Modular Plastic Motorcycle Fuel Tank With Paintable Outer Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tanks for motorcycles are heavy and expensive due to the use of metal, and existing plastic tanks either require complex painting processes or lack high-quality surface finishes.
Innovation Solution
A modular plastic fuel tank design with individual segments, where visible segments are painted and concealed segments remain unpainted, combined with a detachable paintable top layer, such as metal or molded plastic, allowing for easy customization and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic containers are used, then manufacturing cost is low and production is simple, but they do not nest well during shipping and stacking is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with nested portions that allow one container to be placed inside another, enabling efficient nesting during shipping. The nested portion includes a wall extending downward and a bottom portion that receives the nested container, creating a space-saving configuration for transportation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into distinct functional portions including nested portions, stacking portions, and venting portions. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
2Loss of substance
If conventional plastic containers are used, then material usage is minimal and production is simple, but stacking efficiency is poor and storage space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The container features asymmetric design elements including a first stacking portion with a first configuration and a second stacking portion with a second configuration. This asymmetry enables interlocking stacking patterns that maximize storage space utilization while maintaining material efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested portions enable containers to be stored within each other when not in use, dramatically improving storage space efficiency without requiring additional materials or complex structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic containers are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they allow unwanted insects to enter and contaminate stored produce
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates localized venting portions with specific aperture configurations that provide insect protection at critical entry points while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity. The venting portions include apertures sized to prevent insect entry while allowing air flow for produce respiration.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting portions act as intermediary structures that mediate between the need for air flow and the need for insect protection. The apertures in the venting portions allow controlled air exchange while serving as a physical barrier against insects.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic containers are used, then production is simple and cost is low, but air flow is insufficient and produce cannot respire properly
Solution Approach 1:
The container features localized venting portions strategically positioned to provide adequate air flow for produce respiration. These venting portions include apertures with specific sizing and distribution patterns that optimize air exchange while maintaining production simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide air flow for respiration, prevent insect entry, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability for produce protection without increasing production complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular plastic container (10), which comprises at least two plastic segments (12) that are connected to one another by way of plastic welding, the exterior of at least one of the plastic segments (12) having a paintable cover layer (16) or consisting of a paintable material.