EXHAUST FLEXIBLE PIPE SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE THAT INCLUDES THE SAME

Abstract

An exhaust flex pipe assembly 100, arranged between an engine 10 and an exhaust aftertreatment system 20, and adapted to harvest electrical energy from the vibrations generated in the vehicle. The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 comprises a cylindrical body 110 made of adjacent corrugated rings 112, a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body 110 and configured to harvest electrical energy from the vibrations generated by the engine 10 and / or a suspension system of the vehicle, and a plurality of ignition switches 130, each coupled to a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 and adapted to harvest the electrical energy from the triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 and transfer it to a battery 30.The energy recovered by the exhaust flex pipe device 100 eliminates the load on the motor generator for power required for the processes of the electric heating 22 in the exhaust aftertreatment system 20.

Description

OVERALL TERM OF DESCRIPTION

[0001] The following patent specification describes in particular the invention and the manner in which it is to be carried out. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicles. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an exhaust flex pipe device adapted to generate electrical energy from the vibrations produced in the vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0003] As is well known, vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine (and in the case of hybrid / hybrid electric vehicles, also with a drive motor / generator) as their power source. The exhaust gases emitted by an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine, contain various pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), soot, particulate matter (PM), etc., which are associated with environmental and health problems. To meet strict emission standards, an exhaust aftertreatment system, such as a catalytic converter, is provided with the internal combustion engine. This system converts the harmful exhaust emissions into less harmful gases and water before they are released back into the atmosphere.

[0004] A conventional catalytic converter includes a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The DOC and DPF work at the front of the converter to reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, as well as particulate matter and soot from the exhaust gases, thus reducing the risk of these particles being released into the atmosphere. The SCR works at the rear of the converter to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The aftertreatment system, or the catalytic converter, only activates and begins reducing emissions once it reaches a cutoff temperature, typically between 180°C and 300°C or higher. Therefore, exhaust gas temperature plays a crucial role in the catalytic converter's performance.

[0005] When the internal combustion engine is operated under normal weather conditions or at high ambient temperatures, and the exhaust gas temperature is high, significant emission reductions can be achieved through the catalytic converter. However, during a cold start of the internal combustion engine, when the ambient temperature is low, emissions are considerable due to poor catalyst performance because the catalyst is at a low temperature, as well as due to the low exhaust gas temperature during the cold start. If the catalyst temperature is below the cutoff temperature, the conversion of emissions such as COx, NOx, and HC is inefficient. Typically, during a cold start of the internal combustion engine, an electric heater is used in a premixing chamber of the exhaust gas after treatment to provide the temperature required for catalytic operation.The electric heater draws power from a battery, for example a 48-volt e-rack system, which in turn stores the energy drawn from the engine's alternator or is recharged by it, thus placing an additional load on the engine.

[0006] Patent document CN113193784B (hereinafter referred to as the "CN'784" document) discloses a combination of Helmholtz resonators and piezoelectric ceramics to create a system for noise reduction and power generation for the exhaust pipes of high-performance engines. Helmholtz resonators amplify the engine vibrations and convert them into mechanical energy, and the piezoelectric ceramics convert this mechanical energy into electrical energy. Furthermore, patent document CN114884189B (hereinafter referred to as the "CN'189" document) discloses a hybrid power supply system for a vehicle.The power supply system described in the CN'189 document integrates several energy-generating devices to recover waste heat from the engine. It includes a primary thermal power-generating device that utilizes heat from the engine's water-cooling pipe, a secondary thermal power-generating device that captures heat from the exhaust pipe, and a friction power-generating device that converts energy from the vibrations of the engine's exhaust pipe. The system also features a circuit control unit for managing and distributing the generated electricity. The friction generator incorporates electrodes and a dielectric material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, to convert vibrations into power.

[0007] Patent document WO2024176039A1 (hereinafter referred to as the "WO'039" document) discloses an exhaust system comprising a resonance system designed to improve engine performance by reducing exhaust pressure caused by pressure waves in the exhaust pipe. The engine described in WO'039 includes an exhaust system with a catalyst, a silencer, and a resonance pipe connected to a resonance cavity. The resonance system is coupled to a linear alternator to generate electrical power. Furthermore, patent document CN202300596U (hereinafter referred to as the "CN'596" document) discloses a noise reduction system for internal combustion engines that converts sound energy into electrical energy.The system described in the CN'596 document includes a main electrical noise reduction device with a vibrating diaphragm attached to an acoustic chamber, connected to an electromagnetic induction coil and a ring-shaped permanent magnet. When the engine's sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate, the magnet moves within the coil, generating an electromotive force that is converted into direct current to power a charging circuit for the vehicle battery.

