Molded Reservoir Support Coupling Flange Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molded reservoir support structures face challenges in maintaining a secure mechanical interlock with fuel tank walls, particularly in preventing longitudinal separation, which can lead to disconnection and potential leaks or structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A support structure coupling system that includes an anchor with laterally projecting first flanges and a support structure with second flanges, where the flanges are initially positioned not to overlap and are brought together through relative rotation to inhibit disconnection, utilizing a combination of helically-extending and circumferentially-extending portions for secure interlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the anchor and support structure are formed separately and assembled later, then manufacturing flexibility and ease of assembly are improved, but the risk of longitudinal separation and disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is nested within the recess of the support structure, creating a interlocking configuration where the flange projects into the recess to prevent longitudinal separation. This nesting arrangement maintains connection security while allowing separate formation of the anchor and support structure components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a simple linear interface to a three-dimensional interlocking arrangement. The flange extends laterally from the anchor and projects into a recess in the support structure, creating multi-dimensional geometric interlocking that prevents disconnection while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
2Reliability
If flanges are designed to overlap for preventing longitudinal separation, then connection security is improved, but the complexity of the coupling structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the flange as a lateral projection from the anchor, and the recess as a receiving feature in the support structure. This segmentation allows each element to be formed independently during molding while creating a simple interlocking connection that prevents longitudinal separation without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A molded reservoir support structure coupling including an anchor (34) and a support structure (14). The anchor may have one or more first flange(s) projecting generally laterally from a side wall of the anchor. The support structure may have one or more second flange(s) projecting generally laterally therefrom. When interconnected, surface-to-surface confrontation between the first flange(s) and the second flange(s) inhibits longitudinal separation of the anchor and the support structure.