High-Voltage Cable Routing Through Fire Truck Tank and Torque Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighting vehicles with internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiency, environmental impact, and operational complexity, particularly in adapting to electrification without compromising performance or requiring significant operator training.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrified firefighting vehicle with a hybrid driveline system that integrates an electromechanical transmission, energy storage system, and high-voltage cable routing through vehicle components, allowing for seamless operation in various modes while maintaining the appearance and control layout of traditional vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage cables are routed through traditional chassis structures, then cable protection and structural integrity are maintained, but vehicle complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high voltage cable routing function with existing vehicle body structures (water tank, torque box, notches) to eliminate separate cable protection structures. The cables are integrated into the chassis design, reducing overall vehicle complexity while maintaining protection and structural integrity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrified components are distributed throughout the vehicle, then power management efficiency improves, but installation and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal routing paths through notches and existing structures that can accommodate high voltage cables regardless of specific component placement. This standardized approach simplifies installation and maintenance while allowing flexible distribution of electrified components for optimal power management.
3Ease of repair
If high voltage cables are routed along vehicle exterior surfaces, then cable accessibility for maintenance improves, but cable exposure to environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests high voltage cables within existing vehicle structures such as water tanks and torque boxes, or routes them through protected notches in the chassis. This nested routing provides environmental protection while maintaining reasonable accessibility for maintenance through designated access points.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified fire fighting vehicle includes a chassis, a first high voltage component, a second high voltage component, at least one of a torque box or a water tank supported by the chassis, and a high voltage cable. The chassis defines a longitudinal length of the electrified vehicle. The first high voltage component is positioned at a first location along the longitudinal length. The second high voltage component is positioned at a second location along the longitudinal length. The high voltage cable provides power between the first location and the second location. The high voltage cable is routed through one or more of the at least one of the torque box or the water tank, or the high voltage cable is routed along a notch defined by one or more of the at least one of the torque box or the water tank.