Diesel Work Vehicle Dual Fuel Tank Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles with multiple fuel tanks face challenges in maintaining equal fuel levels without the need for a fuel exchange cock, which burdens the operator and can lead to uneven weight distribution.

Innovation Solution

A fuel supply system with a shared fuel pump, check valves, and a fuel return line that equalizes fuel usage between tanks by using pressure differentials and flow resistance control, along with float valves to prevent overfilling, ensuring balanced fuel levels without a conventional fuel exchange mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a fuel exchange cock is provided to equalize fuel levels between multiple fuel tanks, then fuel balance between tanks is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel balance between tanksVSAvoidfuel exchange mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses check valves and pressure differentials to automatically equalize fuel levels between tanks without requiring manual operation of a fuel exchange cock. The fuel system self-regulates by allowing fuel to flow from the tank with higher pressure (larger fuel amount) to the tank with lower pressure through the check valves, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical fuel exchange cock is replaced with an automatic system using check valves and pressure differential principles. The check valves automatically control fuel flow direction based on pressure differences, substituting the need for manual mechanical operation with an automated fluid dynamics-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If manual operation of fuel exchange cock is required to maintain equal fuel levels, then fuel balance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel balance between tanksVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel system automatically equalizes fuel levels between tanks using check valves and pressure differentials, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system self-regulates fuel distribution based on pressure differences, making it completely hands-free and significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If fuel is stored in multiple fuel tanks to increase capacity, then fuel storage quantity is improved, but weight balance and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel storage capacityVSAvoidweight balance management

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically maintains weight balance by equalizing fuel levels between multiple tanks using check valves and pressure differentials. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring and adjustment of fuel distribution, allowing operators to simply fill the tanks without worrying about weight balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for balanced fuel usage between multiple fuel tanks, eliminating the need for a fuel exchange cock and maintaining equal fuel levels, thereby simplifying operation and ensuring weight balance in work vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a first check valve installed on the first fuel supply line to open in accordance with a pressure differential between pressure in the first fuel tank and pressure in the junction; a second check valve installed on the second fuel supply line to open in accordance with a pressure differential between pressure in the second fuel tank and pressure in the junction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a fuel pump in the common supply line, the fuel pump supplying fuel from the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank to the diesel engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a fuel return line that returns excess fuel from the diesel engine to the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9976524B2Diesel work vehicle with duel fuel tanks

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A work vehicle is provided with fuel supply lines that include a first fuel supply line that connects a first fuel tank and a junction. A second fuel supply line connects a second fuel tank and the junction. A common supply line connects the junction and a diesel engine. A fuel pump is provided on the common supply line. A first check valve is installed on the first fuel supply line and opens in accordance with a pressure differential between a pressure in the first fuel tank and a pressure in the junction. A second check valve is installed on the second fuel supply line and opens in accordance with a pressure differential between a pressure in the second fuel tank and a pressure in the junction. A fuel return line returns excess fuel from the diesel engine to the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank.