Chassis Floor Tank Relocation for Depollution Agent Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle chassis assemblies face challenges in accommodating variable wheelbase lengths and insufficient depollution agent storage volume, particularly when using modular platforms and integrating SCR systems, which complicates assembly and reduces operational autonomy.

Innovation Solution

The assembly relocates the depollution agent tank to the front zone of the chassis floor, partially positioning it in a deformable lateral zone for impact absorption, allowing for a constant pipe length and increased storage volume, while integrating a single-piece tank with a fuel compartment and sealed junction zone, along with gauge-pump modules and fixing lugs for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the depollution agent tank is located under the rear load floor, then the storage volume is sufficient, but the pipe length varies with wheelbase which complicates assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepollution agent storage volumeVSAvoidassembly complexity due to variable pipe lengths
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the depollution agent tank from the rear load floor to the front zone under the passenger seats, utilizing the lateral deformable zone. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension (from rear to front lateral zone) resolves the contradiction by providing both sufficient storage volume and constant pipe length connectivity to the SCR catalyst, eliminating assembly complexity across different wheelbase configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If another element such as an exhaust silencer is installed under the load floor, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the tank volume becomes insufficient for target performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity of chassisVSAvoiddepollution agent storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the depollution agent tank from the rear load floor zone where it conflicts with exhaust silencer installation, and relocates it to the front lateral deformable zone. This extraction resolves the spatial conflict, allowing both the exhaust silencer to be installed under the load floor and the tank to achieve sufficient volume in the front zone without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of stationary object

If the tank is positioned in the deformable lateral zone, then the storage volume increases, but the safety during impact may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepollution agent storage volumeVSAvoidimpact damage to tank
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the deformable lateral zone's impact absorption characteristics to protect the depollution agent tank. The deformable zone acts as a cushion during side impacts, converting the harmful impact energy into beneficial deformation that protects the tank. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the potential vulnerability of the deformable zone into a protective feature that safeguards the tank while maintaining adequate storage volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This configuration simplifies assembly by eliminating pipe length variability and enhances depollution agent storage capacity, achieving extended operational autonomy of up to 20,000 km before refilling, while ensuring safety and compatibility with modular platforms.

Implementation Method 1

a pipe associated with an electric cable acting as an electrical resistance capable of heating the depollution agent which is sensitive at low temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2978658B1Assembly for a chassis comprising a tank for storing a pollutant removal agent and corresponding motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2978658B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2978658B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2978658B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates mainly to an assembly for a motor vehicle chassis comprising a floor (1) having a front area (2) formed by a first portion (21) located under a seat of a driver and under a seat of a front passenger of the vehicle, and a second portion (22) located under the back passenger seats of the vehicle, as well as a tank (8) comprising a first compartment (10) defining a hollow volume for storing a pollutant removal agent. According to the invention, the first compartment (10) of the tank (8) is arranged in the front area (2) of the floor at least partially in a side area (19) that is deformable in the event of an impact of the vehicle. The invention also relates to the corresponding motor vehicle provided with such an assembly for a chassis.