Mower Fuel Tank Bracket Layout for Thermal Expansion Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for mower fuel tanks on self-propelled grass mowing machines, such as stand-on mowers, tend to loosen or break due to repeated expansion and contraction with temperature changes, leading to potential fuel leaks and are cumbersome to replace.
Innovation Solution
A pair of mounting brackets, comprising a bottom and top bracket, that clamp the fuel tank without fastening directly to it, allowing for relative movement due to temperature changes, thereby reducing stress and strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If straps or wire forms are wrapped around the fuel tank to secure it, then the tank is held in position, but the straps loosen or break after repeated thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a spring element that provides dynamic, flexible mounting. The spring allows the bracket to expand and contract with the fuel tank during thermal cycles, maintaining secure holding force while accommodating dimensional changes. This dynamic mechanism prevents the bracket from loosening or breaking, solving the reliability issue with static fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and geometric parameters of the bracket are specifically designed to match the thermal expansion characteristics of the fuel tank. By adjusting these parameters, the bracket maintains optimal clamping force across a range of temperatures, preventing both over-tightening (which could damage the tank) and under-tightening (which would cause loosening).
2Stability of the object's composition
If bolts or fasteners are attached to the fuel tank walls, then the tank is securely mounted, but the fasteners loosen or break and fuel leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from direct attachment to the fuel tank wall. Instead of bolting directly to the tank, the spring-based bracket provides indirect mounting through contact with the tank's outer surface. This eliminates stress concentration at attachment points and prevents fuel leaks while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bracket acts as a flexible mounting element that distributes contact pressure across a larger area of the fuel tank surface. This flexible approach prevents stress concentration that would otherwise cause cracks or fuel leaks at rigid fastener attachment points.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mounting methods are used, then the tank is secured, but removing and replacing the fasteners is difficult and time intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a removable bracket assembly that can be easily detached and reattached. The spring-based design allows the bracket to be separated from the fuel tank without complex tools or procedures, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining secure mounting during operation.
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 solution provides secure, low-cost, and easy-to-replace mounting that minimizes fuel leaks and maintains tank stability during thermal expansion and contraction.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel tank itself may expand and contract with changes in temperature
Implementation Method 2
The fuel tank itself may expand and contract with changes in temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of mounting bracket for a mower fuel tank. The bottom bracket and top bracket are attached adjacent a rear traction drive wheel. The bottom bracket has at least one projection extending upwardly into a recess in a bottom surface of a mower fuel tank, and the top bracket has at least one projection extending downwardly into a recess in a top surface of the mower fuel tank. Each projection touches but is not fastened to the corresponding recess, and has a length dimension and a width dimension smaller than the recess to allow relative movement from expansion or contraction of the mower fuel tank