Abstract:
A mounting assembly for supporting a fuel supply on a vehicle, which is specifically adapted for the operable support and positioning of an auxiliary fuel supply. The vehicle with which the mounting assembly is utilized may vary significantly, but is primarily structured for use on mine haul vehicles, bulldozers, and other heavy duty commercial vehicles, wherein the operation thereof is significantly benefited or enhanced through the provision of an auxiliary, or alternate fuel supply such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), selectively powering the engine of the vehicle as determined by an improved electronic control system. The mounting assembly comprises a containment structure in the form of at least one fuel tank and a housing is structured to enclose the fuel tank. A base supports both the housing and the fuel tank and a shield assembly, associated with the housing protect the fuel tank against impact in the working environment of the vehicle on which the fuel supply and containment structure are disposed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    This invention is directed to a mounting assembly for supporting an auxiliary or primary fuel supply on a vehicle such as, but not limited to, mine haul vehicles, bulldozers, and other heavy duty commercial vehicles. As such, the operation of the vehicle with which the mounting assembly is used may be significantly enhanced through the provision of an auxiliary or selectively alternate fuel supply, dependent at least in part on the operating mode and characteristics of the vehicle. Moreover, the alternate fuel may be liquid natural gas (LNG). 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0002]    Mine haul trucks are off-highway, two axle, rigid dump trucks, specifically engineered for use in high production mining and heavy duty construction environments. As such, haul truck capacities typically range from 50 short tons (45 tons) to 400 short tons (363 tons). In addition, the largest and highest payload capacity of such haul trucks are referred to as “ultra class” trucks. This ultra class includes haul trucks having a payload capacity of at least 300 short tons or greater. Numerous manufacturers throughout the world produce such mammoth vehicles which are engineered for both performance and long operable life. Trucks of this type are developed specifically for high production duty wherein material is transported in large quantities in order to lower transportation costs on a cost-per-ton basis. 
         [0003]    Typically mine haul trucks are powered by either direct drive diesel or diesel electric power trains frequently including a multiple horse power turbo charged diesel engine. Due to the exceptional size and weight of such vehicles, they cannot be driven on public access roads, but are ideal for high production environments wherein massive quantities of material must be moved, handled, relocated, etc. on a continuous or regular basis. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it is well recognized that distillate fuels, specifically diesel, are used as the primary fuel source for such vehicles. Attempts to maximize the operational efficiency, while maintaining reasonable safety standards, have previously involved modified throttle control facilities. These attempts serve to diminish adverse effects of control mechanisms which may be potentially harmful to the vehicle engine operation as well as being uneconomical. Typical adverse effects include increased fuel consumption and wear on operative components. Therefore, many diesel engines and the vehicles powered thereby are expected to accommodate various types of high capacity payloads and provide maximum power for relatively significant periods of operation. As a result, many diesel engines associated with heavy duty and off-road vehicles are commonly operated at maximum or near maximum capacity resulting in an attempted maximum power delivery from the vehicle engine and consequent high rates of diesel consumption. It is generally recognized that the provision of a substantially rich fuel mixture in the cylinders of a diesel engine is necessary for providing maximum power when required. Such continued high capacity operation of the vehicle engine results not only in wear on the engine components but also in high fuel consumption rates, lower operating efficiencies, more frequent oil changes and higher costs of operation. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a long recognized need for a fuel control system specifically intended for use with high capacity, off-road vehicles including mine haul vehicles of the type generally described above that would allow the use of more efficient fueling methods using other commonly available fuel sources. Therefore, an improved fuel control system is proposed which is determinative of an effective and efficient operative fuel mixture comprised of a combination of gaseous and distillate fuels. More specifically, gaseous fuel can comprise natural gas or other appropriate gaseous type fuels, wherein distillate fuel would typically include diesel fuel. 
         [0006]    Such a preferred and proposed fuel control system should be capable of regulating the composition of the operative fuel mixture on which the vehicle engine currently operates to include 100% distillate fuel, when the vehicle&#39;s operating mode(s) clearly indicate that the combination of gaseous and distillate fuels is not advantageous. Further, such a proposed fuel control system could have an included secondary function to act as a general safety system serving to monitor critical engine fuel system and chassis parameters. As a result, control facilities associated with such a preferred fuel control system should allow for discrete, user defined control and safety set points for various engine, fuel system and chassis parameters with pre-alarm, alarm and fault modes. 