[0008] Patent document US2012133334A1 (hereinafter referred to as the "US'334" document) discloses a system that utilizes the mechanical energy of the vehicle's suspension to charge a battery. The vehicle includes a drive motor and a lithium-ion battery, with a control unit managing the charging and discharging processes. The shock absorbers in the suspension are equipped with converters that transform the spring energy from road shocks into electrical energy, which is then used to charge the vehicle's battery.

[0009] While the aforementioned known solutions reveal various types of arrangements for collecting electrical energy, there is still room for further improvements and for providing an improved and cost-effective arrangement for collecting electrical energy.

[0010] The present disclosure aims to overcome one or more of the aforementioned limitations or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

[0011] The information disclosed in this section concerning the prior art of the present disclosure serves only to provide a better understanding of the general prior art of the invention and is not to be understood as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REVELATION

[0012] One or more shortcomings of conventional exhaust flex pipe assemblies of a vehicle and of a vehicle incorporating them are overcome, and additional advantages are provided by the exhaust flex pipe assembly and the vehicle as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized by the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed disclosure.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an exhaust flex pipe assembly is disclosed in one embodiment, configured to be positioned between an engine and an exhaust aftertreatment system of a vehicle. The exhaust flex pipe assembly is capable of generating electrical energy from the vibrations generated in the vehicle. The exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises a cylindrical body made of a plurality of adjacent corrugated rings and a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body. Each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to generate electrical energy from the vibrations generated by at least one of the engine and the vehicle's suspension. The exhaust flex pipe assembly further comprises a plurality of ignition switches.Each ignition switch is coupled to a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip and is adapted to capture the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator strip and store it in a battery configured to power an electric heater for the exhaust aftertreatment system.

[0014] In another, non-restrictive embodiment of the present disclosure, the ends of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip are coupled to the outer surface of the cylindrical body by thermal spraying.

[0015] In another, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is made of a layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material.

[0016] In another, non-restrictive embodiment of the present disclosure, the triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to generate an output voltage of 50 to 60 volts under a pressure of 1 kilogram of force.

[0017] In another, non-restrictive embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0018] In another, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises three triboelectric nanogenerator strips arranged parallel to one another on the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The three triboelectric nanogenerator strips are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0019] According to a further aspect, a vehicle is disclosed in one embodiment. The vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, an engine with a turbocharger, an exhaust aftertreatment system with a premixing chamber in which exhaust gas is heated, and a battery for powering an electric heater that heats the exhaust gas in the premixing chamber of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The vehicle further comprises an exhaust flex pipe assembly configured to connect an outlet of the turbocharger to an inlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises a cylindrical body made of a plurality of adjacent corrugated rings and a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body.Each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to harvest electrical energy from the vibrations generated by at least one of the vehicle's engine and suspension components. The exhaust flex pipe assembly further includes multiple ignition switches. Each ignition switch is coupled to a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip and is configured to feed the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator strip into the battery.

[0020] In another, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the ends of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip are coupled to the outer surface of the cylindrical body by thermal spraying. The thickness of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0021] In another, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is made of a layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material. The triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to generate an output voltage of 50 to 60 volts under a pressure of 1 kilogram of force.

[0022] In another, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises three triboelectric nanogenerator strips arranged parallel to one another on the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The three triboelectric nanogenerator strips are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0023] Within the scope of this disclosure, the exhaust flex pipe device recovers electrical energy from the vibrations generated in the vehicle and eliminates (or reduces) the load on the engine generator corresponding to the power required for the electrical heating processes in the premixing chamber of the exhaust aftertreatment system. Likewise, the preheating efficiency of the exhaust premixing chamber can be increased due to the stored power produced using the exhaust flex pipe device.

[0024] In accordance with the present disclosure, the exhaust flex pipe assembly, adapted to generate 50 to 60 volts of energy, helps to reduce the size of the battery stack. Reducing the battery size frees up space in the vehicle, which in turn can be used to increase the fuel tank volume.

