Fuel Cell Vehicle Layout for Low Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle-ride type vehicles with fuel cells face stability issues due to the fuel cell's higher weight positioning it above the fuel tank, leading to a high center of gravity, which impairs the vehicle's stability and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design positions the fuel tank and fuel cell juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction with the secondary cell below them, and the controller is placed below the fuel cell and tank, reducing the center of gravity and preventing component contact, while using a protective member and frame unit to enhance stability and assembly accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fuel cell is disposed above the fuel tank, then the fuel cell can be installed in a compact arrangement, but the center of gravity is positioned high, impairing vehicle stability and maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (fuel cell above fuel tank) to a longitudinal linear arrangement (fuel tank - fuel cell - secondary cell in sequence along the vehicle length). This dimensional change allows the heavy fuel cell to be positioned forward rather than elevated, lowering the center of gravity while maintaining compact installation through optimized longitudinal spacing.
2Volume of moving object
If the fuel cell and fuel tank are positioned close together, then space is saved, but the risk of harmful contact between hydrogen and electrical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective member (shielding structure) positioned between the fuel tank containing hydrogen and the electrical components (secondary cell, controller). This intermediary barrier prevents direct contact between hydrogen and electrical components while allowing the fuel cell and fuel tank to be positioned close together for space efficiency. The protective member acts as a physical mediator that eliminates the harmful interaction risk.
3Loss of time
If the controller is disposed close to the fuel cell for short wiring, then electrical connection efficiency is improved, but the risk of controller contact with hydrogen increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member extends to shield not only the fuel tank but also the controller and secondary cell from hydrogen contact. This allows the controller to be positioned close to the fuel cell for minimal wiring length while the protective member acts as an intermediary barrier, preventing hydrogen from reaching the electrical components and eliminating the contact risk.
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 lowers the center of gravity, improves stability, and reduces the risk of component contact, allowing the vehicle to travel more stably and facilitating easier installation of electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell unit supported on the vehicle body frame... a fuel cell that generates electric power based on a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
a secondary cell that is charged with electric power from the fuel cell unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A two-wheeled motor vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; a rear wheel unit swingably supported on the vehicle body frame; a fuel cell unit (36) supported on the vehicle body frame; a fuel tank (43) extending rearwardly from the fuel cell unit (36) over the rear wheel unit; and a secondary cell (52) that is charged with electric power from the fuel cell unit (36) and disposed below the fuel cell unit (36) and the fuel tank (43).