         [0007]    In addition, the operation of such a fuel control system would be facilitated by the inclusion of a preferred mounting assembly for the alternate fuel supply. As such, the included and preferred mounting assembly would be readily adaptive for use on different vehicles while facilitating the secure, safe and efficient distribution of the alternate fuel in the intended manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    This invention is directed to mounting assembly operative to support an alternate fuel supply on a vehicle, wherein the fuel supply may be used with an improved fuel control system. The fuel control system comprises technology that allows for the safe and efficient use of a gaseous fuel such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), in combination with a predetermined quantity of conventional distillate fuel, such as diesel fuel. As a result, the composition of an “operative fuel mixture” used to power a vehicle engine will, dependent on the operating modes of the vehicle engine and operating characteristics of the engine during the operating modes; be either a predetermined combination of gaseous fuel and distillate fuel or substantially entirely distillate fuel, absent any contribution of gaseous fuel. 
         [0009]    At least one preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a mounting assembly for supporting a fuel supply on a vehicle. While the mounting assembly is specifically adapted for the operable support and positioning of an auxiliary fuel supply, it is also structurally and operationally capable of mounting and/or supporting a primary fuel supply. In addition, the vehicle with which the mounting assembly of the present invention is utilized may vary significantly, but is primarily structured for use on mine haul vehicles, bulldozers, and other heavy duty commercial vehicles, wherein the operation thereof is significantly benefited or enhanced through the provision of an auxiliary, or alternate fuel supply such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), used in combination with an improved electronic control system. 
         [0010]    For purposes of clarity and in order to further demonstrate the versatility of the mounting assembly of the present invention, it may be used on and operatively associated with a plurality of commercial vehicles including, but not limited to, the following: 
         [0011]    Caterpillar Models: 797, 793, 789, 785, 777, 775, 773 
         [0012]    Komtasu Models: HD1500-7, HD785-7, HD605-7, HD465-7, HD405-7, HD325-7 
         [0013]    Terex Models: TR100, TR70, TR60, TR45, TR35 
         [0014]    Hitachi Models: EH1700-3, EH1100-3 
         [0015]    Euclid Models: R260, R220, R190, R170, R150, R130B, R130M, R130, R120E, R100, R90C, R90, R85B, R85, R65C, R65 
         [0016]    The mounting assembly of the present invention comprises a containment structure for the fuel supply (LNG) in the form of at least one or a plurality of at least two fuel tanks. Each of the one or more fuel tanks stores the LNG or other fuel on the interior thereof during periods of non-use or operation of the vehicle. The mounting assembly further includes a housing structured to at least partially enclose the one or more fuel tanks on the interior thereof. A base is mounted on the vehicle in supporting relation to both the housing and the containment structure or fuel tanks. Therefore, the containment structure is at least partially enclosed and accordingly protected against unintended impact or contact by other objects, vehicles, etc. in the working environment of the vehicle on which the fuel supply and containment structure are disposed. 
         [0017]    A shield assembly is disposed exteriorly of the containment structure or fuel tanks, in at least partially protective, covering relation thereto, and within or as an integrated part of the housing. Further, the shield assembly comprises one or more shield plates protectively disposed on the interior of the housing and exteriorly of the fuel tanks. Moreover, the one or more shield plates are configured to at least partially correspond to the fuel tanks and are structured of a rigid, heavy duty, high impact resistant material. Such material may include steel plate or other appropriate material capable of providing the sufficient protection of the containment assembly. The disposition and configuration of the one or more shield plates at least partially surrounds and encloses the one or more fuel tanks, so as to further facilitate the protection thereof, by eliminating or significantly restricting the possibility of a damaging impact being directed on the containment structure of the fuel supply. 
         [0018]    The base including the operative components associated therewith may include a connecting assembly movably interconnected between the frame or other portion of the vehicle and the housing. Due to the operative features of the connecting assembly, the housing may be selectively disposed between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to at least a portion of the base and the vehicle. Accordingly, when the housing is in either the first or second orientation it is still mounted on and supported by the base and may be selectively positioned in the first or second orientations, at least partially dependent on the fuel supply and/or fuel tanks being operatively connected to the engine of the vehicle. The aforementioned connecting assembly comprises at least one but preferably a plurality of hinge structures movably interconnecting the housing to the vehicle and structured to pivotally dispose the housing into and out of said first and second orientations. The connecting assembly, including the one or more hinge structures may be connected directly to the vehicle adjacent to or in otherwise cooperative relation to the base. 
