Tank assembly with at least one compressible member
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorJonathan P. Rossiter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tank assembly includes a tank having a plurality of tank walls surrounding an interior cavity. The interior cavity is configured to store a fluid. The fluid is configured to expand upon a change in temperature. A fill channel and a vent channel are each in fluid communication with the interior cavity. At least one compressible member is positioned within the interior cavity and configured to provide an expansion space for the fluid. The compressible member eliminates the need to be concerned with a loss of air space when filling the tank with low flow rates and when filling on grades. The compressible member may be composed of a closed cell foam material. Alternatively, the compressible member may include a pouch having a hollow space surrounded by an outer skin.
Claims20
A tank assembly comprising:
- a tank having a plurality of tank walls surrounding an interior cavity;
- wherein the interior cavity is configured to store a fluid, the fluid being configured to expand upon a change in temperature;
- a fill channel and a vent channel each in fluid communication with the interior cavity;
- at least one compressible member positioned within the interior cavity and configured to provide an expansion space for the fluid;
- a first blocking member positioned in the interior cavity and operatively connected to the fill channel;
- a second blocking member positioned in the interior cavity and operatively connected to the vent channel;
- and
- wherein the first and second blocking members are configured to prevent the at least one compressible member from exiting the interior cavity.
A tank assembly comprising:
- a tank having a plurality of tank walls surrounding an interior cavity;
- wherein the interior cavity is configured to store a fluid, the fluid being configured to expand upon a change in temperature;
- a fill channel and a vent channel each in fluid communication with the interior cavity;
- first and second compressible members positioned within the interior cavity and configured to provide an expansion space for the fluid;
- a sensor operatively connected to the tank and configured to obtain a position-sensitive temperature data of the fluid;
- first and second actuators operatively connected to and configured to selectively move the first and second compressible members, respectively;
- and
- a controller operatively connected and configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator.
A tank assembly comprising:
- a tank having a plurality of tank walls surrounding an interior cavity;
- wherein the interior cavity is configured to store a fluid, the fluid being configured to expand upon a change in temperature;
- a fill channel and a vent channel each in fluid communication with the interior cavity;
- at least one compressible member positioned within the interior cavity and configured to provide an expansion space for the fluid;
- a porous enclosure rigidly operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of tank walls;
- and
- wherein the porous enclosure encapsulates the at least one compressible member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.