Portable Fuel Tank Segmentation for Secure Engine Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable fuel tanks are heavy and difficult to handle, often leading to frequent refueling needs and fuel spillage when transferring fuel to small integrated tanks on equipment with combustible engines, as they require manual lifting and positioning, which can be challenging for individuals with limited physical ability.
Innovation Solution
A portable fuel tank designed to be directly coupled to combustible engines, featuring a one-way vent valve, vent-less fuel cap with an integral fuel line, locking tabs, and handles for easy transportation and secure attachment, allowing for efficient fuel transfer without the need for manual handling of a separate fuel container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a portable fuel tank is used to refuel equipment, then fuel capacity is increased, but the tank becomes heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The portable fuel tank system is divided into two separate tanks that can be coupled together. The first tank (larger capacity) can be secured to the equipment, while the second tank (smaller, lighter) is easier to handle and transport. This segmentation allows the system to provide increased fuel capacity while maintaining ease of handling for the lighter second tank.
2Quantity of substance
If manual refueling from a portable tank is performed, then fuel transfer is possible, but fuel spillage occurs and physical effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The two portable fuel tanks are designed to be coupled together to form an integrated fuel system. The first tank includes a fuel outlet that connects to the second tank, allowing fuel to transfer automatically between tanks through gravity flow without manual handling or pouring. This merging eliminates fuel spillage and reduces physical effort required for refueling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled tank system enables self-service fuel transfer where fuel automatically flows from the first tank to the second tank through integrated fuel lines and outlets. The system serves itself by using gravity-driven fuel flow rather than requiring manual pouring or pumping, thereby eliminating spillage and reducing operational complexity.
3Loss of time
If a single large portable fuel tank is used, then refueling frequency is reduced, but handling and transportation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is segmented into a first larger tank and a second smaller tank that can be used in combination. The second tank can be easily transported to the equipment location, then coupled to the first tank that remains at or near the equipment. This segmentation maintains ease of transportation for the lighter second tank while achieving reduced refueling frequency through the combined capacity of both tanks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and secure fueling of equipment with combustible engines by eliminating the need for manual handling of heavy fuel containers, reducing fuel spillage and increasing operational convenience by allowing direct coupling and efficient fuel transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The top of the body includes a one-way vent valve operably coupled thereto
Implementation Method 2
the vent-less fuel cap includes a fuel pick-up line integrally formed therewith that is configured to extract fuel from the interior volume of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A portable fuel tank that is configured to be operably secured to an apparatus having a combustible engine so as to provide fuel for the operation thereof. The portable fuel tank includes a body having walls, top and a bottom integrally formed to create an interior volume for receiving and storing fuel. The body has a one-way valve secured to the top thereof. A fuel cap is hermetically sealed to the body and includes a fuel pickup line operably coupled thereto. The fuel transfer line is fluidly coupled to the machine having the combustible engine and includes a one-way valve and a quick connect assembly. Locking tabs are provided to secure a first portable tank to a second portable tank. A mateable fastener is formed in the body of the tank and is configured to be releasably secured to a mateable fastener on the machine.