Hydrogen Tank Sliding Mounts for Expansion Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of hydrogen gas in vehicles poses challenges due to its low energy-to-volume ratio, requiring high-pressure tanks that expand during filling and contract during use, which can lead to stress on fuel pipes and vehicle components, limiting tank size and weight potential, especially in light vehicles like automobiles.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system for hydrogen fuel tanks with sliding mounts that accommodate expansion and contraction, featuring a first mount with a clearance and sleeve to distribute shear forces and a second mount with a low-friction insert to reduce wear and stress, allowing the tank to move while attached to the vehicle chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fuel tank is fixed rigidly to the vehicle chassis, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but stresses on fuel pipes and vehicle components increase during tank expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mounting structure movable rather than fixed. The second mount includes a sliding mechanism with an aperture through which the second portion of the fuel tank can slide, allowing the tank to expand and contract freely while mounted. This dynamic adjustment eliminates stress transmission to fuel pipes and vehicle components during tank volume changes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fuel tank is allowed to move freely during expansion and contraction, then stress on fuel pipes is reduced, but manufacturing tolerances must be tighter to ensure proper fit and function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing a clearance between the body portion and cap portion of the first mount when attached together with fasteners. This clearance creates a gap that accommodates tank movement without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances. The clearance allows the mounting system to absorb dimensional variations while maintaining proper function during tank expansion and contraction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sliding mount is used to accommodate tank movement, then stress on components is reduced, but friction and wear increase at the sliding interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by inserting a low-friction insert into the aperture of the second mount. This insert acts as a mediator between the sliding fuel tank portion and the mount structure, reducing friction and wear at the sliding interface. The insert material provides a smooth surface that facilitates easy sliding motion while protecting both the tank and mount from excessive wear.
4Strength
If fasteners are used to attach mount body and cap portions, then structural strength is improved, but shear forces concentrate at the fastener interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a clearance between the body portion and cap portion before they are fastened together. This pre-designed gap cushions and distributes shear forces that would otherwise concentrate at the fastener interface. The clearance allows controlled movement that reduces peak shear forces on fasteners during tank expansion, contraction, and vehicle motion shocks.
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 reduces stress on fuel pipes and vehicle components, improving durability and allowing for reduced manufacturing tolerances, enabling more efficient and flexible hydrogen storage in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
An insert surrounds an inner surface of the aperture, formed of a material that provides surface along which the second portion can slide with reduced friction
Implementation Method 2
A sleeve is provided around at least part of the fastener to increase a region of the first mount over which such shear forces are distributed
Data Source
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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.