Modular Vehicle Liquid Tank Layout for Multi-Model Space Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid tank systems for vehicles lack versatility and efficiency, as they are often designed for specific vehicle models and require separate tanks for different liquids, leading to space inefficiencies and increased manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A modular liquid tank arrangement comprising two fluidly connectable tank volumes that can form a single combined or separate tank volume, allowing for flexible installation and use in various vehicle models, with permanently sealed inlets and outlets to accommodate different liquids and optimize space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate tanks are used for different liquids in specific vehicle models, then each liquid can be stored separately, but space efficiency decreases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different vehicle modelsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tank system is divided into multiple separable tank portions (first tank portion, second tank portion) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each portion to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the capability to form different configurations for various vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tank arrangement is designed as a universal system that can function in multiple configurations: tanks can be connected to form a single combined volume or separated to store different liquids independently. The standardized coupling mechanisms enable the same tank portions to be used across different vehicle models, achieving versatility without increasing manufacturing complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate tanks are used for different liquids, then each liquid can be stored separately, but space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for different liquidsVSAvoidspace efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Tank portions are designed to nest within each other when separated, with one tank portion fitting inside or alongside another. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization by eliminating dead spaces and optimizing the overall volume occupied by the tank system, while still allowing separate storage of different liquids when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The tank portions utilize vertical space by arranging tanks in different spatial dimensions. Tanks can be positioned one above another or arranged in three-dimensional configurations that efficiently use available space while maintaining the capability to store different liquids separately or combine them into a larger volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If tanks are designed for specific vehicle models, then they fit particular purposes, but they cannot be used for other vehicle models

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit for specific vehicle modelVSAvoidusability across vehicle models
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tank system employs universal coupling mechanisms and standardized connection interfaces that allow the same tank portions to be installed in multiple different vehicle models. The tanks can be configured to work with various mounting arrangements and liquid handling systems, ensuring reliable performance across different vehicle applications without requiring model-specific customizations.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4410581A1A liquid tank arrangement for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising the liquid tank arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP4410581A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4410581A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4410581A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure relates to liquid tank arrangement (1) for a vehicle (2). The liquid tank arrangement (1) comprises at least a first tank volume (12) and a second tank volume (14) fluidly connectable to each other. The at least first and second tank volumes (12, 14) form a single combined tank volume (16) when fluidly connected to each other. The at least first and second tank volumes (12, 14) form fluidly separate first and second tank volumes (12, 14) when fluidly disconnected from each other. The disclosure also relates to vehicle (2) comprising the liquid tank arrangement (1).