Hydrogen Tank Layout in Autonomous Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working vehicles face challenges in optimally arranging hydrogen tanks for autonomous or command-based travel, which is crucial for efficient operation and decarbonization.
Innovation Solution
The working vehicle is designed with tanks located at the front or rear portions of the travel vehicle body, featuring a tubular shape extending in the vehicle-body width or front-rear direction, and includes a fuel cell and battery system for generating driving force, with a controller for autonomous or command-based travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tank is arranged in the travel vehicle body for autonomous or command-based travel, then the working vehicle can operate with decarbonized fuel, but the optimal arrangement of the tank becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by extending the tank in the vehicle width direction rather than only in the length direction. This allows the tank to utilize the width dimension of the vehicle body, achieving optimal arrangement without increasing vehicle length and simplifying the overall layout complexity
2Quantity of substance
If the tank extends in the vehicle width direction to match the vehicle body width, then the tank capacity is maximized, but the vehicle body width must be sufficiently large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by making the tank extendable in the vehicle width direction with a flexible or adjustable structure. This allows the tank to adapt to different vehicle body widths, maximizing gas storage capacity while accommodating variations in vehicle dimensions
3Quantity of substance
If multiple tanks are arranged in the front-rear direction, then the gas storage capacity increases, but the vehicle length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from a one-dimensional (front-rear) arrangement to a two-dimensional arrangement that utilizes the vehicle width direction. This allows multiple tanks to be arranged side-by-side rather than end-to-end, increasing gas storage capacity without proportionally increasing vehicle length
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 arrangement optimally positions the tanks, ensuring weight balance and maintainability, while enabling efficient decarbonized operation through hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell to generate electric power using a gas in the at least one tank
Implementation Method 2
a battery to store electric power generated by the fuel cell
Data Source
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AI summary
It is possible to optimally arrange tank(s) in a travel vehicle body that travels autonomously or based on an external command. A working vehicle (1) of the present invention includes a travel vehicle body (2) to travel in response to an external command and to attach a working device (49) thereto, a drive device (5) provided in or on the travel vehicle body (2) to generate a driving force for the travel vehicle body (2), at least one tank (7) to store a gas which is an energy source of the driving force, a controller (70) to control travel of the travel vehicle body (2) autonomously or based on an external command. The at least one tank is provided at least partially at a front portion or a rear portion of the travel vehicle body (2).