Pressurized Fluid Reservoir Assembly With Shared Valve and Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressurized fluid storage systems for vehicles require multiple smaller tanks due to limited space, leading to bulkiness and excessive weight, particularly from separate solenoid valves, which hinder optimal space utilization and increase the overall weight of the system.

Innovation Solution

A modular storage and distribution system with integrated functional components and shared solenoid valve, optimized tank arrangement, and integrated venting mechanisms, using a single vent to atmosphere, and a load-bearing structure for connection and support, reducing the number of valves and enhancing space efficiency and weight reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple smaller tanks are installed to increase storage capacity in limited space, then storage capacity is improved, but the bulk of functional components prevents optimal space utilization and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsystem weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple tanks into a single integrated tank structure with multiple compartments, eliminating the need for separate functional components for each tank. This merging approach reduces the total number of solenoid valves and other components, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining the required storage capacity through the multi-compartment design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple smaller tanks are installed to increase storage capacity in limited space, then storage capacity is improved, but the bulk of functional components prevents optimal space utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidspace footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple tanks into a single integrated structure with multiple compartments, which consolidates the functional components into one location. This reduces the overall space footprint by eliminating the need for separate functional components distributed across multiple tank locations, while the multi-compartment design maintains the required storage capacity within the available space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a single large-capacity tank is used to maximize storage, then space utilization is improved, but the available space is not compatible with integration of a single large tank

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tank into multiple compartments within a single integrated structure. This segmentation allows the tank to adapt to the available irregular space in the vehicle while maintaining a unified structure that shares common functional components, thereby achieving both optimal space utilization and high storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If separate solenoid valves are installed for each tank to enable independent control, then operational reliability is improved, but weight and space increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functional components into a single shared structure that serves multiple tank compartments. This allows independent control of each compartment while sharing common solenoid valves and other functional elements, thereby reducing the total weight and space required compared to having separate components for each tank

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4070007B1Assembly for storing and dispensing pressurized fluid for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 PLASTIC OMNIUM NEW ENERGIES FRANCE
  • EP4070007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4070007B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4070007B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (1) for storing and dispensing pressurized fluid for a vehicle, comprising: - a plurality of reservoirs (3) for pressurized fluid, each reservoir (3) comprising a first end piece (13) provided with at least one fluid passage duct configured for dispensing fluid from the reservoir (3) and for filling the reservoir (3), - a use collector duct (5) which comprises an opening (19) for supplying and/or dispensing fluid and a plurality of orifices, each orifice being configured to be fluidically connected to a reservoir (3) via its fluid passage duct, and - a solenoid valve (7) which is arranged at one end of the use collector duct (5) and selectively closes or opens the fluid passage through the opening (9). The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a storage and dispensing assembly (1).