Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The storage system includes a pressure vessel, a plurality of mounting systems disposed on each end of the pressure vessel, each mounting system having a vessel shell having an end coupled to the end of the pressure vessel, a mounting shell having a first end coupled to the vehicle and a second end coupled to another end of the vessel shell, and an impact element formed in one of the vessel shell and the mounting shell having a yield strength less than a yield strength of the vessel shell and the mounting shell, a clamping element for coupling the vessel shell to the pressure vessel, and a coupling means for coupling the vessel shell and the mounting shell together through the impact element.

Abstract: A fuel vessel assembly for a fuel cell-powered vehicle and a method of increasing the structural rigidity of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. A vessel for storage of hydrogen or related fuel cell-compatible fuel is rigidly attachable to a vehicular frame or related load-bearing structure through one or more shells that extend from the vessel. Loads imparted to one or more of the shell, vessel frame are transmitted between them through the connection between the assembly and the frame such that a load-bearing capability inherent in the frame is enhanced by the assembly.

Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The storage system includes a pressure vessel, a plurality of mounting systems disposed on each end of the pressure vessel, each mounting system having a vessel shell having an end coupled to the end of the pressure vessel, a mounting shell having a first end coupled to the vehicle and a second end coupled to another end of the vessel shell, and an impact element formed in one of the vessel shell and the mounting shell having a yield strength less than a yield strength of the vessel shell and the mounting shell, a clamping element for coupling the vessel shell to the pressure vessel, and a coupling means for coupling the vessel shell and the mounting shell together through the impact element.

Abstract: A fuel vessel assembly for a fuel cell-powered vehicle and a method of increasing the structural rigidity of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. A vessel for storage of hydrogen or related fuel cell-compatible fuel is rigidly attachable to a vehicular frame or related load-bearing structure through one or more shells that extend from the vessel. Loads imparted to one or more of the shell, vessel frame are transmitted between them through the connection between the assembly and the frame such that a load-bearing capability inherent in the frame is enhanced by the assembly.