         [0019]    Dependent on the practical application of the mounting assembly, the connecting assembly may be considered a part of the base or independent thereof, at least partially due to the relative and cooperative disposition and function of the connecting assembly and base. More specifically, the connecting assembly will serve to support the housing, along with the remainder of the base, at least when the housing is in the second orientation and at least partially support the housing when it is in either the first or second orientation. As set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the remainder of the base comprises a plurality of support legs collectively disposed in supporting relation to the housing and attached in supported relation on an appropriate portion of the vehicle. 
         [0020]    Additional features of the housing include a stabilizing assembly disposed on the interior thereof in confronting relation to the one or more fuel tanks defining the containment structure. As such, the stabilizing assembly comprises at least one but more practically a plurality of stabilizing members disposed in spaced relation to one another and collectively extending along and confronting a length of the containment structure. Moreover, the one or more stabilizing members include a recessed configuration which at least partially corresponds to the exterior dimension and configuration of the fuel tanks. As a result, a confronting relation between the stabilizing members and the fuel tank(s) serve to restrict movement of the fuel tanks within the interior of the housing during travel or operation of the vehicle, whether the housing and fuel tanks are in the aforementioned first or second orientations. 
         [0021]    In addition to the above, the mounting assembly of one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention includes a brace disposed in supporting relation to the housing substantially between the housing and the base, at least when the housing is in the first orientation. As such, the brace is connected to the housing and movable therewith as the housing and containment structure of the fuel supply is disposed between the first and second orientations. In cooperation therewith, a retaining assembly may be both movably and removably interconnected between the base and the housing and more specifically serves to at least partially support and interconnect the brace to the base, at least when the housing is in the second orientation. Moreover, the retaining assembly comprises at least one but preferably a plurality of at least two retaining arms which are disposed in interconnecting relation between the brace and the base in a manner which maintains and removably secures the housing in the second orientation relative to the base and vehicle on which the mounting assembly is disposed. 
         [0022]    Therefore, the structural and operative features of the mounting assembly of the present invention is capable of supporting a fuel supply such as, but not limited to, an auxiliary fuel supply including a containment structure therefore on any of a variety of vehicles, such as of the type set forth above. The auxiliary fuel defining the fuel supply may be liquid natural gas (LNG) or other appropriate fuel compositions which may be utilized in combination with a more conventional distillate fuel. Such conventional fuel may include diesel fuel commonly used in extremely large mine-hauled vehicles, bulldozers or other working class vehicles. 
         [0023]    Also, when the mounting assembly is disposed substantially on an exterior or at least partially exposed portion of the vehicle, the vehicle itself may be structurally modified or adapted to appropriately locate the accompanying fuel supply, containment structure, housing, base, etc. Further, when disposed, such as on a vehicle in the form of a bulldozer, the structural modification thereof may be such as to position the housing in a location which at least partially obstructs the view of the operator within the operator&#39;s cab or compartment area. In such instances, additional components may be utilized with the mounting assembly such as a camera or like viewing assembly operative to observe and transmit the obstructed view to a display assembly located within the operator&#39;s compartment or cab. This type of camera or like viewing assembly may be considered a part of the mounting assembly and/or may be located independently of the housing, base, etc. in a location which best facilitates the observance of the area obstructed from normal viewing by the operator. 
         [0024]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view in at least partially schematic form of the mounting assembly of the present invention, wherein the housing thereof is in a first orientation. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  wherein the housing is in a second orientation. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 4A  is a composite view showing various structural components of a base portion of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 4B  is a detailed view in partial cutaway of one of a plurality of support legs, as well as structural components associated therewith, at least partially defining the base. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3  wherein the housing is in at least partially assembled form providing interior details of a shield assembly associated with the housing. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  in at least partially assembled form showing additional structural features of the housing and associated shield assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view in partial cutaway of the housing, base, and retaining assembly associated with at least one preferred embodiment of the mounting assembly as generally represented in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a detailed view of an indicated portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view in partial cutaway and in schematic form of additional structural components associated with the housing, base and structural components associated therewith. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an at least partially assembled housing of the mounting assembly of the present invention and associated components of the base. 
           [0037]      FIG. 9B  is a detailed view of the indicated portion of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0038]      FIG. 9C  is a detailed view of the indicated portion of  FIG. 9A , wherein cooperative structural components associated with the retaining assembly and base are represented in at least partially assembled form. 
