Slidable Neck Mount Coupling for Upright Hydrogen Tank Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck mounting arrangements for pressurized fuel tanks in vehicles are over-constrained, leading to internal stresses, reduced hydrogen storage capacity, and potential damage during collisions, while conventional strap mounting compromises packaging space and driving range.
Innovation Solution
A slidable neck mounting arrangement with a coupling mechanism that allows lateral movement of the neck mount during excessive lateral forces, combined with a flex plate assembly for non-overconstrained suspension, minimizing internal stresses and maximizing hydrogen storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strap mounting is used to avoid rupture during collision, then safety during collision is improved, but the tank becomes over-constrained leading to internal stresses and potential damage during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid strap connection to a dynamic system with controlled movement capability. The neck mount allows the tank to move laterally up to 50mm during collision while maintaining connection, enabling the system to adapt to impact forces without creating excessive internal stresses during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by introducing a slidable coupling mechanism. This allows the mounting arrangement to change its effective stiffness and constraint level based on operational conditions - rigid during normal operation for stability, and compliant during collision for safety.
2Quantity of substance
If rigid neck mounting is used to maximize hydrogen storage capacity, then packaging space is improved, but the tank is vulnerable to damage during lateral impact
Solution Approach 1:
The neck mount incorporates sliding mechanisms that enable controlled lateral movement during impact while maintaining the tank's upright position during normal operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to maximize space utilization while protecting against lateral impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement acts as an intermediary element between the tank and chassis, providing a controlled interface that allows lateral movement during impact. This mediator absorbs and redirects impact forces, protecting the tank from direct lateral loads while maintaining secure mounting during normal operation.
3Reliability
If strap mounting is used to protect against collision, then collision safety is improved, but radial space is consumed reducing maximum tank diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The neck mount system replaces bulky rigid straps with a compact slidable mechanism that provides collision protection through controlled movement rather than rigid restraint. This dynamic approach reduces the radial space required for the mounting system, allowing for larger tank diameters while maintaining safety.
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 reduces peak forces on the neck mounts by up to 80% during collisions, maintains the fuel tank's integrity, and enhances hydrogen storage capacity without compromising durability or packaging space.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling arrangement (140) is slidable with respect to the bracket (130) for allowing a lateral movement of the upper neck mount (121) towards the strut (115) over a sliding path while maintaining the mechanical connection in case of a lateral impact on the elongated pressure vessel (50)
Data Source
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AI summary
A truck comprising a chassis and a frame for suspending an elongate pressure vessel in a substantially upright orientation behind a cabin of the truck. The frame comprises an upper neck mount that is mounted to an upper axial end of the elongated pressure vessel, , a strut that extends upward from a top side of the chassis, and a bracket that connects the upper neck mount to the strut. The upper neck mount is fixated to the bracket by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement is slidable with respect to the bracket for allowing a lateral movement of the upper neck mount towards the strut over a sliding path while maintaining the mechanical connection in case of a lateral impact on the elongated pressure vessel, to protect the upper axial end against overloads.