[0025] It is understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above can be used in any combination with one another. Several of the aspects and embodiments can be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] The preceding summary serves only for illustration and is in no way intended to be limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, further aspects and features will become clear through reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The novel features and properties of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying claims. However, the present disclosure itself, as well as a use, further objectives and advantages thereof, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where identical reference numerals represent identical elements, and in which: Fig. 1 A schematic diagram of an engine and an exhaust flex pipe assembly of a vehicle, wherein the exhaust flex pipe assembly is arranged downstream of the engine, illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a front view of the exhaust flex pipe assembly Fig. 1 and comprising the triboelectric nanogenerator strips coupled to a cylindrical body of the exhaust flex pipe device, illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 3 a side view of the exhaust flex pipe assembly Fig. 2 and comprising the triboelectric nanogenerator strips coupled to a cylindrical body of the exhaust flex pipe device, illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic assembly of the exhaust flex pipe device, a battery, an electric heater and an aftertreatment system of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The figures represent embodiments of the present disclosure solely for illustrative purposes. A person skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein can be used without departing from the objective of the present disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] While the embodiments described in the present disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the figures and are described below. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not intended to limit itself to the specific disclosed forms, but rather, on the contrary, to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated by the present disclosure to modify the design of the exhaust flex pipe assembly of the vehicle and the vehicle incorporating the exhaust flex pipe assembly, with the design of the exhaust flex pipe assembly and the vehicle varying depending on the scope of application. However, such modifications should be interpreted within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are important for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to the average person skilled in the art benefiting from the present description. For the sake of simplicity, neither the complete vehicle nor its other components are shown in the drawings.

[0031] The terms “includes,” “comprehensive,” or other variations thereof, used in this disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system comprising a list of components may include not only those components but also other components not expressly listed or belonging to such assembly, process, system, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device that is continued with “includes… one” does not, without further limitations, exclude the presence of other or additional elements in the system or device.

[0032] According to one aspect, an exhaust flex pipe assembly is disclosed in one embodiment, configured to be positioned between an engine and an exhaust aftertreatment system of a vehicle. The exhaust flex pipe assembly is capable of generating electrical energy from the vibrations generated in the vehicle. The exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises a cylindrical body made of a plurality of adjacent corrugated rings and a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body. Each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to generate electrical energy from the vibrations generated by at least one of the engine and the vehicle's suspension. The exhaust flex pipe assembly further comprises a plurality of ignition switches.Each ignition switch is coupled to a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip and is adapted to harvest the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator strip and store it in a battery configured to power an electric heater for the exhaust aftertreatment system. In another embodiment, the ends of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip are coupled to the outer surface of the cylindrical body by thermal spraying.

[0033] Each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is made of a layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material. The triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to generate an output voltage of 50 to 60 volts under a pressure of 1 kilogram. Furthermore, the thickness of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip ranges from 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0034] In some embodiments, the exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises three triboelectric nanogenerator strips arranged parallel to each other on the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The three triboelectric nanogenerator strips are equidistant from each other along the circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0035] According to a further aspect, a vehicle is disclosed in one embodiment. The vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, an engine with a turbocharger, an exhaust aftertreatment system with a premixing chamber in which exhaust gas is heated, and a battery for powering an electric heater that heats the exhaust gas in the premixing chamber of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The vehicle further comprises an exhaust flex pipe assembly configured to connect an outlet of the turbocharger to an inlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises a cylindrical body made of a plurality of adjacent corrugated rings and a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body.Each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to harvest electrical energy from the vibrations generated by at least one of the vehicle's engine and suspension components. The exhaust flex pipe assembly also includes multiple ignition switches. Each ignition switch is coupled to a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip and is configured to feed the electrical energy generated by the strip into the battery. Furthermore, the ends of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip are thermally bonded to the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The thickness of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip ranges from 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0036] Each triboelectric nanogenerator strip is made of a layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material. The triboelectric nanogenerator strip is configured to generate an output voltage of 50 to 60 volts under a pressure of 1 kilogram of force.

[0037] In some embodiments, the exhaust flex pipe assembly comprises three triboelectric nanogenerator strips arranged parallel to each other on the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The three triboelectric nanogenerator strips are equidistant from each other along the circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0038] In the following sections, the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 described. In the figures, the same element or elements, which have similar functions, are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0039] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an engine 10 and an exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 of a vehicle (not shown). The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 can be located downstream of the engine 10. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 can be coupled to an outlet 12 of a turbocharger of the engine. Without deviating from the scope of protection of this disclosure, the vehicle can be defined as any vehicle whatsoever, for example, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, and the like. Furthermore, the vehicle can include vehicles powered by various energy sources, for example, vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and the like. In some examples, the vehicle disclosed in this disclosure is intended for a luxury vehicle segment, for example, autonomous, semi-autonomous, or manually controlled passenger vehicles.

