Plastic Tank Opening With Embedded Stiffening Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of plastic tanks for motor vehicles is complex and expensive due to metal rings at openings becoming electrostatically charged and prone to displacement at high pressure and temperature, requiring additional securing measures.
Innovation Solution
A plastic tank with a stiffening ring embedded in the container wall, made of injection-molded plastic with geometries like honeycombs or ribs, supports the lid and is securely held within the plastic, eliminating the need for grounding and additional securing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal ring is used to provide rigidity for closing the opening, then the necessary stiffness is achieved, but the metal ring becomes electrostatically charged and requires grounding, increasing device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The material of the stiffening ring is changed from metal to plastic, fundamentally altering the electrical properties to eliminate electrostatic charging while maintaining the mechanical stiffening function through optimized geometry (honeycomb structure, ribs)
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening ring is created as an integrated composite structure combining the tank wall plastic with the stiffening ring plastic through injection molding, achieving both structural integration and functional requirements without additional grounding components
2Strength
If a metal ring is used to provide rigidity, then the closing forces can be absorbed, but the ring is pulled from the tank at high pressures and temperatures, requiring additional securing attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening ring is merged with the tank wall through integral injection molding, creating a unified structure where the ring and tank wall become one piece, eliminating the risk of separation under high pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The honeycomb structure and curved ribs provide optimized stress distribution and geometric strength, allowing the plastic ring to maintain rigidity and resist deformation under high pressure and temperature without being pulled from the tank
3Reliability
If additional attachments are used to secure the metal ring, then the ring stability is improved, but the production becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening ring and tank wall are combined into a single integrated component through injection molding technology, eliminating the need for separate securing attachments and simplifying the production process while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molding process serves multiple functions simultaneously: forming the tank wall, creating the stiffening ring structure, and providing the securing connection, all in one manufacturing step, reducing production complexity and cost
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
This solution enables reliable and cost-effective manufacturing of plastic tanks by providing necessary rigidity without grounding issues and maintaining stability at high pressures and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the stiffening ring is blown or vacuum-molded during the molding process of the container wall
Implementation Method 2
the lid is supported directly or indirectly by the stiffening ring when the opening is closed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A plastic tank for a motor vehicle, wherein the plastic tank comprises a container wall (1) made of plastic, wherein an opening (2) is arranged in the container wall (1), wherein the plastic tank comprises a removable lid (3) and the opening (2) can be closed and opened by the lid (3), wherein a stiffening ring (4) is embedded in the edge of the container wall (1) surrounding the opening (2), wherein the stiffening ring (4) is a plastic injection-molded component, and wherein the lid (3) is supported directly or indirectly by the stiffening ring (4) when the opening (2) is closed.