Arrangement applied to a protector for a fuel optimization unit of an oil tank for trucks

A corrugated sheet metal 'J'-shaped protector shields fuel optimization units in trucks, addressing dead volume and mechanical/weather exposure, ensuring unit integrity and functionality.

WO2025151934A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-07-24MOURA DIRCEU FRES DE
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/BR2024/050437
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-30
Filing Date
2024-09-24
Publication Date
2025-07-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Heavy vehicles with diesel and biodiesel fuel tanks face issues with dead volume, mechanical damage to fuel optimization units due to involuntary impacts, and exposure to weather, while existing protectors do not adequately address these concerns.

Method used

A 'J'-shaped plate protector made of corrugated sheet metal shields the fuel optimization unit, covering electronic and mechanical components, with optional front protection, fixed to the truck chassis for durability and safety.

Benefits of technology

The protector effectively prevents mechanical damage and weather exposure to fuel optimization units, maintaining their functionality and integrity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a J-shaped protector (10) made from corrugated sheet metal that protects a fuel optimization unit (4), wherein the small wing (2) covers the electro-electronic part (5) on the main oil tank (6), the large wing (3) covers the pumping unit (7), installed adjacent to said main oil tank (6), and the interconnecting portion (8) protects the ducts and cables (9) connecting the electro-electronic part (5) to the pumping unit (7). In one structural variant, the front part of the fuel optimization unit (4) is covered by a closure plate (18).
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Description

[0001] ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A PROTECTOR FOR THE FUEL OPTIMIZATION UNIT OF A TRUCK OIL TANK INTRODUCTION

[0001] This Utility Model Patent application concerns an unprecedented “ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A PROTECTOR FOR THE FUEL OPTIMIZATION UNIT OF A TRUCK OIL TANK”, consisting of a sheet metal protection installed over the fuel optimization unit, both in the electronic part on the tank and in the fuel oil reservoir and pumping unit on the side of said tank. Optionally, the front of the pumping unit can be plugged. FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0002] The innovation is applied to the segment of heavy vehicles powered by diesel and / or biodiesel equipped with a fuel optimization unit. CONVINCING

[0003] Experts in the field know that heavy vehicles powered by diesel and / or biodiesel have high-capacity fuel tanks, reaching 450 to 500 L, installed on each side of the chassis.

[0004] A major problem presented by the vehicles in question is the amount of fuel considered dead volume, that is, inaccessible due to the height between the bottom of the tank and the fisherman, about 20% of the volume making a total of 80 to 100 L. This dead volume is justified, since there is a natural formation of dirt at the bottom of the tank, in addition to air bubbles that, if sucked by the pumping system to the engine, would cause the machine to malfunction.

[0005] Aware that this dead volume carries unnecessary mass and is a great loss for users, a solution was created, the fuel optimization unit, in which fuel is pumped from a small reservoir on the side of the vehicle's main tank and from there to the combustion engine, reducing the dead volume to no more than 5% of the total volume.

[0006] All the electronics and mechanics of the aforementioned fuel optimization unit are exposed on and to the side of the vehicle's main tank, and are therefore subject to damage due to sometimes involuntary mechanical impacts by the driver and mechanics, as well as the action of inclement weather such as sun and rain.

[0007] In this context, new technologies that can protect the electronic components of the fuel optimization unit are welcome in this segment. STATE OF THE ART

[0008] The current state of the art anticipates patent documents that deal with protections for fuel tanks, such as MU 8101209-8 U entitled “PROTECTIVE PLATFORM LADDER FOR TRUCK FUEL TANK” – characterized by defining a platform ladder consisting of two metal tubes in an “L”, a horizontal platform with a non-slip base, containing screws with tubular bushings, at the upper ends of the tubes there are fixing devices; the device is defined by a flat plate with a hole at the lower end, and a circular bar of smaller diameter than the section of the tube and a screw; the device is defined by a non-flat metal plate, slightly bent containing a hole in the circular bar and a screw, the steps of the ladder are defined by metal bars of rectangular section, and screws and bushings, there are anti-slip devices on the steps.

[0009] The document's solution anticipates a ladder with a dual function, that of allowing access to the truck's chassis and protecting the upper surface of its fuel tank by means of a plate that functions as a landing on the aforementioned ladder.

