Utility Vehicle Chassis Tank Adapted to Side Member Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited and fragmented installation space on commercial vehicle chassis, particularly due to the Euro 6 standard and enlarged exhaust silencer, restricts the optimization of tank volume for fuel or reducing agents.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design with a longitudinal member having an obliquely extending partial area, a tank with a sloping side wall adapted to the side member geometry, and a shape conforming to wheel housing contours, allowing the tank to extend inward and utilize space efficiently, including proximity to the propeller shaft, with L-shaped mounting elements for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tank is arranged on the outside of the chassis in the space between front and rear wheel housings, then the tank is easily accessible and installed, but the installation space is limited and fragmented due to other vehicle components and wheel housings
Solution Approach 1:
The tank contour is adapted to the side member geometry by extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally inward under the side rail, utilizing the three-dimensional space between the side member and wheel housings. This dimensional adaptation allows the tank to fit into previously unused spaces, increasing tank volume while maintaining ease of installation in the conventional location.
2Quantity of substance
If the tank volume is increased to meet fuel storage requirements, then the fuel capacity is sufficient, but the tank may interfere with other components such as the propeller shaft and exhaust silencer
Solution Approach 1:
The tank contour is locally adapted to the side member geometry, with the side wall extending parallel to the sloping partial area of the side member. This local adaptation allows the tank to maximize volume in areas where space is available while automatically accommodating other components like the exhaust silencer and propeller shaft in areas where space is constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank extends laterally inward under the side rail towards the center of the chassis, utilizing the vertical and longitudinal dimensions to increase storage capacity without increasing the lateral footprint that would interfere with the exhaust silencer and other components.
3Volume of stationary object
If the tank extends laterally inward under the side rail towards the center of the chassis, then space utilization is optimized, but maintenance access to components like the cardan shaft becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tank extends partially inward under the side rail to optimize space utilization, but does not extend completely to block access to the cardan shaft. This partial extension allows maintenance personnel to access the cardan shaft from below the vehicle while still achieving improved space utilization compared to conventional tank arrangements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a chassis (F) for a commercial vehicle, comprising at least one longitudinal member (1) having a section (1.1) extending obliquely laterally outwards, and a tank (2) for holding fuel or reducing agent. The tank (2) has a side wall (3) with an oblique side wall section (3.1) extending along the oblique section (1.1) of the longitudinal member (1).