Modular Fuel Module Exchange for Low-Density Vehicle Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural and construction vehicles using lower energy dense fuels such as electricity, propane, or natural gas face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent refueling, which reduces productivity and requires more time and resources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular fueling system that allows vehicles to automatically exchange fuel modules with a remote fuel storage station, optimizing fuel replenishment based on fuel levels, proximity to the storage, and predicted fuel needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lower energy dense fuels (electricity, propane, natural gas) are used instead of gasoline or diesel, then environmental pollution is reduced, but fuel storage space increases and range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is divided into multiple modular fuel modules that can be independently stored, managed, and exchanged. Each module contains a portion of the total fuel capacity, allowing the system to maintain compact individual units while achieving total fuel capacity equivalent to or greater than conventional single-tank systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional fuel storage approach (one large tank) to a multi-dimensional approach by stacking multiple modular units in three-dimensional space. This allows efficient utilization of vehicle volume while maintaining accessibility and management flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lower energy dense fuels are used, then environmental pollution is reduced, but refueling frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple full fuel modules in the vehicle before operation begins. When fuel is consumed, the system automatically or manually swaps in pre-loaded modules, eliminating the need for time-consuming refueling operations and maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel module exchange system is designed to be self-service capable, allowing operators to quickly swap modules without requiring specialized refueling equipment or personnel. The modular design enables tool-free or minimal-tool exchanges that can be performed rapidly at the worksite.
3Quantity of substance
If frequent refueling stops are made to compensate for lower energy density, then fuel supply is maintained, but operational efficiency and production decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fuel supply into multiple modular units, the system eliminates the need for prolonged refueling stops. Operators can quickly exchange one module for another, reducing refueling time from minutes to seconds and minimizing operational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system facilitates rapid exchange of consumed fuel modules for full modules. Empty modules can be quickly removed and replaced with pre-loaded full modules, creating a continuous fuel supply cycle that minimizes downtime and maintains productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for automatically refueling a vehicle using fuel storage modules. The vehicle can comprise a vehicle-side fuel module storage that is coupled with a fuel manifold to provide fuel to the vehicle. A remote fuel storage can be located proximate the target operation for the vehicle. When a fuel loading event is identified, such as low fuel, the vehicle can transit to the remote fuel module storage. Once appropriately aligned, actuators can be used to automatically exchange fuel modules between the vehicle-side fuel module storage and the remote fuel module storage.