antiquity
12-11-2002, 10:17 AM
Novel fuel tank design aids vehicle conversion
A new one-piece plastic fuel tank being retrofitted into Chrysler minivans permits independent vehicle operation by a wheelchair-confined person without requiring any assistance.
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Date: 11 December 2002 Application note from:
Meese Orbitron Dunne Co
Saddle Brook, USA
Full supplier details
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Subject:
Plastics design and development A new one-piece, plastic fuel tank being retrofitted into Chrysler minivans permits independent vehicle operation by a wheelchair-confined person without requiring any assistance.
Rotomoulded from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) by Meese Orbitron Dunne (MOD), the seamless tank is designed to fit over the rear axle, rather than under the bench seat to create the single, uniform plane needed for safe wheelchair operation and easy access to the driver's seat.
Conceptualised by Ron Goodrich, a former Chrysler dealer, the MOD tank replaces welded steel tanks in the retrofit operation.
The steel tanks were susceptible to corrosion and slow to assemble.
The new tanks speed assembly by approximately 800%, according to Goodrich of the Braun Corporation, based in Winimac, USA.
"Rather than struggle with existing lift systems and other auto conversion designs, we decided the solution was in changing the van itself", explains Goodrich.
"The automotive industry has been a little slow in listening to this market".
By contrast, 12.3% of homes in the USA are wheelchair-accessible, according to US Census Bureau statistics.
To streamline the retrofit process while minimising time, labour and cost, the 12gal tank is designed with an elongated, threaded neck and multiple, moulded-in inserts for easy integration into the existing, OEM fuel pump and rollover valve.
The MOD tank meets side impact crash test standards set by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mes/mes102.html
A new one-piece plastic fuel tank being retrofitted into Chrysler minivans permits independent vehicle operation by a wheelchair-confined person without requiring any assistance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request free information by post on the components or equipment used in this article now
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 11 December 2002 Application note from:
Meese Orbitron Dunne Co
Saddle Brook, USA
Full supplier details
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject:
Plastics design and development A new one-piece, plastic fuel tank being retrofitted into Chrysler minivans permits independent vehicle operation by a wheelchair-confined person without requiring any assistance.
Rotomoulded from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) by Meese Orbitron Dunne (MOD), the seamless tank is designed to fit over the rear axle, rather than under the bench seat to create the single, uniform plane needed for safe wheelchair operation and easy access to the driver's seat.
Conceptualised by Ron Goodrich, a former Chrysler dealer, the MOD tank replaces welded steel tanks in the retrofit operation.
The steel tanks were susceptible to corrosion and slow to assemble.
The new tanks speed assembly by approximately 800%, according to Goodrich of the Braun Corporation, based in Winimac, USA.
"Rather than struggle with existing lift systems and other auto conversion designs, we decided the solution was in changing the van itself", explains Goodrich.
"The automotive industry has been a little slow in listening to this market".
By contrast, 12.3% of homes in the USA are wheelchair-accessible, according to US Census Bureau statistics.
To streamline the retrofit process while minimising time, labour and cost, the 12gal tank is designed with an elongated, threaded neck and multiple, moulded-in inserts for easy integration into the existing, OEM fuel pump and rollover valve.
The MOD tank meets side impact crash test standards set by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/mes/mes102.html