[0040] The vehicle may comprise a body frame, chassis, body-in-white, or vehicle frame configured to support vehicle components, including power generation units, air conditioning systems, exhaust systems (in vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine), and the like. The vehicle may comprise a front section, a middle section, and a rear section, with the power generation unit and other related components mounted on the front section. The power generation unit is preferably covered by a hood panel of the vehicle. Furthermore, the front section of the vehicle may include at least two headlights mounted on the vehicle's body frame to provide illumination while the vehicle is in motion, for example, in dark environments.The vehicle further comprises at least four wheels, such that at least two wheels are rotatably mounted on the front section of the vehicle and are thus defined as the front wheels of the vehicle. The other at least two wheels are rotatably mounted on the rear section of the vehicle and are thus defined as the rear wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle can be defined as a front-wheel-drive vehicle. A front-wheel-drive vehicle can be defined as a vehicle in which the power generation unit transmits power to the front wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle can also be defined as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. A rear-wheel-drive vehicle can be defined as a vehicle in which the power generation unit transmits power to the rear wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle.Furthermore, the vehicle is defined as having all-wheel drive if the power generation unit is configured to transmit power to all wheels of the vehicle in order to drive the vehicle on uneven terrain, preferably for off-road activities, adventure activities, and the like. The vehicle includes a steering assembly whose steering column is operatively coupled to the at least two front wheels and the at least two rear wheels of the vehicle. The steering column facilitates the driver's maneuvering of the vehicle on any terrain.

[0041] In one embodiment, the power generation unit can be the internal combustion (IC) engine 10 (or the “engine 10”), which is configured to generate power by burning hydrocarbons as fuel, for example, gasoline, diesel, and the like. In another embodiment, the vehicle can be a hybrid vehicle comprising a traction motor configured to drive the hybrid vehicle in an electric mode, the IC engine 10 to drive the hybrid vehicle in an IC engine mode, and a battery as a power source for the traction engine.

[0042] The front or middle section of the vehicle may comprise the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment may define a cabin with multiple seats to facilitate seating for passengers or the driver. The passenger compartment includes the steering assembly, comprising the steering column for maneuvering the vehicle in a desired direction; an instrument panel equipped with multiple buttons, switches, displays, and the like for operating vehicle functions and enhancing aesthetics and comfort for the driver or passengers seated in the passenger compartment; and a floor panel mounted to the vehicle's body frame. The passenger compartment may further include at least two rows of seats mounted to the floor panel, such that each of the at least two rows contains at least two seats arranged side by side.The seats arranged in the passenger compartment can be mounted on the floor panel in a back-to-back arrangement or in a face-to-face arrangement.

[0043] Furthermore, the rear section of the vehicle may include at least two taillights configured to illuminate in various situations, such as when the brakes are applied. The at least two taillights are mounted in respective cutouts defined in the vehicle's body frame or in the vehicle's trunk lid.

[0044] Furthermore, the vehicle includes, with reference to Fig. 4 a catalyst 20, for example an exhaust aftertreatment system 20, which is equipped with the engine 10 of the vehicle. The exhaust aftertreatment system 20 is configured to process and reduce the harmful exhaust emissions of the engine 10 into less harmful gases and water before they are released back into the atmosphere. The exhaust emissions can include various pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), soot, particulate matter (PM), etc., which are associated with environmental and health problems.The catalyst or exhaust aftertreatment system 20 can comprise at least one diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), one diesel particulate filter (DPF), and one selective catalytic reduction agent (SCR), wherein the diesel oxidation catalyst and the diesel particulate filter can be configured to reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and to capture particles and soot from the exhaust gases, and the selective catalytic reduction agent can be configured to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from the exhaust gases. In order to carry out these processes, i.e., for the exhaust aftertreatment system 20 to be activated and to begin reducing emissions, a catalyst of the catalyst must reach an ignition temperature of approximately 180 °C.However, during a cold start of the engine, when the ambient temperature is low, emissions are significant due to the poor performance of the catalytic converter, as the catalytic converter operates at a low temperature.

[0045] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 4. The exhaust aftertreatment system 20 includes a premixing chamber in which the exhaust gas, i.e., the harmful exhaust emissions of the engine 10, is heated, for example, during a cold start of the engine. An electric heater 22 can be provided upstream of or inside the premixing chamber for heating the exhaust gas. The electric heater 22 can be adapted to draw power from a battery 30, which is positioned on the vehicle's body frame and connected to the electric heater 22.

