Tank Assembly Twist-Lock Mounting Flange Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid tank assemblies, such as those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0162690, require complex and expensive geometry, are prone to disassembly due to vibration, and lack broad applicability for mounting various system components.
Innovation Solution
A tank assembly with a mounting flange featuring arcuate cam segments and rotational stop features, along with a resilient member for sealing and locking, allowing for a simple, cost-effective, and durable connection of system components to the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex tank and ring geometry is used to retain the closure member, then the sealing capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flange is divided into separate upper and lower members that can be independently manufactured and assembled to the tank, rather than using a single complex ring structure. This segmentation simplifies the geometry of each component while maintaining the sealing function through a dedicated resilient member.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the complex tank and ring geometry and assigned to a separate resilient member (gasket). This allows the tank and mounting flange to have simpler geometries focused on structural integrity, while the resilient member provides the sealing capability independently.
2Device complexity
If only an o-ring gasket bias is used to retain the closure member, then the structure is simplified, but the closure member may rotate away and disassemble under excessive vibration
Solution Approach 1:
Rotational stop features are incorporated into the mounting flange and tank design to pre-establish rotational limits before vibration or other external forces can cause disassembly. This preliminary geometric constraint ensures the closure member remains properly positioned even under excessive vibration conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a specialized closure member configuration is used for specific mounting capability, then the mounting function is improved, but the broad applicability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flange is designed as a universal component with upper and lower members that can be configured for different mounting applications. The flange structure itself is generic and adaptable, while specialized mounting capabilities are achieved by mounting different system components to the upper member, making the same flange configuration applicable to various fluid systems and components.
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 provides a robust, cost-effective, and versatile mounting system that withstands extreme conditions, including high vibrations, and allows for the direct mounting of various system components, enhancing durability and applicability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed between the tank and the mounting flange. The resilient member may be configured to substantially seal an interface between the tank and the mounting flange
Implementation Method 2
The resilient member may be configured to substantially seal an interface between the tank and the mounting flange and to bias the second rotational stop feature toward the first rotational stop feature
Data Source
AI summary
A tank assembly is provided for a machine. The tank assembly may have a tank with a plurality of sides connected to each other to substantially enclose a volume. A first side of the plurality of sides has an upper surface and a lower surface, and defines an opening into the volume and a first rotational stop feature at the opening. The tank assembly may also have a mounting flange with an upper member configured to engage the upper surface of the first side, a lower member configured to engage the lower surface of the first side, and a second rotational stop feature. The tank assembly may additionally have a resilient member disposed between the tank and the mounting flange. The resilient member may be configured to substantially seal an interface between the tank and the mounting flange and to bias the second rotational stop feature toward the first rotational stop feature.