       
    
    
       [0039]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0040]    As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a mounting assembly generally indicated as  10  for supporting and movably interconnecting a housing generally indicated as  12  to a vehicle. The mounting assembly  10  is specifically, but not exclusively, intended for use on a heavy duty “mine haul” vehicle, bulldozer or other vehicle especially of the type used in heavy duty commercial and/or working environments. The housing  12  is structured to include a fuel supply disposed within a containment structure, wherein the containment structure comprises at least one but in certain practical applications, a plurality of at least two fuel tanks  14 . However, it is emphasized that more than two fuel tanks can be included in the housing  12  of the mounting assembly  10 . As also represented, the housing  12  is supported and interconnected to the vehicle by means of a base assembly, generally indicated as  16 . With primary reference to  FIGS. 1-4B , the base  16  includes a plurality of support legs  18  each of which include leg segments  20  and  20 ′ having the lower end thereof fixedly secured, such as by welding the accompanying mounting pads  22  to the frame or other appropriate portion of the vehicle, on which the mounting assembly  10  is disposed. 
         [0041]    The base  16  may also include a connecting assembly comprising at least one but in certain practical applications a plurality of at least two hinge structures generally indicated as  24 . Each of the hinge structures  24  are connected to an appropriate link  26  or like structure secured to an under portion of the housing  14  as clearly represented in  FIG. 3 . The structural and operative features of each of the one or more hinge structures  24  is such as to facilitate the selective positioning or movement of the housing as well as the containment structure or fuel tanks  14  between a first orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , and a second substantially upright orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Accordingly, the connecting hinge structures  24  serve to movably interconnect the housing  12  to the vehicle and further serve to support the housing  12  at least when the housing is in the second orientation of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The disposition of the hinge structures  24  also add to the support of the housing  12  when it is in the first orientation, as clearly represented in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . The one or more hinge structures  24  may be considered a part of the base  16  due to their support of the housing  12  when at least in the second orientation and most probably when in both the first and second orientations. However, dependent upon the structure, configuration and dimension of the vehicle on which the mounting assembly  10  is disposed, the one or more hinge structures  24  may be considered independent of the base  16  by virtue of their location being not directly adjacent to or operatively associated with the base  16 . 
         [0042]    Further with regard to the selective positioning of the housing  12  in either the first or second orientations, the mounting assembly  10  further includes a retaining assembly comprising at least one, but preferably a plurality of at least two retaining arms or bars  28 . The one or more retaining arms  28  serve to maintain and at least partially support the housing  12 , at least when it is in the second orientation as clearly demonstrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , when in their operative position. Each of the retaining arms  28  include opposite ends removably connected, as at  30 , to the correspondingly disposed support arm  18 . The opposite end of each of the retaining arms  28  is removably connected, as at  31 , to the housing  12  and more specifically to a brace or cross brace structure  32 . 
         [0043]    With primary reference to  FIGS. 9-9C , additional structural and operative features associated with the retaining assembly and specifically including each of the retaining arms  28  are represented. More specifically, when the housing  12  is in the first orientation, the retaining arms  28  are in a stored position or location as demonstrated in  FIG. 9 . Each of the arms  28  are maintained in such a stored position by being removably locked or secured to corresponding support arms  18  by virtue of an assembly  34 , represented in  FIGS. 9A-9C . The assembly  34  includes a pair of spaced apart flanges or ears  35  each having apertures  36 , disposed in aligned relation with one another. A connecting bolt or like member  37  passes through the aligned apertures  36  in each of the spaced apart ears  35  and also through an apertured end  31 ′ of the corresponding retaining arm  28 . As such, each of the retaining arms  28  is maintained in the stored or non-supporting orientation on an upper or top portion of the support leg segment  20 . However, when the housing  12  is selectively disposed in the second orientation as represented in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the end  31 ′ of each of the retaining arms  28  are removed from the connecting assembly  34  and in turn removably connected to correspondingly disposed portions of the brace  32  as also clearly represented in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0044]    Moreover, each of the retaining arms  28  are removed from the stored orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 9  and disposed in the supporting orientation of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . When in such a supporting orientation, the opposite end  30  is removably connected to the upstanding connecting flange  39 , by a threaded knob  40  or like connector, as clearly represented in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The removable but stable interconnection of the opposite ends  30  and  31 , as at  30 ′ and  31 ′, to the mounting flange  39  and the base  32 , respectively, will serve to assure that the retaining arms  28  are maintained in their operative, supporting, retaining position between the base  16  and the housing  12  and/or brace  32 . However, the removable interconnection of each of the retaining arms  28  in their supporting, retaining position facilitates the easy disconnection of the retaining arms  28  for selective disposition in their stored orientation in order to dispose the housing  12  in the first orientation, as described above. 
