Motor Vehicle Fuel Vessel Holder With Hard Shell Force Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure vessels for gaseous fuels in motor vehicles are large and difficult to incorporate, and there is a need to enhance safety and increase fuel storage volume efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle design incorporating pressure vessels with a hard shell and inner layer, where the hard shell has higher rigidity than the inner layer, and an energy-absorbing deformation element to distribute and absorb forces, combined with a holder that ensures safe and space-efficient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional pressure vessels are used for gaseous fuels, then fuel storage capacity is achieved, but the vessels are comparatively large and difficult to incorporate into existing vehicle architectures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel storage volumeVSAvoidpressure vessel size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder encloses the pressure vessel in a nested configuration, with the hard shell and inner layer surrounding the pressure vessel end. This nesting approach allows efficient use of available space in the vehicle architecture while maintaining the required fuel storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder extends in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to provide enclosure and support. This dimensional approach allows compact integration into vehicle architectures while maintaining fuel storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional pressure vessels are used, then fuel storage is achieved, but safety enhancement is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidholder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder comprises a hard shell and an inner layer, creating a composite structure that provides enhanced safety. The hard shell provides rigidity and protection, while the inner layer provides flexibility and energy absorption, together enhancing the safety of the pressure vessel installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The inner layer is positioned between the hard shell and the pressure vessel to absorb impact energy and cushion forces before they reach the pressure vessel. This beforehand cushioning enhances safety by preventing direct transmission of impact forces to the pressure vessel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If the hard shell has higher rigidity than the inner layer, then structural protection is improved, but energy absorption capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehard shell rigidityVSAvoidenergy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the holder have different material properties: the hard shell provides local rigidity and protection, while the inner layer provides local flexibility and energy absorption. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of structural protection and energy absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure of hard shell and inner layer allows the system to exhibit both high rigidity (from the hard shell) and energy absorption (from the inner layer). The composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 design allows for safer and more efficient use of vehicle space by distributing load and absorbing energy, enhancing safety and fuel storage capacity while minimizing installation challenges.

Implementation Method 1

an inner layer, wherein the inner layer is arranged at least in certain regions between the hard shell and the connection element in the installation position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

energy-absorbing deformation element to distribute and absorb forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

the hard shell has a higher rigidity than the inner layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Data Source

PatentUS12359775B2Motor vehicle comprising a hard shell for protecting a fuel-carrying connecting element

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle includes at least one pressure vessel for storing fuel, and at least one holder for holding the pressure vessel. When installed, the holder encloses one end of the pressure vessel. The holder has a hard shell and an inner layer, wherein at least regions of the inner layer, when installed, are arranged between the hard shell and the connecting element. The hard shell has a higher rigidity than the inner layer.