Twin Tank Connector Assembly for Fast, Damage-Free Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current container systems for vehicles and agricultural machines require complex and time-consuming assembly processes when connecting two separate containers for fuel and urea solutions, often resulting in increased assembly times and potential damage due to intricate designs and limited space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A container system comprising two separate container bodies with coaxially aligned connector passageways and a connector with complementary rotary fastening formations, allowing for easy alignment and secure clamping of the containers together, along with a fastener for mounting to a supporting structure, facilitating efficient assembly and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If two separate containers are connected using traditional connection elements (straps, screws), then mechanical stability is achieved, but assembly time increases and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated connector element that simultaneously provides mechanical stability and enables quick assembly. The connector integrates the fastening mechanism and mounting features into one component, eliminating the need for separate straps, screws, and alignment procedures, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with pre-formed engagement features and alignment guides that enable immediate connection without preliminary adjustment or complex positioning. The connector elements are pre-configured to automatically align with corresponding mounting points, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment steps while ensuring stable connection.
2Volume of moving object
If two containers are positioned next to each other with complementary outer contours to minimize space, then space utilization is optimized, but the connection process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension of connection through a protrusion-recess interface that extends perpendicular to the container surfaces. This vertical engagement feature allows containers with complementary outer contours to connect securely without requiring complex lateral adjustment, maintaining compact spacing while simplifying the connection process through automatic alignment in the vertical dimension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sleeves are used to attach each container to the supporting structure, then mounting capability is provided, but aligning two sleeves becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting functions of two separate sleeves into a single integrated connector element. This unified connector provides both mounting capabilities and automatic alignment features, eliminating the need to separately align and coordinate two independent sleeves with the supporting structure, thus maintaining versatility while dramatically reducing alignment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-aligning features such as guide pins, tapered surfaces, or keyed interfaces that automatically position the connector correctly relative to the supporting structure without requiring manual alignment. The connector serves itself by providing built-in alignment mechanisms that eliminate the time-consuming coordination of multiple sleeves.
Data Source
AI summary
A container system includes first and second container bodies and a connector for holding the container bodies together as a container sub-assembly. The container bodies each define external connector passageways, which are aligned co-axially for assembly. The connector passes through the passageway of the first container body and engages with a thread in the passageway of a second container body. A connector head engages the first container body to clamp the container bodies together. The sub-assembly is affixed to a supporting structure by a fastener having a threaded shaft passing through the connector to clamp the connector to the mounting formation. The clamp load is borne by the connector to prevent the container bodies being damaged when the fastener is tightened. The container system is particularly suited for providing twin tanks for fuel and a fuel additive on a vehicle or agricultural machine.