DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
LIQUID STORAGE TANK WITH INTERNAL BAFFLES FOR VEHICLE STABILITY

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having Address As:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru - 560 027,
Karnataka, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present invention claims priority from Indian patent application numbered IN 202241049921 filed on 01st September, 2022.

FIELD OF INVENTION
[002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a liquid storage tank for vehicle stability and more particularly relates to an inclined liquid storage tank with internal baffles at offset opening to achieve greater stability on gradients.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[003] Trucks, particularly tank trucks, are widely used for transporting a multitude of different liquids. Since liquids typically have relatively high densities and are carried in large volumes, considerable load weights are involved in their transportation. When it becomes necessary to stop the vehicle abruptly, for instance, in an emergency or vehicle is on gradient, the inertial forces created by the sudden shifting of the load can have a serious destabilizing effect on the vehicle. Such destabilization tends to cause loss of control of the vehicle and risk of damage to the vehicle and its load.
[004] The installation of baffles in the interior of the tank positioned at right angles to the anticipated movement of the vehicle carrying it. Such baffles, in effect, form compartments within the tank, limiting the distance that the tanks cargo can shift, thus minimizing the build- up of liquid velocities, and thereby ameliorating the destabilizing effects that would otherwise occur. The number of baffles required, and the nature of their structure, depends upon the length of the tank in which they are incorporated, the density of the liquid being carried, the anticipated operating speeds of the vehicle, and similar considerations. In order to be able to successfully resist the forces involved, it is frequently necessary either to have a large number of baffles mounted within the tank, or to design baffles with structural elements of substantial strength. However, these baffles do not reduce the surging effect caused by vehicle travel on gradient and sudden application of brake. Therefore, there is need to design baffle plates which reduce the surging effect.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[005] The main object of the invention is to provide an inclined tank in vehicle for improving its stability.
[006] Another object of the invention is to shift the center of gravity of vehicle by providing inclined liquid storage tank structure.
[007] Another object of the invention is to provide internal baffle plates with offset opening on an inclined liquid storage tank in vehicle to avoid surging effect.
[008] Another object of the invention is to prevent toppling of vehicle on gradient.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[009] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability comprising of an inclined tank configured for lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle and plurality of internal baffle plates configured with offset openings to avoid surging effect in the tank. The tank is configured to be inclined downwards from back side of the vehicle towards front end. The tank is configured to shift the center of gravity towards front side of the vehicle. The plurality of internal baffle plates are configured to be provided at predefined offset from each other. The openings are configured to be of predefined shape. The openings are configured to be staggered openings. The inclined tank with internal baffle plates with offset openings are configured to provide stability to the vehicle when the vehicle in travelling on gradient or in case of sudden brake application. The inclined tank is configured with a staircase for accessing top of the tank (102) for cleaning and refilling purpose.
SUMMARY
[0010] Before the present system and method are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine or an apparatus, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to inclined liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detail description.
[0011] The present invention describes a liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability. The aforesaid vehicle is a vehicle for transporting liquids which are used in mining, construction or in petroleum industries. The vehicle includes an inclined tank having a plurality of internal baffle plates and a staircase. Said internal baffle plates are further provided with offset openings which are staggered. The openings in the baffle plates mainly avoids surging effect when vehicle is travelling on gradient or in case, sudden brake is applied. Further, the inclined structure of tank on vehicle lowers the center of gravity of vehicle and thereby provides stability to vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiment, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawing. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawing.
[0013] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure. In the figure, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawing to refer like features and components.
[0014] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a vehicle with inclined liquid storage tank and baffles, in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an inclined tank with baffles at offset opening, in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] Figures depicts various embodiments of the present disclosure for purpose of illustration only. Only skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising”, “having”, and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, systems and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0018] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to another embodiment. However, one of the ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0019] The present invention describes a liquid storage tank with baffle plates in a vehicle, which provides stability of the vehicle. The center of gravity of vehicle is lowered by providing an inclination to the liquid storage tank. Further, the internal baffle plates avoid surging effect in the vehicle in situation like sudden brake application by driver or the vehicle is travelling on a gradient.