[0010] The current state of the art anticipates patent documents dealing with fuel tank protection, such as MU 8203220-3 U entitled "SIDE PROTECTOR FOR TRUCKS" – comprising an elongated, vertical protector, closed by side bars and equipped with a lower diagonal base attached to vertical rails, the truck chassis, and screws that secure the parts. A support bar connects the chassis to the protection assembly. The bar articulates to the assembly, which can be locked with a lock. Between the assembly and the bar, there is an insulating rubber seal to prevent friction between them. This idea serves not only as a shock protector but also as a safety feature for the spare tire itself and materials stored behind the assembly. The base prevents the assembly from moving backward in the event of a collision. This articulating protector, which was not present in previous inventions, also applies to the section from the last axle to the end of the truck.

[0011] The document's solution provides for articulated side protection along the entire lateral length of the truck body, fixed to the chassis by means of screws.

[0012] Document PI 0902213-9 A2 entitled “TANK PROTECTOR” – characterized by a main plate with holes for the outlet of water, mud and between the plate and the vehicle's fuel tank, called here as Tank Protector, and with precise oblong holes for assembly between the product's components and obtain the perfect fit between the assembly of the accessory / equipment to the original structure of the Troller T4 / TRILHA vehicle, CNC Laser cut in 1020 carbon steel sheet and treated by a cold electrogalvanizing anti-corrosive system, in addition to a left-hand rod for mounting the main plate with holes connecting the main plate to the chassis structure of the Troller T4 / TRILHA vehicle, CNC Laser cut in 1020 carbon steel sheet and treated by a cold electrogalvanizing anti-corrosive system, a right-hand rod for mounting the main plate with holes connecting the main plate to the chassis structure of the Troller T4 / TRILHA vehicle,CNC Laser cut in 1020 carbon steel sheet and treated by cold electrogalvanizing anti-corrosive system and two rods, right to be assembled the main sheet with holes connecting the main sheet to the chassis structure of the Troller T4 / TRILHA vehicle, CNC Laser cut in 1020 carbon steel sheet and treated by anti-corrosive system,

[0013] The above document anticipates a protector to be applied to a specific off-road vehicle. INNOVATION OBJECTIVES

[0014] The objective of this innovation is to propose a provision applied to a protector for the fuel optimization unit of truck oil tanks that serves as a protector for the electro-electronic and mechanical components, and as a support for stepping on the region where said unit is installed.

[0015] The objective of this innovation is to propose a provision applied to a protector for the fuel optimization unit of truck oil tanks that can optionally have the front part of the pumping unit plugged.

[0016] The objective of this innovation is to propose a disposition applied to a protector for the fuel optimization unit of the oil tank of trucks with great constructive simplicity.

[0017] The objective of this present study is to propose a provision applied to a protector for the fuel optimization unit of truck oil tanks that is easy to install and maintain.

[0018] The objective of this innovation is to propose a provision applied to a protector for the fuel optimization unit of truck oil tanks that can be installed in used or new vehicles, leaving the factory, without altering the original design.

[0019] The objective of this innovation is to propose a cost-effective arrangement applied to a fuel tank protector for truck oil tank fuel optimization units. A fuel optimization unit has a market value of approximately R$60,000 in Brazil. Currently, trucks are delivered by the manufacturer without the protector. Drivers and even mechanics performing maintenance on the fuel optimization unit step on its expensive and fragile components, either through slipping or lack of knowledge, which can lead to significant damage. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INNOVATION

[0020] The "ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A PROTECTOR FOR THE FUEL OPTIMIZATION UNIT OF A TRUCK OIL TANK" refers to a "J"-shaped plate protector whose smaller tab overlaps the fuel tank's electronic inputs, while the larger tab covers the smaller tank, installed adjacent to the vehicle's main tank. The pumping unit prevents direct access to these components, thus preventing damage. Optionally, a plate can be installed to protect the front of the pumping unit. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The innovation is explained below with reference to the attached drawings, which represent the following for illustrative and non-limiting purposes: Fig. 1: Perspective view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit; Fig. 2: Inverted perspective view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit; Fig. 3: Top view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit; Fig. 4: Bottom view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit; Fig. 5: Front view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit; Fig. 6: Side view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit; Fig.7: Perspective view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit, exploded in relation to the fuel optimization unit; Fig. 8: Perspective view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit, showing use; Fig. 9: Perspective detail of the attachment of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit; Fig. 10: Top sectional view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit, showing use; Fig. 11: Perspective view of the arrangement applied to a protector for a truck oil tank fuel optimization unit, showing use in a construction variation with the front plugging of the pumping unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INNOVATION.

