Fuel Delivery Vessel Connection Layout for Accessible Tank Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency and effectiveness of delivery vehicles for transporting and delivering fluid commodities, such as propane, are limited by the ease and efficiency of fluid connections, which are often hindered by the size of the cargo tank and economic factors.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a vessel with optimized fluid connections, including vapor and liquid fill connection assemblies, and a conduit system that positions these connections for improved accessibility and routing, allowing for efficient fluid exchange and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the cargo tank size is increased to improve delivery capacity, then the quantity of fluid that can be transported increases, but the vehicle size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cargo storage into multiple separate tanks (first cargo tank and second cargo tank) with different capacities. This allows the vehicle to maintain smaller individual tank sizes while achieving high total delivery capacity by making multiple trips between the terminal and delivery locations.
2Quantity of substance
If the cargo tank size is increased to improve delivery capacity, then the quantity of fluid that can be transported increases, but the ease of operation decreases due to limited accessibility of fluid connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system positions fluid connections and discharge points at multiple vertical heights on the vehicle. The first cargo tank has its discharge point at a first height while the second cargo tank has its discharge point at a second height, allowing operators to access connections at different levels and improving operational ease.
3Productivity
If multiple cargo tanks are used to improve delivery efficiency, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with multiple fluid connections of the same type (vapor connections and liquid connections) that can interface with standard terminal equipment. This universal design allows the system to handle multiple cargo tanks with standardized procedures, reducing operational complexity despite having multiple tanks.
Data Source
AI summary
Fuel delivery vessels and vehicles are described. Some embodiments include nozzles for access by an operator. Some embodiments include optimized size and material characteristics. Some embodiments include various dispensing systems.