CNG Storage Device for Road Maintenance Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Road maintenance vehicles require significant CNG reserves for extended operation, but existing solutions either reduce the useful volume of the vehicle or are costly, especially when adapting vehicles to run on CNG, and there is a need for a solution that is easy to install and adaptable to existing vehicles without modifying their dimensions or operation.
Innovation Solution
A CNG storage device featuring a metal frame with removably fixed cylindrical tanks, secured to the vehicle's dumpster and connected to the engine, ensuring the tanks' height does not exceed 1.5 times the difference in height between the cabin and the dumpster roof, allowing for efficient CNG storage without altering the vehicle's volume or operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If CNG tanks are installed on the vehicle, then CNG reserve and autonomy are improved, but vehicle height and space availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the CNG tanks from traditional horizontal placement on the vehicle to a vertical arrangement on the dumpster roof, utilizing the unused vertical space above the dumpster. This dimensional change allows the tanks to be positioned in a previously underutilized spatial zone, achieving autonomy improvement without compromising vehicle height constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the vehicle into functional zones, placing the CNG storage system as a separate modular unit on the dumpster roof rather than integrating it into the main vehicle structure. This segmentation allows independent installation and removal of the CNG system without affecting the core vehicle dimensions or requiring substantial modifications to the vehicle body.
2Duration of action of moving object
If CNG storage device is added to existing vehicle, then CNG reserve is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, removable connection system between the CNG tanks and the vehicle engine, allowing the CNG storage device to be easily installed and removed without permanent modifications. The connection members can be coupled and decoupled, providing flexibility in installation and maintenance while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection members as mediators between the CNG tanks and the vehicle engine, simplifying the coupling process. These connection members serve as adaptable interfaces that facilitate easy installation and removal of the CNG system without requiring complex integration with the vehicle's existing infrastructure.
3Volume of moving object
If CNG tanks are installed on dumpster roof, then space utilization is improved, but vehicle stability and safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary securing measures through blocking members that prevent the metal frame from moving relative to the dumpster roof before the vehicle enters service. This preliminary action ensures that the CNG tanks are firmly anchored in their intended position, addressing stability concerns before operation begins and maintaining safety while utilizing the available space.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
[Road maintenance vehicle (1) equipped with a Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV) storage device (7, 8), comprising a skip (2), an engine and a driver's cab (6) of the vehicle (1), the upper wall (4) of the skip (2) being at a height lower than that of the upper wall (5) of the cab (6). The NGV storage device (7, 8) comprises a metal chassis, (7) at least three cylindrical tanks (8) with a circular base removably fixed to the chassis (7), the height (H7) of the chassis (7) with the tanks (8) is less than 1.5 times the difference in height (H) between the upper wall (5) of the cab (6) and that (4) of the skip (2).