Modular Oil Tank Segmentation for Storage Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oil tanks require multiple sizes to accommodate different types of equipment, leading to inefficient storage and the need for splash shields to prevent oil sloshing during vehicle transport.

Innovation Solution

Modular oil tank design where identical, small-sized tank modules can be assembled into varying-sized oil tanks, eliminating the need for multiple storage sizes and incorporating a fluid line system to maintain fluid level and prevent sloshing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different sizes of oil tanks are used to accommodate different types of equipment, then the adaptability to various equipment requirements is improved, but the storage space requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to equipment requirementsVSAvoidstorage space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The oil tank system is divided into multiple identical modular tank units that can be assembled in different configurations. Each module has standardized connection interfaces, allowing them to be linked together to create oil tanks of various capacities suitable for different equipment types, while all modules can be stored in a compact, uniform manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single standardized tank module design serves multiple functions and applications. The same basic module can be used to create oil tanks of different sizes by varying the number of modules assembled, eliminating the need to maintain inventory of multiple different-sized tank types for different equipment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If larger oil tanks are used to meet storage requirements, then the storage capacity is improved, but the need for splash shields increases to prevent oil sloshing during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the oil storage into multiple smaller modular units rather than using a single large tank, the oil volume in each individual module remains relatively small. This eliminates the need for splash shields in each module while still achieving the required total storage capacity when modules are assembled together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If identical small-sized tank modules are assembled into varying-sized oil tanks, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized connection interfaces and coupling mechanisms are designed into each tank module, enabling simple and repeatable assembly procedures. The modules can be easily linked together through standardized connections to form oil tanks of various sizes, reducing assembly complexity despite the modular approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2685108B1Oil tank
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 HYVA HLDG BV
  • EP2685108B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6

AI summary

The invention concerns an oil tank for use in a hydraulic system mounted as auxiliary equipment on a vehicle comprising a wall enclosing a storage volume. In accordance with the invention the oil tank comprises two or more identical tank modules (1) mounted side by side against each other whereby a first fluid line connects the upper part of adjacent tank modules and a second fluid line connects the lower part of adjacent tank modules.