CNG Tank Housing Below Roofline for Refuse Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CNG tank installations on refuse route vehicles increase aerodynamic drag, fuel consumption, and safety concerns due to elevated placement on the roof, and are complex and costly to maintain, with exposed tanks prone to damage and increased installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
The CNG tanks are housed in an apparatus installed below the roof line on the front portion of the vehicle body, reducing aerodynamic drag, simplifying maintenance, and minimizing exposure to obstacles, with a manifold system for efficient gas delivery and electronic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If CNG tanks are installed on the roof of the vehicle, then tank capacity and accessibility are improved, but aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates CNG tanks from the traditional roof position to the front portion of the vehicle body, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the vehicle envelope. This spatial reconfiguration allows tanks to be positioned below the roof line while maintaining adequate capacity, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving fuel efficiency without compromising tank volume requirements
2Volume of moving object
If CNG tanks are installed on the roof of the vehicle, then installation space is improved, but safety and exposure to obstacles worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the front portion of the vehicle body as the installation location, positioning tanks within the protected vehicle envelope rather than on the exposed roof. This dimensional relocation provides physical protection against obstacles, debris, and environmental factors while maintaining sufficient installation space through optimized spatial arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective structures and positioning arrangements that shield the CNG tanks from potential impacts and damage. The tanks are positioned within the vehicle body where they are protected from external obstacles, and the design includes provisions for secure mounting and impact absorption before any potential damage can occur
3Ease of repair
If CNG tanks are exposed on the vehicle, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the front portion of the vehicle body to serve multiple functions: it provides structural protection for the CNG tanks while also maintaining accessibility for maintenance operations. The positioning allows service personnel to access the tanks through designated areas without exposing them to unnecessary obstacles, achieving both protection and maintainability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for installing a compressed natural gas housing apparatus to a vehicle are disclosed. The housing apparatus is configured to be retrofitted to existing cab liners used on refuse vehicles. The complete installation of the housing apparatus and roof liner are disposed below the roofline of the refuse vehicle. The housing apparatus can be configured to contain a variable number of compressed natural gas tanks. The housing apparatus is installed such that the length of the gas pipeline and electrical wiring connected to the apparatus from the vehicle engine and controller is minimized. The location of housing apparatus provides the additional safety of minimizing the exposure of the gas tanks to falling debris or prevent possible contact with the compressed natural gas tanks being damaged as vehicle travels under bridges, other low objects, or contact in the event of a rollover accident.