# US 8,465,057 B2 · Rear integration of a suspension system and fuel tanks in fuel cell vehicles > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,465,057 B2 - Document ID: US8465057B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/198,985 - Filed: 2008-08-27 - Published: 2010-03-04 - Granted: 2013-06-18 - Earliest claimed: 2008-08-27 - Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Applicants: James W. Dandalides; David A. Young; Robert Metzenmacher - Inventors: James W. Dandalides; David A. Young; Robert Metzenmacher - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8465057B2 ## CPC - B60K 15/063: Arrangement of tanks - B60G 7/02: Attaching arms to sprung part of vehicle {(B60G7/006 takes precedence)} - B60G 11/04: arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle - B60G 15/067: {characterised by the mounting on the vehicle body or chassis of the spring and damper unit} - B60K 15/03006: {Gas tanks (B60K15/07 takes precedence)} - B60K 15/07: of gas tanks - B60K 15/077: with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation - B62D 21/11: with resilient means for suspension {, e.g. of wheels or engine; sub-frames for mounting engine or suspensions} - B60G 2204/121: Mounting of leaf springs - B60G 2204/143: on the vehicle body or chassis - B60G 2206/606: Complex constructions - B60G 2300/50: Electric vehicles; Hybrid vehicles - B60K 2015/03118: {Multiple tanks, i.e. two or more separate tanks} - B60K 2015/0634: {the fuel tank is arranged below the vehicle floor} - B60K 2015/0636: {the fuel tank being part of the chassis or frame} - B60K 2015/0638: {the fuel tank is arranged in the rear of the vehicle} - Y10T 137/6881: Automotive - B60K: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES - B60G: VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS (air-cushion vehicles B60V; {cycle suspensions B62K25/00}) - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A fuel storage system for a vehicle comprising: a support system adapted to be coupled to the vehicle; at least two fuel tanks for storing a compressed fuel coupled to said support system; and a suspension system coupled to said fuel tanks and comprising control arms configured to minimize movement of the vehicle, wherein said suspension system, said support system, and said fuel tanks cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and reaction loads. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The storage system of claim 1, wherein said support system is a plurality of vehicle frame rails. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The storage system of claim 1, wherein said at least two fuel tanks are integrally formed within said support system. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The storage system of claim 1, wherein said suspension system includes at least one spring. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The storage system of claim 4, said suspension system further comprising at least one control arm configured to minimize movement of the vehicle. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The storage system of claim 5, wherein said at least one spring and said at least one control arm are configured to dampen sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy generated as the vehicle is driven. ### Claim 7 A fuel storage system for a vehicle comprising: a support system adapted to be coupled to the vehicle; a first fuel tank for storing a compressed fuel coupled to said support system; and a suspension system coupled to said first fuel tank and comprising control arms configured to minimize movement of the vehicle, wherein said suspension system, said support system, and said first fuel tank cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and reaction loads. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The storage system of claim 7, wherein said first fuel tank is integrally formed within said support system. ### Claim 9 A fuel storage system for a vehicle comprising: a support system having a plurality of springs and control arms, said support system adapted to be coupled to the vehicle; a first fuel tank integrally formed with the support system; and a suspension system coupled to said first fuel tank, wherein said suspension system, and said support system with said first fuel tank are configured to carry vehicle structural loads and reaction loads. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The storage system of claim 9, wherein said plurality of springs and said control arms are configured to dampen sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy generated as the vehicle is driven.