Sewer Vehicle Tank Lid Layout for Higher Capacity in Tight Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sewer jetting vehicles face challenges in maximizing storage capacity for water and cleaning sludge while maintaining a compact design, especially when operating in cramped spaces and transitioning between distant points.

Innovation Solution

A sewer jetting vehicle with a storage tank featuring a tilting cover mechanism, including locking and implementation means that allow the cover to transition between closed and open positions, optimizing storage capacity by minimizing external projections and maximizing internal volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the storage tank volume is increased to maximize water and sludge capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the vehicle dimensions and space requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidvehicle dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lid locking mechanism is nested within the lid structure itself, with locking cylinders and latches integrated into the lid's thickness rather than protruding externally. This nesting approach allows the storage tank to achieve maximum volume without the vehicle dimensions being increased by external locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If external locking means are positioned on the lid, then the locking function is improved, but the external projections increase the vehicle's overall dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidexternal projections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking cylinders and latches are nested within the lid structure, with the locking means positioned inside the lid's thickness. The latches engage with the tank body from within the lid, eliminating external projections that would increase the vehicle's overall dimensions while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from a traditional external side-view arrangement to an internal top-view arrangement. The locking cylinders are oriented perpendicular to the lid surface, with pistons moving in the vertical dimension rather than horizontally, allowing the locking function to be achieved without external lateral projections.

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

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

The solution enables increased storage capacity and greater autonomy for sewer jetting vehicles, allowing for efficient transportation of cleaning water and sludge, while maintaining a compact size and minimizing space encroachment.

Implementation Method 1

the locking means include a first series of cylinders of which one cylinder of each cylinder is mounted movable to tilt on the external face of the hinged lid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3815969B1Sewer-cleaning vehicle comprising an optimised storage tank
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 HUWER HLDG
  • EP3815969B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3815969B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3815969B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The hydrojetting vehicle includes a storage tank (3) comprising, along a longitudinal axis, a tank bottom (30), a shell (31) and a hinged lid (4), means for implementing (5,40) the hinged lid, allowing it to pass between closed and open positions, and means for locking (6) the lid in the closed position, the means for implementing and locking means are positioned projecting from an external face (45) of the hinged lid.