Modular Mobile Fuel Delivery System for Off-Road Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel delivery and distribution methods for outdoor events are inefficient, unsafe, and inflexible, particularly in areas inaccessible to traditional tanker trucks, leading to logistical challenges and environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, modular fuel delivery system comprising a self-propelled multi-wheeled vehicle with a fuel tank, hydraulic lift, and retractable hose, allowing for flexible and efficient fuel distribution to off-road locations with minimal impact, using customizable components and a flexible intake channel for navigation through crowded spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional tanker trucks are used for fuel delivery, then large amounts of fuel can be delivered to centralized locations, but the trucks cannot access off-road locations and require significant logistical coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is divided into modular components: a self-propelled vehicle unit, detachable fuel tanks, and portable distribution equipment. This segmentation allows the system to deliver fuel to off-road locations by breaking down the delivery process into transportable modules that can be manually positioned where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate fuel storage points and portable distribution equipment as mediators between the self-propelled vehicle and final fuel recipients. These intermediaries enable fuel transfer in locations inaccessible to traditional tanker trucks while maintaining efficient delivery capabilities.
2Reliability
If fuel is delivered in advance to centralized locations, then fuel supply is secured, but safety hazards increase and space requirements expand
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static centralized fuel storage to dynamic mobile fuel delivery. The self-propelled vehicle with detachable tanks can move fuel delivery points closer to end users, reducing the need for large centralized storage areas and associated safety hazards while maintaining reliable supply through on-demand delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fuel storage function from fixed centralized locations and places it in mobile, controlled containers on the self-propelled vehicle. This extraction reduces the permanent presence of fuel hazards at event locations while maintaining supply reliability through controlled, movable storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual containers are used for fuel distribution, then fuel can be delivered to discrete locations, but the process becomes highly inefficient and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The self-propelled vehicle is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: transporting fuel, serving as a mobile storage unit, and providing on-site distribution through attached equipment. This multi-functionality enables efficient delivery to multiple discrete locations without requiring separate systems for each task, maintaining both adaptability and productivity.
4Quantity of substance
If onsite fuel tanks are used, then fuel storage capacity is increased, but they take up large amounts of space and disturb the land
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is segmented into multiple smaller, mobile tanks rather than one large fixed tank. These smaller tanks can be transported by the self-propelled vehicle and positioned close to where fuel is needed, providing adequate storage capacity while minimizing permanent land disturbance and space occupation at any single location.
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
Enables rapid, time-efficient, and low-impact fuel delivery to diverse locations, reducing safety hazards and environmental impact while improving logistical flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power-driven pump unit with an electric motor, having an intake port and an outtake port
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic lift arm having a lift cage
Data Source
AI summary
A low-impact and modular mobile fuel delivery apparatus is disclosed with a self-propelled unit, a pump unit, and a tank unit. The self-propelled unit is adapted to minimally impact the terrain over which it travels and includes a lift for carrying the pump unit and for moving the pump unit between first and second heights. The pump unit includes a pump for drawing fuel from the tank unit and for supplying fuel to a retractable fuel-delivery hose.