Plastic Tank Internal Support Structure With Pull-Off Resistant Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing internal support parts in plastic tanks are prone to easy pull-off, leading to potential damage and fuel leakage during collisions or impact tests.

Innovation Solution

A compact internal support part structure for plastic tanks, featuring a support rod made of a first material with end surface components covered by a second material, where the outer edge of the end surface component has regular or irregular shapes, such as V-shaped or W-shaped indents, to increase the pull-off force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a support rod is added to increase pressure resistance, then the fuel tank can resist deformation under unequal internal and external pressures, but the rigid support rod causes damage to the surface of the fuel tank during collision or impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidsurface damage during collision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support rod undergoes parameter changes in cross-sectional diameter along its length, with the end surface having a larger diameter than the middle section. This gradient structure allows the rod to maintain strength for pressure resistance while the larger end surface absorbs impact energy during collision, preventing surface damage to the fuel tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support rod is constructed as a composite structure with different materials: the core is made of a first material (such as metal or rigid plastic) providing structural strength, while the end surface is covered with a second material (such as rubber or elastomer) that provides shock absorption and prevents surface damage during impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the end surface diameter of the support rod is increased to prevent surface damage during impact, then the support rod can absorb impact energy, but the support rod breaks first during collision or impact test

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface damage preventionVSAvoidsupport rod integrity during impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support rod features a diameter gradient where the end surface diameter is larger than the middle section diameter. This parameter variation creates a controlled stress distribution where the larger end surface absorbs impact energy without concentrating stress that would cause breakage, while the smaller middle section maintains sufficient strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite construction with a rigid first material core and a softer second material covering on the end surface creates a synergistic effect. The first material provides structural integrity and resistance to breakage, while the second material provides shock absorption and surface protection during impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional fixing methods are used to connect the support rod to the plastic tank, then the support rod can be installed, but the inner wall of the plastic tank is easily pulled off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidpull-off resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The end surface of the support rod features localized quality variations with indentations or recesses that create mechanical interlocking with the plastic tank wall. These local structural features increase the connection strength and pull-off resistance without requiring complex installation procedures or modifying the entire rod structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3907093B1Internal supporting part structure for plastic tank
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 YAPP AUTOMOTIVE PARTS
  • EP3907093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3907093B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3907093B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is an internal support part structure for a plastic tank, including a support rod (1) and end surface components (2) disposed at two ends of the support rod. The support rod is made of a first material (4). An outer surface of the end surface component is covered by a second material (5). An outer edge (3) of the end surface component has a regular or irregular shape. The structure resolves a problem that a second material wrapping a first material and connected to an inner wall of a plastic tank may be easily pulled off the inner wall. When a fuel tank is impacted, the support rod of the structure breaks first, to protect the surface of the fuel tank from damage.