Dual Fuel Tank Layout for Accurate Level Detection on Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to accurately detect the amount of fuel stored in a fuel tank on an earthwork vibration roller, which has a complex shape, while maintaining the tank's capacity and functionality, as existing solutions struggle with detection accuracy in such configurations.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a dual-tank system with separate fuel tanks positioned in front of and below the drive device, each equipped with a float sensor that detects fuel levels based on the liquid surface position at the vehicle's center, allowing for accurate fuel quantity measurement even when the vehicle is inclined.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the fuel tank is enlarged to increase fuel storage capacity, then the fuel storage capacity is improved, but the detection accuracy of the liquid level gauge deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel storage capacityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel tank is divided into multiple segments with individual liquid level gauges. Instead of using a single gauge for the entire enlarged tank, the patent employs multiple gauges distributed throughout the tank volume, each responsible for detecting fuel levels in its specific segment. This segmentation allows accurate detection even in a large-capacity tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fuel tank is made with a complicated shape to fit vehicle constraints, then the adaptability to vehicle layout is improved, but the detection accuracy of fuel amount deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle layoutVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The complicated-shaped fuel tank is divided into multiple detection zones or segments. Liquid level gauges are strategically positioned in different segments to accurately measure fuel levels despite the irregular tank geometry. This segmentation approach allows the system to handle complex tank shapes while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different segments of the fuel tank are equipped with detection capabilities tailored to their specific geometric characteristics. Each local segment is optimized for accurate measurement, allowing the overall system to accurately detect fuel levels throughout the complicated-shaped tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If multiple liquid level gauges are arranged vertically to detect fuel amount accurately in a rectangular tank, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid level gauges are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as level detectors and as reference points for calculating total fuel amount. By integrating multiple functions into each gauge unit, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining accurate detection capabilities across the enlarged fuel tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables accurate fuel detection without reducing storage capacity, ensuring reliable operation and maintaining functionality across various orientations.

Implementation Method 1

a first storage amount detection part that is disposed in the first tank, and detects an amount of the fuel stored in the first tank; and a second storage amount detection part that is disposed in the second tank, and detects an amount of the fuel stored in the second tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3808967B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP3808967B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3808967B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3808967B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A work vehicle including a drive device (10) having an internal combustion engine (12) for driving a vehicle body (1) has: a first tank (32) that is disposed in front of or behind the drive device, and stores fuel (9) to be supplied to the internal combustion engine; a second tank (34) that is disposed below the drive device so as to be separated from the first tank by a predetermined distance, and stores the fuel to be supplied to the internal combustion engine; a first storage amount detection part (70) that is disposed in the first tank, and detects an amount of the fuel stored in the first tank; and a second storage amount detection part (80) that is disposed in the second tank, and detects an amount of the fuel stored in the second tank.