Adjustable Capacity Fluid Tank Assembly with Interchangeable Float Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank configurations for mobile machines are costly and inflexible, requiring multiple tank designs and tooling, and often necessitate machine downtime for capacity changes, with permanent fill limits and sensor dependency limiting application versatility.
Innovation Solution
A fluid tank assembly with a float valve that can be interchangeably mounted at different elevations, allowing for adjustable capacity without the need for sensor-based fill nozzles, enabling flexible filling and reduced error in setting the maximum fill level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large volume fuel tank is used for long-haul applications, then fuel capacity is improved, but machine weight increases and carrying capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable fuel tank system where the maximum fill level can be changed based on application requirements. The tank includes an adjustable float mechanism that can be repositioned to different heights, allowing the same physical tank to provide different fuel capacities. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the machine to carry only the necessary amount of fuel for each specific task rather than being constrained to a fixed large capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different fuel tanks are designed for different applications, then application-specific capacity requirements are met, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fuel tank design that can serve multiple applications through a single tank body with an adjustable float mechanism. Instead of manufacturing different tanks for different applications, the system uses one tank that can be configured for various fuel capacities by adjusting the float position. This eliminates the need for multiple tank designs, tooling variations, and storage space requirements while maintaining adaptability to different application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank system is segmented into a permanent tank body and a removable/adjustable float component. This segmentation allows the float mechanism to be easily repositioned or replaced to change the maximum fill level without modifying the entire tank structure. The segmented design simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while providing application-specific customization.
3Manufacturing precision
If the maximum fill limit is permanently set during manufacture, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static, permanently welded fill limit adjuster with a dynamic, repositionable float mechanism. The float can be adjusted to different heights and secured at various positions, allowing the maximum fill level to be changed based on application requirements. This dynamic system maintains manufacturing precision for each setting while providing adaptability across different applications, resolving the contradiction between fixed precision and flexible adaptability.
4Reliability
If a sensor-based fill nozzle system is used, then automatic shut-off capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service float valve mechanism that automatically controls fuel filling based on the float's position in the fluid. As fuel enters the tank, the float rises with the fluid level and automatically closes the fill port when reaching the predetermined maximum level, eliminating the need for external sensors or electronic control systems. This mechanical self-regulating system provides reliable automatic shut-off while reducing device complexity and removing sensor dependency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible fuel tank capacity adjustment without sensor dependency, reducing costs and machine downtime, and allowing machines to adapt to various applications without weight or efficiency penalties.
Implementation Method 1
a float valve interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings and extending at least partially into the enclosed volume
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid tank assembly is provided for use with a mobile machine. The fluid tank assembly may have a tank with a lower surface, an upper surface located opposite the lower surface, and at least one side surface joining the lower and upper surfaces. The tank may also have a first opening disposed within the upper surface at a first elevation, and a second opening disposed within the upper surface at a second elevation. The fluid tank assembly may further have a float valve interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings, and a plug interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings. The fluid tank assembly may also have a fill port mounted within one of the upper surface and the at least one side surface and fluidly connected to the float valve. Movement of the float valve may function to open and close the fill port.