Hydrogen Tank Chassis Layout for Impact-Protected Handling Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handling machines with fuel cell systems do not provide effective protection against shocks and fires, which are major causes of hydrogen tank explosions.

Innovation Solution

The hydrogen tank is housed within the chassis between two longitudinal side members, with the hydrogen-consuming equipment located in a separate compartment, and critical supply line portions are housed within the chassis to enhance protection against impacts and leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hydrogen is stored in a tank on a handling machine, then hydrogen can be transported and processed, but the tank may move unintentionally during handling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling operationVSAvoidtank position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is divided into multiple independent restraint members (first restraint member, second restraint member, third restraint member) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each restraint member can be separately operated to secure the tank at different locations on the handling machine, allowing flexible constraint of tank movement without requiring a single complex restraint mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tank is secured with restraint members, then tank movement is prevented, but the restraint members may interfere with each other during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank positionVSAvoidrestraint member installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint members are designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing them to be dynamically positioned during installation and operation. The restraint members can be moved to different positions and orientations to accommodate the tank's location and shape, enabling easy installation while maintaining effective restraint. This dynamic adjustability prevents interference between restraint members during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple restraint members are used to secure the tank, then tank stability is improved, but the complexity of the restraint system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank positionVSAvoidrestraint system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each restraint member is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple restraint operations through different positions and orientations. The restraint members can be adjusted to restrain the tank at various locations and angles, providing comprehensive stabilization without requiring a large number of specialized components. This universal design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective tank restraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4490095B1Handling machine comprising a tank intended to contain hydrogen
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 MANITOU BF SA
  • EP4490095B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4490095B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4490095B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling machine (1) comprising: - a chassis (2) having a median longitudinal axis (X) and comprising two longitudinal side rail members (6, 7) extending one on each side of the median longitudinal axis (X); - a load-handling device which is mounted with the ability to move on the chassis (2); - a driving cab (11) which is fixed to the chassis (2) and is positioned on a first side of the chassis (2) relative to the median longitudinal axis (X) of the chassis (2); and - at least one tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56) intended to contain hydrogen and housed in the chassis (2) between the two longitudinal side rail members (6, 7).