Alternative fuel system
OwnerTony Matijevich, Mark Matijevich +1inventors
InventorsTony Matijevich, Mark Matijevich, Terry McCrea
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Abstract
An apparatus and a method are provided for an alternative fuel system, comprising a plurality of fuel tank assemblies interconnected with fuel lines; the plurality of fuel tank assemblies comprising a CNG fuel tank and a fuel tank shield; wherein a first and second fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately in front of a rear wheel assembly, and a third fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately behind the rear wheel assembly.
Claims8
A compressed natural gas (“CNG”) fuel system, comprising:
- a plurality of fuel tank assemblies interconnected with fuel lines;
- the plurality of fuel tank assemblies comprising a CNG fuel tank and a fuel tank shield, wherein the fuel tank shield comprises a cylindrical shape with a prominent cavity so that each CNG fuel tank may be disposed therein, the fuel tank shield formed of a high-density material so as to minimize impact from gravel, the fuel tank shield coupled with a heat shield, the heat shield comprising one or more layers of woven silica with a flexible finish, and wherein an in-line filter is coupled between the plurality of fuel tank assemblies;
- a gas regulator configured to cease CNG flow at a predetermined pressure level;
- wherein a first and second fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately in front of a rear wheel assembly, wherein a cage structure comprising metallic elements configured as an exoskeleton is disposed around the first and second fuel tank assemblies;
- the cage structure comprising a plurality of vertically disposed members that are adhered to cross members;
- and
- a third fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately behind the rear wheel assembly.
A method of converting a gasoline-powered motor vehicle to a natural gas vehicle, comprising:
- reviewing chassis and body specifications of the gasoline-powered motor vehicle so as to ensure system integration;
- optimizing design and layout of an fuel system to match a specification;
- removing an OEM fuel system;
- installing a plurality of fuel assemblies configured to house a natural gas and corresponding high and low pressure fuel lines, the fuel assemblies comprising a fuel tank shield coupled with a heat shield, wherein an in-line filter is coupled between the plurality of fuel tank assemblies and a gas regulator configured to cease CNG flow at a predetermined pressure level;
- the fuel tank shield comprising a cylindrical shape with a prominent cavity so that each CNG fuel tank may be disposed therein, the fuel tank shield formed of a high-density material so as to minimize impact from gravel;
- the heat shield comprising one or more layers of woven silica with a flexible finish;
- wherein a cage structure comprising metallic elements configured as an exoskeleton is disposed around the plurality of fuel tank assemblies;
- the cage structure comprising a plurality of vertically disposed members that are adhered to cross members;
- installation of safety equipment, where the safety equipment comprises one or more gravel shields configured to protect the fuel tanks;
- and
- performing at least a first diagnostic test of the fuel system to ensure proper drivability.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.