Removable Hydrogen Tank Shell and Shuttle for Fast Vehicle Refueling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrogen-powered electric vehicles face challenges with cumbersome and heavy removable tanks that are difficult to handle and require complex infrastructure for refueling, limiting their range and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A removable hydrogen tank design with a lateral protective shell and ergonomic handles, coupled with a shuttle system on an inclined rail, facilitates easy manual handling and integration into vehicles, allowing refueling through tank exchange even in areas without dedicated stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a removable hydrogen tank is designed for vehicle operation, then refueling time is reduced through tank replacement, but the tank becomes heavy and difficult to handle manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling timeVSAvoidtank handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A telescopic arm acts as an intermediary mechanical device between the tank and the user. The arm is integrated into the vehicle structure and can extend to support the tank's weight, allowing a single person to safely handle and replace the heavy tank without direct manual lifting, thus resolving the contradiction between quick refueling and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic arm provides counterbalancing support to offset the tank's weight. By positioning the arm to support the tank during removal and installation, the system effectively counteracts the gravitational force on the heavy tank, making it manageable for manual operation while maintaining fast refueling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Ease of operation

If a telescopic arm system is added to assist tank removal, then tank handling becomes easier, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank handlingVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic arm is designed to serve multiple functions: it structurally integrates with the vehicle body, provides mechanical support for tank handling, and can potentially assist in other vehicle operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering benefits beyond single-purpose tank assistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic arm system is merged with the vehicle's existing structural elements rather than being a completely separate addition. By integrating the arm into the vehicle's framework and combining it with the tank mounting mechanism, the overall complexity is reduced compared to having independent separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tank is designed to be fully removable for manual handling, then refueling flexibility increases, but safety risks arise from handling heavy pressurized tanks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling flexibilityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic arm serves as a safety intermediary that reduces direct contact between the user and the heavy pressurized tank. By providing mechanical support during the critical removal and installation phases, the arm minimizes the risk of drops, injuries, or damage to the pressurized tank while maintaining refueling flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand support through the telescopic arm that is positioned to catch and support the tank before complete removal from the vehicle. This pre-positioned support cushioning prevents accidental drops or uncontrolled movements that could compromise safety during the refueling operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 safe, efficient, and flexible hydrogen refueling by enabling easy tank replacement and integration into vehicles, reducing infrastructure dependency and extending vehicle range.

Implementation Method 1

a shuttle (6) movably mounted on a rail (7), between a position for receiving said at least one tank (5) and a position for connecting said at least one tank (5) with said second connector (42)... an inclined rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250290606A1Removable tank for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, and vehicle provided with at least one such tank

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 ANNAJAH MOTORS

AI summary

A refillable removable tank for an electric motor vehicle, the tank having a body suitable for containing pressurized gas and a first delivery connector suitable for being associated with a second connector for a motor vehicle, the association of the first and second connectors allowing the pressurized gas to enter into and/or exit from the body of the tank. The body of the tank is elongated, has a body axis and is surrounded by a lateral protective shell that is coaxial with the body, which lateral protective shell has a handle for gripping the tank. The shell has at least two engagement elements which are aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of the body and are suitable for associating the shell with a shuttle for positioning the tank in the vehicle.