Vehicle Fluid Storage Frame with Integrated Cowling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle designs face challenges in integrating multiple fluid handling systems within an enclosed space, particularly for natural gas fuel systems, which require careful arrangement due to limited space and exposure to damage from debris.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle fluid storage system incorporating a frame assembly with a cowling that houses both a fuel pressure vessel and an auxiliary fluid pressure vessel, allowing for the storage and supply of combustible gases like CNG, hydrogen, or propane, while also providing an auxiliary fluid for pneumatic or hydraulic systems, integrated into the vehicle's chassis and cowling for enhanced protection and aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid vessels are mounted in different locations on the vehicle, then each fluid system can be accommodated, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid vessels (fuel pressure vessel and auxiliary fluid pressure vessel) into a single integrated mounting structure with a common frame assembly and cowling, thereby reducing the number of separate mounting locations and simplifying system integration while maintaining adaptability for multiple fluid systems
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with universal supports that can accommodate different types of fluid vessels (fuel and auxiliary fluids) within the same structure, enabling one system to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If natural gas fuel system is added to existing trucks, then fuel system functionality is achieved, but available mounting space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting the fuel pressure vessel and auxiliary fluid pressure vessel above the chassis in a cowling structure, thereby utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently and overcoming the limitation of horizontal mounting space on existing trucks
3Area of stationary object
If pressure vessel is mounted below the chassis, then mounting space is utilized, but the vessel is exposed to damage from rocks or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure vessels from the vulnerable below-chassis location and relocates them to a protected position within the cowling structure above the chassis, thereby removing them from the harmful environment while maintaining functional accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The cowling structure serves as a protective enclosure that shields the pressure vessels from debris and rocks before any potential damage can occur, providing beforehand protection while maintaining mounting space efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system for a vehicle is provided. The fluid system is configured to couple to a chassis of the vehicle. A frame assembly of the fluid system is configured to couple with the chassis directly or with another component that is coupled, directly or indirectly, with the chassis. A cowling of the fluid system can enclose a fuel pressure vessel and an auxiliary fluid vessel. The auxiliary fluid vessel is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the component powered or operated by the fluid therein.