Integrated Flange with Bayonet Closure for Tank Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank arrangements for motor vehicles are difficult to assemble, costly, and heavy, with separate closure elements that complicate maintenance and require multiple parts, leading to inefficiencies in logistics and assembly cycles.
Innovation Solution
A tank arrangement featuring a flange with an integrated closure area and connection openings, made from plastic or metal, which serves as a one-piece component, reducing the need for separate parts and enabling secure, lightweight, and reversible sealing, using a bayonet closure mechanism for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate closure elements (fastening element, sealing ring, flange, locking element) are used in conventional tank arrangements, then secure closure and sealing are achieved, but assembly complexity increases, manufacturing costs rise, and assembly time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flange and locking element into a single integrated flange component with an integrated locking ring. The locking ring is formed as one piece with the flange, eliminating the need for separate locking elements. This merging reduces the number of parts from four separate components (fastening element, sealing ring, flange, locking element) to three (fastening element, sealing ring, integrated flange with locking ring), simplifying assembly while maintaining secure closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flange with locking ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing surface for the closure, acts as the structural flange for connection, and incorporates the locking mechanism in its integrated design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated locking elements, reducing part count while maintaining reliable secure closure.
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used in conventional tank arrangements, then secure closure is achieved, but assembly time and logistics costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flange and locking element into a single integrated component, the assembly process is simplified. Instead of handling and assembling four separate parts (fastening element, sealing ring, flange, locking element), the integrated flange with locking ring reduces the number of assembly steps, directly reducing assembly cycle time and logistics complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional separate closure elements are used, then secure connection is achieved, but weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the locking ring with the flange into a single component reduces the total material required and eliminates the weight of separate fasteners and locking elements. This merging maintains secure connection functionality while reducing the overall weight of the closure system.
4Reliability
If separate closure elements are used in conventional tank arrangements, then secure closure is achieved, but maintenance and repair complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated flange with locking ring simplifies maintenance and repair by reducing the number of components that need to be handled, inspected, and replaced. Instead of managing four separate parts, the integrated design reduces this to three components, making maintenance procedures simpler and faster while maintaining secure closure reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates a tank arrangement, preferably for a motor vehicle, comprising a tank (2) with at least one opening (3); a securing element (4), which is rigidly connected to the tank, at the opening; and a flange (5) which is inserted into the opening and closes the opening. At least one connection opening (8) for connecting the tank is formed in the flange or the flange completely closes the opening as a blind flange, and the flange (5) comprises a closure region (10) which can be connected to the securing element (4) in a force- and/or formfitting manner when the flange is inserted into the opening.