         [0045]    As should be apparent, the stability of the housing  12  as well as the plurality of fuel tanks  14  contained on the interior thereof is important. Accordingly, the maintenance of the housing  12  in the first orientation of  FIG. 1  is facilitated by a removable but stable attachment assembly  41  associated with the distal portion of each of the support leg segments  20 , as best represented in  FIG. 4B . The removable connecting bolt or like connector  43  may include a spring loaded attachment as at  45  and may be further structured to removably interconnect the opposite ends of the brace  32  to the distal ends of the support leg segment  20  as at  20 ″. The spring loaded feature of the connecting assembly  41  will further serve to dampen any abrupt movement and/or vibration being transferred to the housing  12  and to the fuel tanks  14 . It is therefore assured that the housing  12  is maintained in the first orientation by virtue of the brace  32  being fixedly connected to the housing  12  and movable therewith as demonstrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0046]    The stability of the containment structure, comprising the one or more fuel tanks  14  within the interior of the housing, is further enhanced by a stabilizing assembly  44  also at least partially disposed on the interior of the housing. The stabilizing assembly  44  includes at least one but preferably a plurality of stabilizing members  46  disposed in spaced relation to one another and collectively extending along the length of the one or more fuel tanks  14  defining the containment structure for the fuel supply. In addition, the stabilizing members  46  may be disposed on opposite sides of fuel tanks  14 . In addition, each or at least some of the stabilizing members  46  include a recessed segment or portion  48  at least partially dimensioned and configured to the corresponding exterior configuration of each of the fuel tanks  14 . As such, the plurality of stabilizing members  46  can be defined as collectively and at least partially surrounding and/or “sandwiching” the plurality of fuel tanks  14  there between. By virtue of this cooperative disposition and structure, movement or inadvertent, unintended displacement of the one or more fuel tanks  14  within the interior of the housing  12  is eliminated or significantly restricted. In addition, the stabilizing assembly  46  can be defined by a plurality of the stabilizing members  48  which may vary in number, size, configuration, etc. so as to accommodate a confronting engagement or relation with the one or more fuel tanks  14  in a manner which facilitates the ability to restrict the displacement or movement of the fuel tanks  14  within the interior of the housing  12 , whether the housing  12  is in either the aforementioned first or second orientations. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , an alternate embodiment of the stabilizing assembly is generally represented as  44 ′. As there represented, the plurality of stabilizing members  46 ′ are disposed in spaced relation to one another and include a generally annular or circular configuration of sufficient dimension to at least partially surround correspondingly dispose ones of the fuel tanks  14 . Further, the stabilizing members  46 ′ may be segregated from one another at opposite ends so as to facilitate the stable positioning of the fuel tanks  14 , on the interior of the cooperatively disposed stabilizing segments  46 ′. 
         [0048]    As set forth above, the mounting assembly  10  is structurally and operatively adaptable for the mounting, and support of an auxiliary fuel supply and as such, may be mounted on exterior portions of the vehicle with which it is associated. Accordingly, as represented in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the housing  12  further includes a shield assembly generally indicated as  50 . Shield assembly  50  includes at least one but more practically a plurality of shielding plates  52 , which are formed of a metallic or other rigid, impact resistant material. Further, each of the shield plates  52  are cooperatively disposed and configured to at least partially enclose and/or overlie normally exposed portions of the fuel tanks  14 , while they are maintained on the interior of the housing  12 . In addition, each of the shield plates  52  are also disposed at least partially on the interior of the housing  12 , such as by being associated with or integrated within corresponding side walls  12 ′. Positioning and further reinforcement of the housing may be accomplished through the provision of a plurality of mounting or supporting ribs  44 , which also may be associated with the side walls  12 ′ of the housing  12  so as to maintain the shield plates  52  in their protective position relative to the fuel tanks  14 . The corresponding configuration of the shield plates  52  may include curved or partially bent segments thereof as at  52 ′, wherein such curvilinear segments may at least partially correspond to the exterior configuration of the fuel tanks. In addition, the structure, disposition, configuration and size of each of the one or more shield plates  52  is made to cooperate with or correspond to the plurality of stabilizing members  46  and/or  46 ′ in a manner which further facilitates the protection and stable retaining of the fuel tanks  14  within the interior of the housing. 
         [0049]    Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
         [0050]    Now that the invention has been described,