Half-Shell Support Element for Vehicle Pressure Tank Stiffening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle designs with pressure tanks require significant installation space, are heavy, and costly, while lacking sufficient rigidity and structural reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle design featuring a half-shell support element that follows the contour of the pressure tank, providing both support and structural reinforcement, with an elastic layer to secure the tank and reduce weight and space requirements, and potentially serving as an underrun protection and heat shielding component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional straps or separate support structures are used to fasten pressure tanks, then the pressure tank can be secured, but the installation space increases and the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it supports the pressure tank, secures it through the elastic layer, provides body stiffening, and serves as underrun protection. This merging eliminates the need for separate straps, support structures, and protective components, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining security and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shell support element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs support, securing, stiffening, and protection functions. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple separate parts, reducing overall system weight and installation space while ensuring reliable pressure tank securing.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for pressure tank support and protection, then functional requirements are met, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges support, securing, stiffening, and protection functions into a single half-shell support element, reducing the number of components from multiple separate parts to one integrated structure. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while meeting all functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: supporting the pressure tank, securing it via the elastic layer, stiffening the vehicle body, and providing underrun protection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Volume of moving object
If the support element is designed to follow the contour of the pressure tank, then installation space is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer in the form of a band running over the entire circumference of the pressure tank provides a flexible securing mechanism that adapts to the pressure tank's contour without requiring the support element itself to be manufactured with high precision. The elasticity of the band compensates for minor contour variations, minimizing installation space while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed with specific geometric parameters (half-shell configuration following the pressure tank contour) that optimize installation space. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves space minimization while keeping manufacturing precision requirements within standard capabilities through the use of the elastic securing layer.
4Strength
If the support element is designed to provide body stiffening, then vehicle rigidity increases, but the support element requires stronger (heavier) materials
Solution Approach 1:
The support element merges the functions of pressure tank support and body stiffening into a single component. By integrating the stiffening function into the existing support structure, the design achieves enhanced body rigidity without adding separate reinforcement components, thereby avoiding additional weight from redundant structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shell support element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously supports the pressure tank and provides body stiffening. This universal design allows the same component to fulfill multiple roles, achieving enhanced vehicle rigidity without requiring additional heavier materials or separate reinforcement structures.
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
This design minimizes installation space, reduces weight and cost, enhances vehicle rigidity, and eliminates the need for separate components, achieving a lightweight, high-strength, and cost-effective pressure tank support system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer is arranged between the support element and the pressure tank, the elastic layer being formed by a band running over the entire circumference of the pressure tank. The elastic layer can hold the pressure tank in place.
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor vehicle comprising a pressure tank (1) and a support element (2), wherein the support element (2) supports the pressure tank (1), wherein the support element (2) is designed as a lower half-shell, so that the support element (2) at least partially surrounds the underside of the pressure tank (1), wherein the support element (2) follows the contour of the pressure tank (1), wherein the support element (2) is attached to the body (3) of the motor vehicle, so that the body (3) is stiffened by the support element (2).