Multi-piece Vehicle Tank Enclosure Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for vehicle fuel tank enclosures are not easily adaptable to different fuel tank specifications, lack stability, and do not allow for easy replacement of damaged parts, while also compromising storage space due to exposure to environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece tank enclosure system comprising a horizontal cover and a vertical panel, removably mounted to the vehicle body, which forms a protected space for the fuel tank and its fittings, allowing for easy installation and replacement of individual components, and accommodating various tank sizes with an optional integrated toolbox bin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a unitary fuel tank/tool box design is used, then storage space is optimized, but ease of repair deteriorates because damaged parts cannot be easily replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple separable panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows damaged portions to be replaced without replacing the entire enclosure, resolving the contradiction between optimizing storage space and enabling easy repair.
2Reliability
If a fuel tank enclosure is designed for specific tank specifications, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure panels are designed with adjustable and removable features that allow the configuration to be dynamically adapted to different tank sizes and shapes. The panels can be repositioned or replaced to accommodate various tank specifications while maintaining reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure design incorporates universal mounting features and panel configurations that can serve multiple tank types and sizes. The same basic enclosure structure can be adapted to protect different fuel tank specifications, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If the entire fuel tank enclosure is replaced when one part is damaged, then reliability is maintained, but loss of substance deteriorates due to replacement of undamaged parts
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into multiple independent panels that can be replaced individually. When one panel is damaged, only that specific panel needs to be replaced rather than the entire enclosure, maintaining reliability while avoiding replacement of undamaged parts.
4Quantity of substance
If CNG tanks are installed in the truck bed, then fuel storage capacity is improved, but stability deteriorates due to exposure to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure provides a protective shell around the CNG tank and its fittings, shielding them from environmental hazards such as impact, weather, and contamination. This flexible protective enclosure maintains the stability of the tank system while allowing the tank to be installed in the truck bed for optimal fuel storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece tank enclosure comprises a horizontal cover and a vertical panel removably connected to each other and to the vehicle body such that they form a space for enclosing a tank that is mounted on the vehicle body. The horizontal cover can comprise an assembly formed by a lid and a toolbox bin, and the vertical panel can be provided with an opening for accessing the tank fittings. The multi-piece tank enclosure can be installed on a vehicle by removably attaching the horizontal cover and the vertical panel to the vehicle body. The multi-piece tank enclosure can accommodate toolbox bins of different sizes, each matched to a different sized tank.