Spaced Multi-Body Fuel Tank Layout for Vehicle Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel tank arrangements for vehicles, particularly motorcycles, do not effectively utilize available installation space, limiting the placement of additional structural components due to the close proximity of tank bodies and connecting elements.

Innovation Solution

Introducing a deliberate spacing between the first and second tank bodies to create free space, allowing for the integration of structural components such as fuel vapor separation devices, control units, pumps, and expansion tanks, with a minimum distance of at least 1 cm, preferably 3 cm, and particularly 5 cm, to optimize the use of installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the first tank body and second tank body are placed close together to minimize overall fuel tank assembly size, then the volume occupied by the fuel tank assembly is reduced, but no free space is available for arranging additional vehicle components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of fuel tank assemblyVSAvoidability to arrange additional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel tank assembly is segmented into multiple tank bodies (first tank body and second tank body) that are spatially separated by a defined distance. This segmentation creates distinct zones within the assembly, with the spacing between tank bodies generating free space that can be utilized for additional vehicle components, thus resolving the contradiction between compact volume and component arrangement versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the first tank body and second tank body are spaced apart to create free space for additional components, then adaptability for component arrangement is improved, but the overall volume of the fuel tank assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to arrange additional componentsVSAvoidvolume of fuel tank assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning tank bodies at specific distances from each other in multiple dimensions. This dimensional approach creates free space that can be efficiently utilized for additional components without requiring a proportional increase in overall assembly volume, thereby balancing adaptability with compactness.

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

3Volume of moving object

If tank bodies are placed in close proximity to minimize fuel tank assembly volume, then packaging efficiency is reduced, but manufacturing simplicity is maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of fuel tank assemblyVSAvoidpackaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the fuel tank assembly into multiple tank bodies with defined spacing, the design improves packaging efficiency by creating organized zones for fuel storage and additional components. This segmented structure facilitates more efficient utilization of available installation space in the vehicle while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4261067A1Fuel tank assembly and vehicle having the same
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 KTM AG
  • EP4261067A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4261067A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4261067A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Fuel tank arrangement (10) for a vehicle (11), in particular a motorcycle, comprising a first tank body (1), at least one second tank body (2) and at least one connecting element (3, 4) via which a fluid connection and optionally a mechanical connection exists between the first tank body (1) and the at least one second tank body (2), wherein the first tank body (1) is spaced apart from the at least one second tank body (2) in such a way that a free space (5) is located between the first tank body (1) and the at least one second tank body (2) and optionally the at least one connecting element (3, 4), in which at least one further structural component (6, 7, 8, 9) of the vehicle can be arranged.