Low-profile liquid storage tank undulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grounds maintenance vehicles, such as lawn mowers, face challenges in accommodating large fuel storage tanks due to limited space, leading to aesthetically undesirable tank heights or shallow tanks that are difficult to fill, especially in compact designs like stand-on mowers.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile liquid storage tank with an interior upper surface defining an access port and an interior lower surface featuring a fluid impingement portion with undulations, which redirects incoming liquid fuel to reduce splash-back during filling without compromising fill rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the tank height is increased to maximize storage volume, then the fuel storage capacity is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional tall vertical tank to a low-profile tank that extends horizontally along the vehicle frame. This dimensional reorientation allows the tank to achieve sufficient fuel capacity by utilizing the longitudinal space along the frame rather than vertical space, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while maximizing storage volume.
2Shape
If the tank height is decreased to improve aesthetic appearance, then the visual appeal is improved, but the fillability deteriorates due to shallow depth
Solution Approach 1:
The tank design extends in the longitudinal dimension along the vehicle frame to compensate for the reduced vertical dimension. This horizontal extension provides adequate fill depth and volume while maintaining a low profile that improves aesthetic appearance and allows the vehicle to pass under obstacles.
3Area of stationary object
If the tank is positioned over the drive wheel to utilize available space, then the space utilization is improved, but the tank profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stacking the tank vertically over the drive wheel, the patent positions the tank horizontally along the vehicle frame in the longitudinal direction. This repositioning utilizes the available longitudinal space without increasing the vertical profile height, thereby maintaining both effective space utilization and an aesthetically pleasing low profile.
4Shape
If the tank is made shallow to maintain low profile, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the fill rate decreases due to difficulty in filling
Solution Approach 1:
The tank design compensates for reduced vertical depth by extending horizontally along the vehicle frame. This longitudinal extension provides sufficient fill depth and volume, ensuring that the fill rate and ease of operation are maintained while preserving the aesthetically pleasing low profile appearance.
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
The solution allows for efficient fuel storage with reduced splash-back and maintains a low profile, enabling extended operation without the need for aesthetically undesirable tank heights, while ensuring easy filling and maximizing storage volume.
Implementation Method 1
an interior lower surface having a fluid impingement portion positioned vertically below the access port, the impingement portion including two or more undulations formed in or on the lower surface of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile liquid storage tank and vehicles incorporating same. An exemplary low-profile liquid storage tank may define an interior volume having an upper surface that defines an access port, and a lower surface that includes a fluid impingement portion positioned below the access port. The impingement portion may include two or more undulations formed in or on the lower surface of the tank, the undulations adapted to assist with reducing splash-back of fluid added to the tank through the access port.