Gaseous Fuel Vehicle and Automatic Vent System

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This invention relates to a gaseous fuel vehicle equipped with a pressurized fluid (gas) storage tank and an automatic venting system. The core aspect is a thermal safety valve, normally closed, which automatically opens if the temperature rises (such as in the event of a fire), enabling controlled venting of the gas through a channel to a discharge orifice situated far from the heat source. The system uses thermally triggered valves, sometimes with shape-memory alloys or heat-destroyed capsules, that function independently of the vehicle's electrical systems and ensure rapid, passive (no-power required) safety response during a fire or abnormal overheating.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hydrogen-fueled vehicles (e.g., fuel cell cars) requiring safe high-pressure gas storage.
• Compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles needing enhanced fire safety.
• Public transport vehicles (buses, trains) using pressurized gaseous fuels.
• Industrial or specialized vehicles that store hazardous pressurized gases onboard.
• Any vehicle design that must address risks of gas explosions due to fire or accident.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly enhances passenger and vehicle safety by rapidly venting hazardous gases in case of a fire, reducing explosion risk.
• Operates independently of power or electronic control—activates purely from temperature rise, ideal for emergencies where electrical systems may be disabled.
• Directs escaping gas to a safe discharge location, minimizing the chance of the released fuel feeding the fire or endangering occupants.
• Allows flexible placement of safety valves and venting points to optimize safety for different vehicle layouts and risk zones.
• Can be adapted to various types of gaseous fuels and vehicles, increasing its practical applicability in the shift to alternative and clean fuels.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A vehicle ( 1 ) equipped with a tank ( 2 ) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel ( 3 and 33 ), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice ( 34 ), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve ( 5 ), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.