Modular Fuel Storage System Integrating Vehicle Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel storage systems for vehicles, particularly those using compressed gaseous fuels, are costly, complex, and occupy valuable interior and trunk space due to their component configuration and mounting requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular fuel storage system comprising a container, cover, storage tanks, and fuel fill and delivery lines, where the container defines an interior space and the cover engages to form part of the vehicle's floor, allowing for efficient storage and delivery of gaseous fuels while minimizing space usage and simplifying installation by being assembled as a pre-certified drop-in assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional storage tanks and mounting systems are used for compressed gaseous fuels, then the fuel can be stored at elevated pressure, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is divided into separate functional components: a removable storage tank, a mounting system with coupling connectors, and a vehicle integrated fuel delivery system. This segmentation allows the tank to be manufactured and tested independently, then installed as a modular unit, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining storage reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system and coupling connectors are designed to be universal interfaces that can accommodate different tank configurations and connect to various vehicle fuel delivery systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom-designed mounting solutions for each application, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
2Reliability
If traditional storage tank systems are used, then fuel storage is achieved, but interior cabin volume or trunk volume is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank and mounting system are designed to utilize vertical space and three-dimensional volume more efficiently within the vehicle chassis. By optimizing the tank shape and mounting position, the system fits into available spaces that do not encroach on interior cabin or trunk volume, effectively moving the storage solution into underutilized dimensional spaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If fuel storage system components are distributed separately, then flexibility is maintained, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank, mounting brackets, coupling connectors, and associated hardware are pre-assembled into an integrated fuel storage assembly. This merged unit can be installed as a single package in the vehicle, maintaining installation flexibility while dramatically reducing assembly complexity compared to installing separate components
Data Source
AI summary
A modular fuel storage system can include a container, a cover, a storage tank and fuel fill and delivery lines. The container can define an interior space therein and the cover can be configured to engage the container to enclose the interior space. The storage tank can be configured to store and selectively deliver a gaseous fuel. The fuel fill and fuel delivery lines can each be fluidly connected to the storage tank. The fill and delivery lines can each have a coupling connector extending external to the container and terminating in a recess formed in an exterior of the container. The modular fuel storage system can be configured to be assembled in the vehicle such that the cover forms a portion of a floor of the vehicle.