[0046] With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 of the present disclosure. The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 is configured to be positioned between the engine 10 and the exhaust aftertreatment system 20 of the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 is configured to couple the outlet 12 of the turbocharger of the engine 10 with an inlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system 20. In a particular embodiment, the exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 is configured to couple the outlet 12 of the turbocharger with an inlet of the premix chamber of the exhaust aftertreatment system 20. The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 is capable of generating electrical energy from the vibrations produced in the vehicle. The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 is, for example, adapted to generate electrical energy from the vibrations produced by the engine 10 and / or the vehicle's suspension system.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 comprises a cylindrical body 110. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cylindrical body 110 can be made from a plurality of adjacent corrugated rings 112. In one embodiment, the cylindrical body 110 can be made from a plurality of adjacent corrugated rings 112, such that the cylindrical body 110 forms an accordion-like element. The plurality of corrugated rings 112 can be provided between the end rings 110a, 110b of the cylindrical body 110. With reference to Fig. 3. In one embodiment, the cylindrical body 110 can be made from interlocking corrugated rings 112 wound around a thin-walled metal tube 114. The cylindrical body 110 facilitates the absorption of vibrations and movements caused by the engine 10 and the vehicle's suspension system. Furthermore, the flexibility of the cylindrical body 110 helps to reduce the stress on the connections of the engine 10 and / or the exhaust aftertreatment system 20 and to prevent cracks or fractures resulting from the operation of the engine 10.

[0048] With renewed reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 further comprises a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120. The triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 can be coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body 110. In one embodiment, the triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 can be coupled to an outer surface of the corrugated rings 112 of the cylindrical body 110. According to the present disclosure, each triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 is configured to generate electrical energy from the vibrations produced by at least one of the motor 10 and the vehicle's suspension.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 2. The ends 120a, 120b of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 can be coupled to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 110 by thermal spraying. In an exemplary embodiment, the ends 120a, 120b of the triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 can be coupled to the outer surface of the corrugated rings 112 by thermal spraying. Without limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure, the thermal spraying can include plasma spraying or flame spraying. Thermal spraying facilitates the creation of a solid bond and is suitable for high-temperature applications.

[0050] According to the present disclosure, each triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 can convert low- and medium-frequency vibrational energy into electrical energy. In one embodiment, each triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 is made of a layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material. In an exemplary embodiment, a flexible and temperature-stable nanogenerator strip 120 based on layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material is used to generate unused vibrational energy coupled to the exhaust flex pipe device 100. Within the scope of protection of the present disclosure, the nanogenerator strip 120 made of layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material exhibits fire resistance and high-temperature stability (approximately 500 °C).Furthermore, the nanogenerator strip 120, made of layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material, generates a high output voltage of 50 to 60 V (volts) even at a low vertical pressure of 1 kgf (kilogram force). In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 is in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the cylindrical body 110 along its longitudinal axis can be 270 mm. A total of 70 corrugated rings 112 can be provided on the cylindrical body 110, with the distance between two adjacent corrugated rings 112 being approximately 3.5 mm.

[0051] Furthermore, the exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 comprises a plurality of ignition switches 130. Each ignition switch 130 is coupled to a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 and is adapted to feed the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 into the battery 30, which is configured to power the electric heater 22 of the exhaust aftertreatment system 20. In particular, the ignition switch 130 is adapted to feed the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 into the battery 30, which powers the electric heater 22 of the premixing chamber of the exhaust aftertreatment system 20.

[0052] In a work implementation with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig.3 The exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 comprises four triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 arranged parallel to each other on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 110. The four triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the cylindrical body 110. For example, the four triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 can be arranged at an angular distance of 90 degrees from each other. In an exemplary working implementation, the exhaust flex pipe assembly 100 comprises three triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 arranged parallel to each other on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 110. The three triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the cylindrical body 110.The three triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 can, for example, be arranged at an angular distance of 120 degrees from each other. The force required to compress or stretch the triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 can be calculated using Hooke's law. F=k×x Where The following applies: F = applied force (in Newtons), k = spring constant (in Newtons per meter), and x = displacement (in meters), If the displacement is 30 mm and the spring constant is 100 N / m, then, The required force would be F = 100 N / m × 0.03 m = 1 N = 0.305 kg-f.

[0053] As a rule of thumb, a triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120 has a surface area of ​​0.01 m². 2and produces approximately 60 volts with an applied force of 1 kgf. Accordingly, the triboelectric nanogenerator strip 120, with a surface area of ​​0.01 m², generates 2 At an applied force of 0.3 kgf, approximately 18 volts are generated. Three triboelectric nanogenerator strips 120 thus produce 54 volts.