[0022] The “ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A PROTECTOR FOR A FUEL OPTIMIZATION UNIT IN A TRUCK OIL TANK”, which is the subject of this Utility Model Patent application, concerns a protector (10) made of corrugated sheet metal in a “J” shape that protects the fuel optimization unit (4), the smaller flap (2) of which covers the electro-electronic part (5) over the main oil tank (6), the larger flap (3) covers the pumping unit (7), installed juxtaposed to said main oil tank (6), and the interconnection (8) protects the ducts and cables (9) connecting the electro-electronic part (5) to the pumping unit (7). In a construction variation, the front part of the fuel optimization unit (4) is covered by a buffering plate (18).

[0023] More particularly, the innovation deals with an “ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN PROTECTOR FOR FUEL OPTIMIZATION UNIT OF TRUCK OIL TANK”, consisting of a folded sheet with a non-slip corrugated finish (1) on the upper face, equipped with side flaps (2, 3) delimiting the space of interest, formatting a plane suitable for supporting the feet and hands of the driver or mechanic, folded sheet with a non-slip corrugated finish (1) that has a “J” contour, sufficient to cover the fuel optimization unit (4), in which the smaller flap (2) overlaps the electro-electronic part (5) over the main oil tank (6) of the truck, while the larger flap (3) covers the fuel pumping unit (7) for the combustion engine, a smaller tank, installed juxtaposed to said main oil tank (6),and finally the interconnection (8) protects the ducts and cables (9) connecting the electro-electronic part (5) to the fuel pumping unit (7), thus formatting the protector (10) that prevents any unwanted mechanical contact with the electro-electronic and mechanical components of the fuel optimization unit (4). The protector (10) is fixed by means of arms (11) ending in a “T” (12), which provide good load distribution to the upper face of the folded sheet metal with a corrugated finish (1), which extend by means of a flat bar (13) with a double fold (14) equipped with an extreme hole (15) for fixing the plate (16) to the fuel optimization unit (4) in the region of the larger tab (3) of the protector (10) or to the truck chassis (17) itself in the region of the smaller tab (2) or interconnection (8). In a construction variation, as illustrated in figure 11, a buffer plate (18), also with a non-slip corrugated finish,You can optionally close the front part of the pumping unit (7) by means of bolting or another known fastening method.

[0024] Other known fastening means may be used to attach the protector (10) to the truck chassis frame (17) or the fuel optimization unit (4).

Claims

CLAIMS 1) ARRANGEMENT APPLIED TO A PROTECTOR FOR A FUEL OPTIMIZATION UNIT IN A TRUCK'S OIL TANK - consists of a folded, corrugated sheet (1) with anti-slip properties on the upper face and side flaps (2, 3) delimiting space and interest, forming an upper face suitable for supporting the driver's or mechanic's feet and hands, characterized by presenting a “J” shape sufficient to cover the fuel optimization unit (4), in which the smaller flap (2) overlaps the electro-electronic part (5) over the truck's main oil tank (6), the larger flap (3) covers the pumping unit (7), and finally the interconnection (8) protects the ducts and cables (9) connecting the electro-electronic part (5) to the pumping unit, thus forming the protector (10);the protector (10) is fixed by means of arms (11) ending in a “T” (12) that extend by means of a flat bar (13) with a double bend (14) equipped with an end hole (15) for fixing the plate (16) in the fuel optimization unit (4) in the region of the larger tab (3) of the protector (10) or in the chassis (17) of the truck itself in the region of the smaller tab (2) or interconnection (8). 2) DISPOSITION APPLIED IN A PROTECTOR FOR FUEL OPTIMIZATION UNIT OF TRUCK OIL TANK - in a constructive variation according to claim 1, characterized in that a buffer plate (18), also with a non-slip corrugated finish, closes the front part of the pumping unit (7) by means of screwing or another already known fixing means.;

Citation Information

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