Modular fuel storage system
AssigneeFca US LLC
InventorJames W Finck
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular fuel storage system can include a container, a cover, a storage tank and fuel fill and delivery lines. The container can define an interior space therein and the cover can be configured to engage the container to enclose the interior space. The storage tank can be configured to store and selectively deliver a gaseous fuel. The fuel fill and fuel delivery lines can each be fluidly connected to the storage tank. The fill and delivery lines can each have a coupling connector extending external to the container and terminating in a recess formed in an exterior of the container. The modular fuel storage system can be configured to be assembled in the vehicle such that the cover forms a portion of a floor of the vehicle.
Claims18
A modular fuel storage system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a container defining an interior space therein, the container including an access aperture and an access door configured to removably engage the container to cover the access aperture when engaged to the container wherein the access door includes a recess configured to receive a shut-off valve extending from the interior space, the shut-off valve terminating within the recess;
- a cover configured to engage the container to enclose the interior space;
- a storage tank configured to store and selectively deliver a gaseous fuel;
- and
- a fuel fill line and a fuel delivery line each fluidly connected to the storage tank, the fill and delivery lines each having a coupling connector extending external to the container and terminating in a recess formed in an exterior of the container;
- wherein the modular fuel storage system is configured to be assembled in the vehicle such that the cover forms a portion of a floor of the vehicle.
A modular fuel storage system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a container defining an interior space therein;
- a cover configured to engage the container to enclose the interior space;
- a storage tank configured to store and selectively deliver a gaseous fuel;
- a pair of seat brackets positioned in the interior space and fixed to the container;
- and
- a fuel fill line and a fuel delivery line each fluidly connected to the storage tank, the fill and delivery lines each having a coupling connector extending external to the container and terminating in a recess formed in an exterior of the container;
- wherein the modular fuel storage system is configured to be assembled in the vehicle such that the cover forms a portion of a floor of the vehicle.
A vehicle comprising:
- a modular fuel storage system for a the vehicle, including:
- a container defining an interior space therein;
- a cover configured to engage the container to enclose the interior space;
- a first and a second storage tank each configured to store and selectively deliver a gaseous fuel;
- a fuel fill line and a fuel delivery line each fluidly connected to the first and second storage tanks, the fill and delivery lines each having a coupling connector extending external to the container and terminating in a recess formed in an exterior of the container;
- an access door formed in at least a sidewall of the container, the access door removably coupled to the container;
- an aperture formed in a floor of the vehicle, the aperture positioned between longitudinally extending frame rails of the vehicle and between front and rear wheels of the vehicle;
- wherein the modular fuel storage system is configured to be positioned in the aperture and fixed to the vehicle such that the cover forms a portion of the floor of the vehicle, and wherein the access door is accessible from an underside of the vehicle to provide access to control features of the storage tanks while the cover remains engaged to the container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.