Tank Rack with U-Shaped Support Members for Secure Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank transportation systems lack effective and ergonomic solutions for securely storing and accessing tanks in vehicles, often resulting in damage to vehicles and increased risk of injury due to the heavy weight and size of the tanks.
Innovation Solution
A tank rack system with a back frame member, top frame member, and upper frame member, featuring first and second arms, side frame members, and tank support members that form a U-shape, providing secure and ergonomic storage and access to tanks.
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 rack is divided into multiple vertical support members spaced along the vehicle wall, with horizontal support members creating discrete storage levels. This segmentation provides structured securing points while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is pre-configured with vertical and horizontal support members positioned to automatically guide and secure tanks in place during loading, eliminating the need for complex cord-based securing systems
2Area of stationary object
If tanks are stored on shelves requiring workers to climb into the vehicle, then the area utilization is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack extends vertically along the vehicle wall rather than horizontally across the vehicle floor, utilizing the vertical dimension to free up floor space while maintaining easy access to tanks from the vehicle entrance or sides
3Ease of operation
If tanks are sat upright in the vehicle without proper support, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to vehicle damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure acts as an intermediary between the tanks and the vehicle, with vertical and horizontal support members that cradle and secure tanks in upright positions, preventing direct contact between tanks and vehicle surfaces that could cause damage
4Ease of operation
If the tank rack structure is extended to improve access from outside the vehicle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support members serve multiple functions: they provide structural framework, create securing points for tanks, enable access from multiple directions, and can accommodate multiple storage levels, reducing the need for additional complex components
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.