Tank Rack with Angled Support Members for Secure Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank transportation systems in vehicles are inadequate for securely holding heavy tanks, leading to potential damage and ergonomic access issues, as they often rely on inadequate cord securing and require cumbersome loading/unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A tank rack design featuring a back frame with transverse top and upper frame members, side frame members, and angled tank support members that form a U-shape, allowing for secure tank retention and ergonomic access from within and outside the vehicle, with optional retention devices like straps for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tanks are simply put on flat shelves and secured with cords, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of tank securing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tank rack is divided into multiple functional components: a back frame member, top frame member, upper frame member with arms, side frame members, and tank support members. Each segment performs a specific function (support, securing, positioning) to collectively achieve reliable tank retention without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank support members are pre-configured in specific orientations (e.g., angled at 45 degrees) and positions on the rack frame before tank installation. This preliminary arrangement of support elements ensures that tanks are automatically positioned and secured correctly upon placement, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during loading.
2Device complexity
If tanks are placed upright in the vehicle without proper rack structure, then the device complexity is minimized, but harmful factors increase due to potential damage to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure provides localized support and protection at critical areas where tanks contact the vehicle or rack components. The back frame member provides rear support, side frame members provide lateral containment, and tank support members provide localized bearing surfaces, distributing loads and preventing concentrated forces that could damage the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is designed with padded or cushioned contact surfaces on the tank support members and frame elements. These protective surfaces are built into the rack structure beforehand to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact between tanks and the vehicle or rack, reducing the risk of damage during transport vibrations and movements.
3Device complexity
If tanks are stored on shelves requiring workers to climb into the vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to ergonomic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The tank rack utilizes vertical space efficiently by arranging support members at different heights and angles, creating multiple access dimensions. Tanks can be accessed from the rear of the vehicle at ergonomic heights, and the angled support members (e.g., 45-degree angles) provide sloped surfaces that facilitate easier tank manipulation and removal without requiring workers to reach overhead or climb into confined spaces.
4Manufacturing precision
If tank support members are positioned coplanarly, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the ease of operation worsens due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The tank support members are deliberately positioned asymmetrically relative to the rack frame, with various members angled at different degrees (e.g., 45 degrees) rather than all being coplanar or parallel. This asymmetric arrangement creates staggered access points and ergonomic angles for tank loading while maintaining manufacturability through standardized angular specifications that are easier to fabricate than arbitrary coplanar positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A tank rack may have a back frame member and at least two tank support members spaced apart from one another along the back frame member. Each of the tank support members may have two inner sections, two outer sections and a rear portion. The rear portion may be connected to the back frame member.