Boil-off Pipe Mounting for Tiltable Cab Gas Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting boil-off pipes of liquefied gas fuel systems in vehicles with tiltable cabs occupy valuable space and do not facilitate efficient evacuation of evaporated gas in both tilted and non-tilted positions.
Innovation Solution
A coupling configuration with a bellows and coupling element that provides a chassis-based connection in the non-tilted position and disconnects in the tilted position, allowing for external evacuation of evaporated gas, while the bellows absorbs movements between the cab and chassis, ensuring safety and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the boil-off pipe is arranged behind the cab connected to a vertical member, then the pipe avoids influence from cab tilting, but it occupies valuable space behind the cab that could be used for overhang or semi-trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts to cab position. The bellows configuration allows the pipe to maintain connection during tilting while the coupling element enables automatic disconnection when the cab is tilted, optimizing space usage in both operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: the bellows configuration for absorbing tilting movements and the coupling element for providing secure connection/disconnection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to resolve the space vs. stability contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If a coupling configuration with bellows is used to facilitate space utilization, then less space is occupied behind the cab, but the arrangement must ensure safe and efficient evacuation of evaporated gas in both tilted and non-tilted positions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it provides secure connection during normal operation, allows automatic disconnection during tilting, and maintains evaporated gas evacuation capability in both states. The pipe opening through the coupling element ensures continuous evacuation functionality regardless of cab position.
3Ease of repair
If the boil-off pipe is disconnected from the tank in the tilted position, then easier maintenance and reduced damage risk are achieved, but the coupling device must reliably connect and disconnect based on cab position
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to automatically respond to cab position changes without requiring external control or complex sensing systems. The mechanical arrangement allows the bellows to expand/contract with tilting movements and the coupling element to naturally engage/disengage based on the relative position of the cab and chassis, achieving self-service operation.
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
Facilitates efficient and safe evacuation of evaporated gas in workshops and during vehicle operation, optimizing space usage by allowing the boil-off pipe to be disconnected from the tank in the tilted position, thus enabling easier maintenance and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
the bellows absorbs movements between the cab and chassis, ensuring safety and minimizing damage
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement (A) for mounting a boil-off pipe (20) of a liquefied gas fuel system (I) to a vehicle (1) having a tiltable cab (2). Said pipe is attached to a rear side of the cab (2). Said arrangement comprises a coupling configuration (30) for providing a connection between a vehicle chassis-mounted tank (10) of said system (I) and said pipe (20) in a non-tilted position of the cab (2) and disconnecting the pipe (20) from said connection in a tilted position of the cab (2). Said coupling configuration (30) comprises a bellows configuration (32) connected to said pipe (20), and a coupling element (34) for receiving said bellows configuration (32) in said non-tilted position. Said coupling element (34) comprises a pipe opening (O2) through which pipe (34b) evaporated gas from said tank is arranged to be evacuated and for providing a connection for an external evacuation of said evaporated gas in said tilted position. The present invention also relates to a connection arrangement assembly. The present invention also relates to a vehicle.