Hollow Tank Supporting Assembly Pressure Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic fuel tanks face deformation and fracture issues under varying pressure conditions, especially in hybrid vehicles, due to inadequate structural strength, leading to potential safety hazards and increased costs with metal reinforcement solutions.
Innovation Solution
A supporting assembly for hollow tank bodies featuring a hollow cylindrical structure with stepped transition assemblies and radial edges, combined with V-shaped or U-shaped grooves and penetrating holes, enhances structural integrity and reduces material usage while maintaining lightweight and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a layer of mesh structure externally surrounding the fuel tank is provided, then the deformation of the tank body caused by expansion due to increasing internal pressure is limited, but the structural deformation caused by inward contraction of the tank body under negative pressure cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting assembly is divided into multiple columns (first column, second column, third column, fourth column) distributed at different positions within the tank body. Each column independently provides support in specific regions, collectively achieving comprehensive structural reinforcement that addresses both expansion and contraction deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The columns are equipped with localized reinforcement features including protrusions, recesses, and stepped structures at specific positions. These local structural variations enhance the columns' ability to resist both internal and external pressures while maintaining overall structural integrity under varying pressure conditions.
2Strength
If columns with metal pieces in the middle are arranged inside the hollow tank body to withstand high pressure, then the strength is improved, but the cost increases and anti-static treatment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The columns utilize geometric parameter variations including different diameters at different sections (stepped structures), protrusions, and recesses to achieve strength enhancement without metal reinforcement. The structural parameters are optimized to provide necessary mechanical strength while maintaining plastic material properties for cost-effectiveness and anti-static performance.
3Strength
If columns with metal pieces are used to strengthen the middle portion, then the strength of the middle portion is increased, but the connections of the two ends of the column become prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The columns feature localized structural variations with protrusions and recesses at specific positions rather than uniform metal reinforcement. The stepped structures with different diameters create gradual transitions that distribute stress more evenly, reducing stress concentration at connection points while maintaining sufficient strength in the middle portion.
4Strength
If metal pieces are placed in the middle portion of the column, then the strength is improved, but the weight of the hollow tank body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The columns achieve strength enhancement through geometric parameter optimization including stepped structures with varying diameters, protrusions, and recesses rather than adding metal materials. This maintains the lightweight characteristic of plastic fuel tanks while providing necessary structural strength to withstand high pressure conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A supporting assembly for a hollow tank body includes a supporting body (2) and supporting ends (1) provided at two ends of the supporting body. The supporting ends are provided with stepped transition assemblies (4) connected to the supporting body. The supporting body is configured with a hollow structure. The supporting body includes a supporting main body (5) and a base (6). The supporting main body is configured with a cylindrical structure or a cylindrical structure with a corrugated structure in the middle. With this structure, the deformation of the hollow tank body under the relatively high overpressure and the low negative pressure can be avoided, and the shape stability of the whole product can be enhanced. Meanwhile, the supporting structure needs less material, and has a light weight and lowered cost.