Snow Vehicle Tunnel Battery Structure for Fuel Tank Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles, such as snowmobiles, face challenges in reducing assembly time and component count while maintaining thermal performance and protecting fuel tanks from high temperatures, which affects vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel configuration for tracked vehicles incorporating thermal covers with insulating layers and heat exchangers, a battery box structure integrated with the tunnel, and a fuel tank mount to reduce assembly complexity and enhance thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple separate components (thermal covers, insulating layers, heat exchangers, battery box) are used to protect the fuel tank and manage thermal performance, then thermal protection and efficiency are improved, but assembly time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate thermal management components (first thermal cover, second thermal cover, first insulating layer, second insulating layer, first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger, and battery box structure) into an integrated assembly that is pre-configured and mounted together as a unified structure, reducing the number of separate assembly operations required
Solution Approach 2:
The battery box structure serves multiple functions: it houses the battery, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting platform for the heat exchangers and thermal covers. The thermal covers simultaneously protect the fuel tank from heat and provide mounting surfaces for electrical components
2Temperature
If multiple separate components (thermal covers, insulating layers, heat exchangers, battery box) are used to protect the fuel tank and manage thermal performance, then thermal protection and efficiency are improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the battery box structure with the thermal management system, where the battery box serves as a central mounting structure that consolidates multiple components. The first and second heat exchangers are mounted to the battery box, which in turn supports the thermal covers and insulating layers, creating a hierarchical integration that reduces overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management components are nested within and around the battery box structure. The insulating layers are positioned between the thermal covers and the fuel tank, while the heat exchangers are mounted to the battery box exterior, creating a nested arrangement where components are organized in hierarchical layers
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate component assembly is used, then component flexibility is maintained, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal covers, insulating layers, and heat exchangers are pre-configured and pre-assembled into an integrated assembly before being installed on the vehicle. The battery box structure is prepared in advance with mounting positions for all thermal management components, allowing for streamlined final installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a unified thermal management assembly that combines multiple functions (thermal protection, heat exchange, battery housing, and electrical component mounting) into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate manufacturing and assembly operations required
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
This configuration reduces assembly time and cost by integrating thermal management and battery placement, while maintaining performance by protecting components from high temperatures and improving thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first insulating layer disposed on an upper surface of the first thermal cover, a second thermal cover coupled to the second heat exchanger between the second heat exchanger and the fuel tank, and a second insulating layer disposed on an upper surface of the second thermal cover
Data Source
AI summary
A tunnel and battery box assembly for a snow vehicle includes a tunnel covering at least a portion of an endless track. The tunnel also includes a first heat exchanger coupled to the first sidewall; a second heat exchanger coupled to the second sidewall, a fuel tank, a first thermal cover coupled to the first heat exchanger between the first heat exchanger and the fuel tank, a first insulating layer disposed on an upper surface of the first thermal cover, a second thermal cover coupled to the second heat exchanger between the second heat exchanger and the fuel tank, and a second insulating layer disposed on an upper surface of the second thermal cover. The vehicle may also include a battery box structure having a battery receiver receiving the battery, and a fuel tank mount integrally formed in the battery box structure coupling the battery box to fuel tank.