Boil-Off Pipe Coupling Layout for Tiltable Truck Cabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquefied gas fuel systems for vehicles with tiltable cabs face challenges in optimizing the load-carrying capacity and ensuring safe tilting, as the boil-off pipes are often positioned in a way that occupies valuable space and can be damaged by cab movements.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement for the boil-off pipe that connects to the rear side of the cab, using a coupling configuration with first and second coupling elements that align efficiently in the non-tilted position, allowing smooth decoupling in the tilted position, and utilizing a flexible hose for movement accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the boil-off pipe is arranged behind the cab to avoid tilting influence, then the pipe connection reliability is improved, but the vehicle's load-carrying capacity deteriorates due to reduced overhang space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the first coupling element movable relative to the cab, allowing it to move together with the cab during tilting. This dynamic adjustment maintains the connection reliability while accommodating the cab's movement, and the optimized positioning allows better space utilization behind the cab for load-carrying purposes
2Reliability
If the boil-off pipe is connected to a vertical member at a distance from the rear side of the cab, then the pipe protection from tilting damage is improved, but the vehicle length increases reducing load-carrying optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable portion of the connection arrangement (the first coupling element) and separates it from the fixed cab structure, allowing it to move with the cab. This extraction enables the pipe connection to be positioned closer to the cab rear side without compromising protection, thereby optimizing the vehicle length and load-carrying capacity
3Manufacturing precision
If complex guide means are used to ensure proper alignment of coupling elements, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the first coupling element to automatically align with the second coupling element through its own movement capability. The coupling elements are self-aligning through their relative motion, eliminating the need for complex external guide means and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining alignment precision
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement (A) for mounting a boil-off pipe (20) of a liquefied gas fuel system to a vehicle (1) having a tiltable cab (2) and chassis (3), said cab being movably connected to the vehicle chassis (3) in a non-tilted position of said cab. Said boil-off pipe (20) is attached to the rear side of the cab (2) via a connection arrangement (C) of said arrangement (A). Said connection arrangement (C) comprises a coupling configuration (30) for connecting the tank with the boil-off pipe (20) in said non-tilted position of the cab (2) and disconnecting the tank from the boil-off pipe (20) in connection to the cab (2) being tilted. Said coupling configuration (30) comprises a first coupling element (32) connected to said boil-off pipe (20) and a second coupling element (34) for receiving said first coupling element (32) in said non- tilted position. Said first coupling element (32) is connected to the cab (2) so that it is essentially not affected by cab movements relative to the vehicle chassis (3) in the non-tilted position of the cab (2). The present invention also relates to a connection arrangement assembly. The present invention also relates to a vehicle.