Gas Fuel Container Fastening Assembly for Controlled Clamping Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for pressure vessels, such as those used in gas-powered vehicles, face challenges in providing a consistent clamping force due to variations in container diameter caused by pressure changes, leading to excessive stress and complexity in assembly.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device comprising an elongated member with external engagement members, a displaceable member, a guide arrangement, a holed member with internal engagement members, and a resilient compressible member, which allows for easy tensioning of band members around containers, absorbing diameter changes while maintaining a limited clamping force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a rigid fixation fastening device is used to control initial clamping force, then the clamping force can be precisely controlled initially, but the clamping force increases steeply when the container diameter expands under pressure, putting considerable additional stress on the fastening device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial clamping force controlVSAvoidadditional stress on fastening device

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a resilient member that changes its mechanical properties in response to pressure variations. The resilient member allows the clamping force to adapt dynamically as the container expands under pressure, preventing steep increases in stress on the fastening device while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device transitions from a static rigid fixation to a dynamic system with a resilient member that can deform and recover. This dynamic characteristic allows the clamping force to adjust automatically as the container diameter changes during pressurization and depressurization cycles, avoiding excessive stress accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stress or pressure

If a spring-based fastening device is used to expand with container diameter, then the clamping force increase is limited, but the assembly and mounting becomes cumbersome and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force increase rangeVSAvoidassembly and mounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a resilient member that functions as a flexible element capable of deformation. This flexible component allows the fastening device to adapt to container expansion without requiring complex spring mechanisms, thereby limiting clamping force increase while maintaining simple assembly and mounting procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member serves as a cost-effective alternative to complex spring-based systems. By using a simpler, potentially replaceable resilient component rather than a permanent complex spring mechanism, the patent reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing costs while achieving the desired limited clamping force increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If low elasticity bands are used to secure the container, then the initial tension can be maintained, but the clamping force increases steeply when the container diameter increases under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial tension maintenanceVSAvoidclamping force increase

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient member changes its physical state and mechanical properties in response to pressure variations. When the container expands under pressure, the resilient member deforms, allowing the band tension to adjust dynamically. This prevents steep increases in clamping force while maintaining adequate initial tension for secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device provides secure and cost-effective fastening of containers to a vehicle structure, accommodating diameter variations with reduced strain on the fastening components, simplifying assembly and reducing stress on the fastening device.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient compressible member positioned between the first abutment and the displaceable member or between the second abutment and the holed member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260042345A1Fastening device and gas fuel storage assembly and vehicle and method

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SCANIA CV AB

AI summary

The disclosure concerns a fastening device for fastening a first and a second container to a structure of a vehicle, the fastening device comprises: an elongated member with external engagement members, a first abutment, a displaceable member, a guide arrangement, comprising a second abutment, a holed member, and a resilient compressible member. The elongated member extends along an axis and the displaceable member, the guide arrangement, the resilient compressible member, and the holed member are aligned along the axis. The elongated member extends through the displaceable member and at least partially through the guide arrangement for engagement between external engagement members of the elongated member and internal engagement members of the holed member for compression of the resilient compressible member.