Vehicle fuel storage system including a bladder
AssigneePlastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research
InventorsDominique Madoux, Pierre Oszwald, Changwook Shin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle fuel storage system may include: a fuel tank, a support member extending inside the tank, and several inflatable bladders extending inside the tank. Each of the inflatable bladders being carried by the support member and attached to the support member. Such bladders may include polyethylene and/or polyamide, or the bladders may be multilayered, including polyethylene and ethylene vinyl alcohol. Each bladder may have a maximum volume in a range of from 5 to 15 liters.
Claims20
A fuel storage system configured for a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a fuel tank;
- a support member extending inside the tank and supported by a floor of the tank or a pillar inside the tank;
- a first inflatable bladder extending inside the tank;
- and
- a second inflatable bladder extending inside the tank,
- wherein each of the inflatable bladders is carried by the support member and attached to the support member, the support member being distinct from tank walls of the fuel tank.
A method of manufacturing a fuel storage system configured for a vehicle, the method comprising:
- providing a parison in an open mold;
- placing a support member and two or more inflatable bladders on an insertion rod or robot arm, each inflatable bladder being carried by the support member and attached to the support member;
- inserting, inside the parison, the support member and bladders carried by the insertion rod or robot arm;
- pre-blowing the parison and bringing the parison into contact, directly or indirectly, with the support member;
- removing the insertion rod or robot arm;
- closing the mold;
- and
- blowing the parison to obtain a tank comprising the support member and the bladders.
A fuel storage system configured for a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a fuel tank;
- a support member extending inside the tank and supported by a floor of the tank or a pillar inside the tank;
- a first inflatable bladder extending inside the tank;
- a second inflatable bladder extending inside the tank;
- and
- a spacer member attached to the support member and configured to prevent contact between the tank and the support member during manufacture of the fuel storage system,
- wherein each of the inflatable bladders is carried by the support member and attached to the support member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.