state, the respective end of the sleeve is slipped over the free end of the snap-fit element, whereby a snap connection is formed by an annular bead of one of the two elements and a circumferential groove of the other of the two elements.