Modular Storage Tank Assembly with Rail Insertion Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-diameter hydrogen storage tanks for fuel cell electric vehicles require additional valves and mounting structures, increasing weight and limiting the ability to add or remove tanks, thus reducing hydrogen storage capacity and vehicle range.
Innovation Solution
A detachable storage tank assembly with a connecting portion that includes a rail insertion groove and protruding portions, allowing for easy attachment and detachment from a rail system, and a valve mechanism for fluid communication control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small-diameter hydrogen storage tanks are used to reduce space dependence, then space utilization is improved, but weight increases due to additional valves and mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple detachable small-diameter tanks that can be individually removed. Each tank is a separate modular unit that can be independently handled, allowing the useful storage volume to be maximized while minimizing the weight penalty of mounting structures by only installing what is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates a detachable coupling mechanism that allows tanks to be dynamically attached and detached. This dynamic connection system enables the weight of mounting structures to be optimized for each individual tank rather than requiring heavy permanent structures for all tanks.
2Stability of the object's composition
If storage tanks are fixed to the vehicle interior, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as tanks cannot be added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a fixed to a dynamic state, allowing tanks to be securely mounted during operation for stability while enabling easy attachment and detachment for adaptability. The coupling member can be in a locked engaged state during vehicle operation or a disengaged state for reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into independent detachable tank units with standardized coupling interfaces. This segmentation allows individual tanks to be added or removed without affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle or other tanks, maintaining stability while enabling adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional mounting structures and valves are added to small-diameter tanks, then connection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member integrates multiple functions into a single component: mechanical attachment, fluid sealing, and connection stabilization. By merging the valve function and mounting structure into an integrated coupling assembly, the number of separate parts is reduced while maintaining full connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different tank configurations and connection requirements. This multi-functional coupling member handles attachment, detachment, sealing, and structural support, reducing the need for specialized components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tank assembly includes a storage tank extending along a first direction, that stores a fluid in an interior thereof, and including a discharge hole at an end portion of the storage tank in the first direction, and a connecting portion coupled to the discharge hole, and including an internal passage fluidically-communicating with the discharge hole, in an interior of the connecting portion, and the connecting portion includes a connecting portion body including the internal passage in an interior of the connecting portion body, and a rail insertion groove formed to be recessed from the connecting portion body and configured so that a rail provided on an outside of the connecting portion body is selectively inserted thereinto.