Dual Fuel Tank System for Compact Heavy-Duty Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel tank systems for compact heavy-duty machines, such as tractors, are inadequately sized to meet the operational fuel requirements, leading to frequent refueling needs and reduced productivity due to insufficient fuel storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A dual fuel tank system is designed with a pair of support plates and upper/lower brackets on the engine enclosure, allowing for the securement of two fuel tanks, along with a fuel supply manifold and shut-off valves, and integrated fuel level sensors connected to a controller and display device for efficient fuel management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional single fuel tank system is used on compact heavy-duty machines, then the machine structure remains compact and simple, but the fuel storage capacity is insufficient to meet operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank system is divided into multiple separate fuel tanks (typically two tanks) instead of using a single large tank. Each tank is mounted independently on opposite sides of the machine frame, allowing the system to achieve greater total fuel capacity while maintaining a compact overall structure that fits within the machine's existing spatial constraints.
2Quantity of substance
If the fuel tank size is increased to meet extended operational requirements, then fuel storage capacity improves, but the machine's frame space utilization becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the volume of a single fuel tank in three-dimensional space, the system uses multiple smaller tanks distributed across the available frame space. This dimensional redistribution allows the total fuel capacity to increase while each individual tank remains compact enough to fit within the machine's existing structural envelope.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a dual fuel tank system is implemented to increase fuel capacity, then operational duration extends, but the support structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets and mounting structures are designed to serve multiple functions: they securely attach the fuel tanks to the frame, provide structural support, and integrate with the existing machine geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite the dual-tank configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual fuel tank system for a machine having a frame and an engine enclosure mounted on a rear portion of the frame includes a pair of support plates located at the rear portion of the frame and welded onto a pair of sides of the frame. Further, the dual fuel system also includes a pair of upper and lower support brackets secured onto each side of the engine enclosure. Furthermore, the dual fuel system also includes a pair of fuel tanks disposed on the pair of sides of the engine enclosure. Each fuel tank is releasably secured onto the support plate and an associated pair of the upper and lower support brackets.