Integrated Tank Module Manifold to Suppress Relative Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tank modules experience relative displacement when coupled together, leading to potential misalignment and reduced rigidity.

Innovation Solution

A tank module design that integrates multiple tank module portions through a joint and bracket system, where a first and second manifold are fixed via a bracket, allowing fluid flow between them, and a valve controls outflow, reducing the need for individual valves and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple tank module portions are coupled together, then the tank capacity is increased, but relative displacement occurs between the tank module portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank capacityVSAvoidrelative displacement between tank module portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the first manifold and second manifold into a single integrated manifold structure. This merging eliminates the interface between separate manifolds, thereby preventing relative displacement between tank module portions while maintaining increased tank capacity through parallel tank arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the tank system into multiple parallel tanks (first tanks and second tanks) that are connected through a common integrated manifold. This segmentation allows increased capacity while the integrated manifold maintains structural stability and prevents relative displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a bracket is used to integrate the first manifold and second manifold, then rigidity is improved and relative displacement is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of tank moduleVSAvoidcomplexity of manifold integration structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first manifold and second manifold are merged into a single integrated manifold structure that directly connects both tanks. This integration eliminates the need for separate brackets and coupling mechanisms, achieving rigidity improvement while actually reducing device complexity compared to multi-component assembly approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12529451B2Tank module and vehicle installed with tank module

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A tank module, including: a first tank module portion including: plural first tanks disposed in parallel, and a first manifold disposed with an arrangement direction of the plural first tanks as a length direction, and enables flow of fluid between the plural first tanks; a second tank module portion disposed below the first tank module portion, the second tank module portion including: plural second tanks positioned below the plural first tanks, and disposed in parallel, and a second manifold positioned below the first manifold, disposed with an arrangement direction of the plural second tanks as a length direction, and enables flow of fluid between the plural second tanks; a joint portion coupled to the first and second manifold, enabling flow of fluid between the first and second manifold; and a bracket to which the first and second manifold are fixed, and integrating the first and second manifold.