Hydrogen Tank Placement in Wheel Loader Cabin Rear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel loaders with diesel engines are not optimized for alternative energy sources like hydrogen, posing challenges in space utilization, safety, and maintenance accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The machine is designed with a hydrogen fuel system where tanks are positioned between the cabin and the rear engine compartment, allowing for optimal space use, low center of gravity, and enhanced safety, with cameras and sensors addressing field of vision limitations, and a protective cladding minimizing ignition risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydrogen tank is arranged between the cabin and the rear engine compartment, then the center of gravity is lowered and safety is improved, but the field of vision of the machine operator to the rear is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cameras and sensors as intermediary devices to compensate for the restricted field of vision caused by the hydrogen tank placement. These devices capture visual information from areas blocked by the tank and transmit it to the operator, effectively mediating between the tank's physical presence and the operator's need for visibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the tank is arranged between the cabin and the rear engine compartment, then the installation space is optimally utilized and external dimensions are retained, but the accessibility for maintenance and repair work is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydrogen storage system into multiple separate tanks rather than using a single large tank. This segmentation allows the tanks to be arranged in a compact configuration that optimizes space utilization while creating access pathways for maintenance personnel to reach individual tanks and components more easily.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the tank is positioned to maximize hydrogen storage capacity, then the period of use without refueling is extended, but the risk of ignition from hot components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydrogen tanks from the engine compartment area and positions them in the space between the cabin and rear engine compartment. This separation removes the hydrogen storage system from the zone with hot components and potential ignition sources, thereby reducing ignition risk while maintaining adequate storage capacity for extended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the restricted field of vision caused by the tank placement as a beneficial constraint that naturally positions the tanks away from the engine compartment and hot components. The same spatial arrangement that limits visibility also creates safe separation from ignition sources, converting a operational disadvantage into a safety advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine, in particular wheel loader, with a cabin for the operator of the machine and with an engine compartment arranged behind the cabin, wherein the machine has a drive, which is operable using hydrogen or using energy obtained from hydrogen and wherein one or more tanks are present for receiving hydrogen, wherein the tank or tanks is/are arranged between the cabin and the rear of the machine in a hydrogen fuel system.