Fluid-Distribution Assembly for Safe On-Vehicle CNG Tank Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods require the removal of compressed natural gas tanks from vehicles before they can be repaired inside a facility, posing safety challenges and inefficiencies, as existing safety measures like flammable gas detection systems may not adequately address the issue.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a fluid-distribution assembly and controller that allows for the selective distribution of compressed natural gas between the tank and a fuel storage assembly, enabling the tank to remain on the vehicle during repairs without the need for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressed natural gas tank is removed from the vehicle before repair, then safety risks are reduced, but repair efficiency and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the fuel storage function into two independent components: the vehicle's onboard tank and the repair facility's external fuel storage assembly. This allows the tank to remain on the vehicle while safety concerns are addressed through external fueling infrastructure and controlled fluid distribution mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid distribution assembly acts as an intermediary system between the vehicle tank and the repair facility environment. This assembly includes controllable valves and connections that regulate fuel flow, enabling safe operation without requiring tank removal while maintaining safety through controlled distribution mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the compressed natural gas tank remains on the vehicle during repair, then repair efficiency improves, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution assembly serves as a safety intermediary by providing controlled connection and disconnection mechanisms between the vehicle tank and fueling infrastructure. This allows the tank to remain on the vehicle while safety is maintained through regulated fluid flow and isolated connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-contained operation where the vehicle's onboard tank serves its own fueling needs through the fluid distribution assembly, eliminating the need for external fuel storage on the repair vehicle while maintaining safety through controlled distribution.
3Reliability
If a flammable gas detection system is installed, then safety monitoring improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution assembly incorporates inherent safety features through its design, including controllable valves and isolated connection mechanisms that prevent unauthorized fuel flow. This self-regulating approach reduces reliance on additional detection systems while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-configured safety mechanisms in the fluid distribution assembly, such as controlled connection points and regulated flow paths, that prevent hazardous situations before they occur, reducing the need for complex detection and response systems.
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
Enables safe and efficient repair of compressed natural gas vehicles by allowing the tank to remain on the vehicle, reducing safety risks and improving repair facility operations.
Implementation Method 1
The controllable components are configured to selectively distribute, under control by way of the controller assembly, a fluid flow of a compressed natural gas between the first compressed-natural-gas tank and the fuel storage assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-distribution assembly has controllable components. The fluid-distribution assembly also has a vehicle-fuelling connection configured to be selectively connectable to a first compressed-natural-gas tank of a first compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicle. The fluid-distribution assembly also has a fuel-storage connection configured to be selectively connectable to a fuel storage assembly. The fluid-distribution assembly is configured to be electrically connected to a controller assembly. The controller assembly is configured to monitor and control operations of the controllable components of the fluid-distribution assembly. The controllable components of the fluid-distribution assembly are configured to selectively distribute, under control by way of the controller assembly, a fluid flow of a compressed natural gas between the first compressed-natural-gas tank and the fuel storage assembly.