Modular Fuel Storage Apparatus for Forestry Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel storage equipment for forestry machines is unsuitable for remote and harsh environments, failing to meet national and international standards and posing challenges in handling and inspection due to its design.
Innovation Solution
A modular fuel storage apparatus with a removable lid, grab bar, and robust construction to facilitate handling and inspection, meeting UN ADR standards, featuring a fuel storage tank made from rigid plastic and a manifold arrangement that can be easily replaced, and a tool cupboard for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fuel storage equipment is used, then the equipment can store fuel, but it is difficult to handle and inspect in remote forestry locations
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage equipment is divided into separable components: a bund (outer housing), a removable lid, and a fuel storage tank. This segmentation allows the tank to be independently removed for inspection or replacement without moving the entire apparatus, significantly improving ease of operation in remote locations while maintaining structural integrity through the robust bund construction.
2Reliability
If the fuel storage tank is permanently enclosed, then the structure is robust, but inspection requires removing the entire apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into a permanent bund structure and a removable lid assembly. The bund provides robust structural integrity and compliance with containment standards, while the lid can be detached to provide direct access to the fuel storage tank for inspection. This allows the tank to remain securely enclosed during operation but be easily accessible when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel storage tank is extracted as a separate, removable component from the bund assembly. The tank can be taken out through the removable lid for inspection, cleaning, or replacement without disturbing the permanent bund structure, thereby maintaining structural integrity while improving inspection accessibility.
3Reliability
If conventional fuel storage equipment is used, then it can store fuel, but it does not meet UN ADR standards for forestry environments
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to fulfill multiple functions: it provides secure fuel storage compliant with UN ADR standards through the bund construction, enables easy transport via the grab bar interface, allows inspection through removable lid access, and ensures safety with flame arrestor fittings. This multi-functionality makes the equipment universally suitable for forestry environments while meeting regulatory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the apparatus have specialized properties tailored to specific requirements: the bund provides enhanced containment and structural strength for safety compliance, the lid offers removable access for inspection, the grab bar provides secure handling interfaces, and the flame arrestor fittings ensure fire safety. These localized quality enhancements make the equipment adaptable to various forestry operational conditions while meeting standards.
4Device complexity
If the lid is permanently attached, then the structure is simpler, but the fuel storage tank cannot be easily accessed for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed as a separable component rather than being permanently attached to the bund. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling the lid to be removed for tank access. The lid can be reattached after inspection, providing a balance between structural integrity and operational flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel storage apparatus (10) for forestry machines comprises a fuel storage tank (14) and an outer housing (12) configured to house the fuel storage tank (14) therein. The outer housing (12) is constructed from a metallic material. The fuel storage tank (14) is constructed from a plastic material. The fuel storage apparatus (10) further comprises a lid (24), the lid (24) and the outer housing (12) together forming an enclosure for housing the fuel storage tank (14). The lid (24) is detachably or pivotably coupled to the outer housing (12) so as to permit access to and/or removal of the fuel storage tank (14). The fuel storage apparatus (10) further comprises a grab bar (16) configured to facilitate handling of the fuel storage apparatus (10) by a forestry machine or other handling equipment.