Hydrogen Tank Mounting with Sliding Support for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of storing hydrogen in vehicles, particularly in light vehicles like automobiles, is exacerbated by the low energy-to-volume ratio of hydrogen gas, which requires high-pressure storage, leading to expansion and contraction of the tank, causing stress on fuel pipes and vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system for hydrogen fuel tanks with a first mount for a fixed portion and a second mount allowing sliding motion of a second portion, featuring a clearance and a sleeve to distribute shear forces, and a low-friction insert to accommodate expansion and contraction, reducing stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mounting system is used for the fuel tank, then the tank is securely held in position, but stress is concentrated on fuel pipes and vehicle components during tank expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a completely fixed configuration to a dynamic system where the second mount allows controlled movement. The fuel tank is partially fixed (first mount) and partially movable (second mount), enabling the system to adapt to expansion and contraction while maintaining overall stability and reducing stress concentration on connected components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into two distinct mounting portions: a first mount that provides fixed positioning and a second mount that allows movement. This segmentation enables different functional requirements to be met simultaneously - stability from the fixed portion and stress reduction from the movable portion.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight manufacturing tolerances are used for mounting components, then assembly precision is improved, but the system is more sensitive to stress and expansion/contraction movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the mounting components by introducing controlled clearance and movement capability in the second mount. This allows the system to accommodate dimensional variations and stress-induced movements without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby improving reliability under stress while maintaining adequate assembly precision.
3Strength
If a rigid mounting system is used, then structural strength is maintained, but wear occurs on the fuel tank and mounting components during repeated expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The second mount acts as an intermediary element between the fuel tank and the vehicle chassis. It provides a controlled interface that allows movement while maintaining structural connection, thereby reducing direct friction and wear between the tank and rigid mounting surfaces during repeated expansion and contraction cycles.
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 system improves durability of the fuel system and vehicle by mitigating stress on fuel pipes and components, allowing for reduced manufacturing tolerances and improved accommodation of tank expansion and contraction.
Implementation Method 1
An insert may surround an inner surface of the aperture, formed of a material that provides surface along which the second portion can slide with reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen fuel tank mounting system for a vehicle comprises a first mount for mounting a first portion of the fuel tank in a fixed position and a second mount for slidably mounting a second portion of the fuel tank. In this manner, the mounting system reduces stress on fuel system components when accommodating expansion and contraction of the hydrogen fuel tank, improving durability. The fuel tank may be a dual port fuel tank, and the first and second portions may be elongated neck portions. The fixed mount may be a bracket formed in two portions with a clearance between them. A sleeve may extend through at least part of the portions of the brackets to distribute shear forces away from an interface between those portions. The provision of a slidable mounting also allows pre-assembly of the fuel tank and mounts, facilitating installation of the hydrogen fuel system.