[0020] Referring to figure 1, figure 1 shows a liquid storage vehicle (100) with an inclined tank (102) and a plurality of baffles (104). The tank (102) is configured to be manufactured with predefined inclination at bottom of the tank (102) wherein said inclination is such that it raises the tank from back side of the vehicle (100). In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the tank (102) is made inclined by 10 deg however said inclination can be varied from 2-15 deg. with respect to ground. The inclination of the tank (102) lowers the center of gravity and shifts the center of gravity towards front side of the vehicle (100) due to raising of the tank (102) from the back side. The shifting of center of gravity will avoid toppling of truck in situations like climbing a hill or climbing any gradient and thereby avoiding chances of accident. Said shifting of center of gravity also helps in providing stability to the vehicle during travelling on gradient or uneven roads.
[0021] Now referring to figure 2, figure 2 shows the inclined tank (102) with internal baffles (104) provided at offset openings (106). The baffle plates (104) are positioned offset to each other inside the tank wherein said offset and the openings (106) are defined based on tank dimensions and number of baffles to be provided. The openings (106) are configured to be staggered. Further, the internal baffle plates (104) with openings (106) are provided to avoid surging effect thereby improving the stability of the liquid storage tank (100) specially on gradients. The surging effect is likely to occur while vehicle travelling on gradient or during sudden application of brake by driver or vehicle climbing a hill wherein the openings (106) are configured to reduce said surging effect. In one of the embodiments, the internal baffles (104) are permanently fastened to the tank (102). In another embodiment, the internal baffles (104) are removable and the whole tank (102) can be used to store material other than liquid. Furthermore, the inclined tank (102) is provided with a staircase (108) for accessing top of the tank (102) for cleaning and refilling purpose. In one of the embodiments, the tank (102) is provided with a provision for filling the liquid in the tank (102) wherein the provision may include filling the liquid through pipe which is removably attached to the tank (102).
[0022] Further, the present invention relates to a liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability comprising of an inclined tank (102) configured for lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle (100) and plurality of internal baffle plates (104) configured with offset openings (106) to avoid surging effect in the tank (102). The tank (102) is configured to be inclined downwards from back side of the vehicle (100) towards end. The tank (102) is configured to shift the center of gravity towards front side of the vehicle (100). The plurality of internal baffle plates (104) are configured to be provided at predefined offset from each other. The openings (106) are configured to be of predefined shape. The openings (106) are configured to be staggered openings. The inclined tank (102) with internal baffle plates (104) with offset openings (106) are configured to provide stability to the vehicle (100) when the vehicle in travelling on gradient or in case of sudden brake application. The inclined tank (102) is configured with a staircase (108) for accessing top of the tank (102) for cleaning and refilling purpose.
[0023] Further, the invention can be used, but not limited to, in the following applications.
[0024] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[0025] Some embodiments provide an inclined liquid storage tank with offset opening in baffles that can be used in mining, construction or in petroleum tankers.
[0026] Some embodiments provide an inclined liquid storage tank that can be made as retro fitment kit for the tankers, which are already working.
[0027] Some embodiments provide an inclined liquid storage tank having baffles with openings which avoids a surging effect in said tank.
[0028] Some embodiments provide an inclined liquid storage tank having baffles with openings which enhances stability of vehicle during travelling on gradient.
[0029] Some embodiments provide an inclined liquid storage tank having baffles with openings which prevents toppling of vehicle during travelling on gradient.

[0030] REFERENCE NUMERALS

Element Description Reference Numerals
Vehicle for transporting liquids 100
Inclined Tank 102
Baffles 104
Offset opening in baffle plates 106
staircase 108

,CLAIMS:
1. A liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability comprising:
an inclined tank (102) configured for lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle (100); and
plurality of internal baffle plates (104) configured with offset openings (106) to avoid surging effect in the tank (102).

2. The liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tank (102) is configured to be inclined downwards from back side of the vehicle (100) towards front end.

3. The liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tank (102) is configured to shift the center of gravity towards front side of the vehicle (100).

4. The liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of internal baffle plates (104) are configured to be provided at predefined offset from each other.

5. The liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability as claimed in claim 1, wherein the openings (106) are configured to be of predefined shape.

6. The liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability as claimed in claim 1, wherein the openings (106) are configured to be staggered openings.

7. The liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inclined tank (102) with internal baffle plates (104) with offset openings (106) are configured to provide stability to the vehicle (100) when the vehicle in travelling on gradient or in case of sudden brake application.

8. The liquid storage tank with internal baffles for vehicle stability as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inclined tank (102) is configured with a staircase (108) for accessing top of the tank (102) for cleaning and refilling purpose.