Gas Tank Suspension Layout With Stretchable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with large energy storage systems, particularly gas tanks, face space constraints and expansion issues due to high pressure, necessitating improved suspension arrangements for efficient packaging and stress reduction.
Innovation Solution
A suspension arrangement using stretchable connector arrangements and bracket portions to securely suspend gas tanks, allowing for expansion and efficient pre-assembly, with optional battery suspension for balanced load distribution and crash protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gas tanks are made larger to increase driving range, then energy storage capacity is improved, but vehicle space availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic suspension elements that can change their length and stiffness characteristics. The first and second dynamic suspension elements connect the gas tank to the vehicle frame, allowing the connection points to move relative to each other. This dynamic capability enables the gas tank to occupy more space when needed (increasing energy storage capacity) while accommodating vehicle space constraints through flexible positioning.
2Quantity of substance
If gas tanks are subjected to high working pressure to increase energy density, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but tank expansion and stress deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cushioning effect through the dynamic suspension elements that absorb and distribute the expansion forces of the gas tank. The first and second dynamic suspension elements are positioned to accommodate tank expansion in advance, providing a cushioning effect that reduces stress concentrations on the tank structure during high-pressure operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic suspension elements change their mechanical parameters (length, stiffness) in response to gas tank expansion. As the tank expands under high pressure, the suspension elements adjust their configuration, transforming the stress distribution and reducing peak stresses on the tank walls while maintaining secure mounting.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connection structures are used to secure gas tanks, then mounting stability is improved, but stress concentration and expansion accommodation deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid connection structures with flexible dynamic suspension elements. These elements function as flexible connectors that maintain mounting stability through their elastic properties while naturally accommodating gas tank expansion without creating stress concentration points. The flexibility of these elements allows them to deform elastically, distributing forces evenly.
4Stress or pressure
If complex suspension arrangements are used to accommodate tank expansion, then expansion accommodation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves expansion accommodation through dynamic suspension elements whose mechanical parameters (length, stiffness, orientation) change in response to loading conditions. This parameter adaptation provides effective expansion accommodation using relatively simple component structures, avoiding the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 vehicle packaging efficiency, reduces stress on gas tanks, and provides a vehicle with a stable and balanced suspension arrangement, and improved safety, and increases driving range by allowing larger energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first dynamic suspension element connecting a first bracket portion to a second bracket portion to form a first encircling portion configured to suspend a first gas tank; and a second dynamic suspension element connecting a first bracket portion to a second bracket portion to form a second encircling portion configured to suspend a second gas tank
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a suspension arrangement (100) for an energy storage system (102) of a vehicle comprising a frame (104a, 104b), the suspension arrangement comprising a set of first bracket portions (110), wherein the first bracket portions are spaced apart from each other and connectable to a first portion (104a) of the frame; a set of second bracket portions (120), wherein each second bracket portion is connected to a respective one of the first bracket portions (110) by a first stretchable connector arrangement (112) to form a first encircling portion (111) configured to suspend a first gas tank (114); and a set of third bracket portions (130), wherein each third bracket portion (130) is connected to a respective one of the first bracket portions (110) by a second stretchable connector arrangement (212) to form a second encircling portion (113) configured to suspend a second gas tank (214), the set of third bracket portions (130) being arranged on an opposite side of the set of first bracket portions (110) compared to the position of the set of second bracket portions (120).