[0054] Within the scope of this disclosure, the exhaust flex pipe device 100 recovers electrical energy from the vibrations generated in the vehicle and eliminates (or reduces) the load on the motor generator corresponding to the power required for the electrical heating operations 22 in the premixing chamber of the exhaust aftertreatment system 20. Likewise, the preheating efficiency of the exhaust premixing chamber can be increased due to the stored power produced using the exhaust flex pipe device 100.

[0055] In accordance with the present disclosure, the exhaust flex pipe device 100, which is adapted to generate energy of 50 to 60 volts, helps to reduce the size of the battery 30 stack. The reduction in the size of the battery 30 provides space in the vehicle, which in turn can be used to increase the fuel tank volume.

[0056] It is self-evident that a person skilled in the art can develop an exhaust flex pipe assembly for the vehicle and a vehicle with a similar configuration without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. Such modifications and variations can be made without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that this disclosure covers such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Equivalents:

[0057] With regard to the use of essentially any plural and / or singular terms herein, the person skilled in the art may, as is appropriate for the context and / or application, translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly mentioned herein for the sake of clarity.

[0058] The person skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein, and in particular in the attached claims (e.g., in the bodies of the attached claims), are generally to be understood as "open" terms (e.g., the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising, but not limited to," the term "featuring" should be interpreted as "featuring at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes, but not limited to," etc.). The person skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim repetition is intended, this intention will be expressly stated in the claim, and that if such a repetition is absent, no such intention exists.For example, and to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases "at least one" and "one, one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as limiting a particular claim containing such an introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only such a recitation, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one, one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "one" (e.g., "one" should typically be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one, one or more"). The same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim recitations.Furthermore, even if a specific number of introduced claim repetitions is expressly mentioned, the person skilled in the art recognizes that such a repetition should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the number recited (e.g., the mere repetition of "two repetitions" without any other modifiers generally means at least two repetitions or two or more repetitions). Moreover, in cases where a convention is used analogously to "at least one of A, B and / or C, etc.", such a construction is generally meant in the sense in which a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system with at least one of A, B and / or C" would include, but not be limited to, systems comprising A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.).The person skilled in the art will further understand that practically every disjoint word and / or phrase representing two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, the claims, or the drawings, should be understood to include the possibilities of one of the terms, each of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" is understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B". While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be obvious to the person skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be understood as limiting, the true scope being specified by the following claims. List of reference symbols: 10 Motor 12 Outlet 20 Exhaust aftertreatment system 22 Electric heating 30 battery 100 Exhaust flex pipe assembly 110 Cylindrical body 110a, 110b End rings 112 Wavy Rings 120 Triboelectric Nanogenerator Strip 120 120a, 120b ends 130 Ignition switches QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 113193784B

[0006] CN 114884189B

[0006] WO 2024176039A1

[0007] CN 202300596U

[0007] US 2012133334A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Exhaust flex pipe assembly (100) configured to be positioned between an engine (10) and an exhaust aftertreatment system (20) of a vehicle and adapted to generate electrical energy from vibrations generated in the vehicle, the exhaust flex pipe assembly (100) comprising: a cylindrical body (110) made from a plurality of corrugated rings (112) arranged side by side; a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips (120) coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body (110), each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) being configured to extract electrical energy from the vibrations generated by at least the motor (10) and / or a suspension system of the vehicle; and a plurality of ignition switches (130), each ignition switch (130) being coupled to and adapted with a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) to capture the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) into a battery (30) configured to power an electric heater (22) of the exhaust aftertreatment system (20). [2] Exhaust flex pipe device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ends (120a, 120b) of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) are coupled to the outer surface of the cylindrical body (110) by thermal spraying. [3] Exhaust flex pipe device (100) according to claim 1, wherein each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) is made of a layered zinc-aluminium double hydroxide nanocomposite material. [4] Exhaust flex pipe device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) is configured to generate an output voltage of 50 to 60 volts under a pressure of 1 kilogram of force. [5] Exhaust flex pipe device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) is in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm. [6] Exhaust flex pipe assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust flex pipe assembly (100) comprises three triboelectric nanogenerator strips (120) arranged parallel to each other on the outer surface of the cylindrical body (110), and the three triboelectric nanogenerator strips (120) are arranged at equal distances from each other along a circumference of the cylindrical body (110). [7] Vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame; an engine (10) with a turbocharger; an exhaust aftertreatment system (20) with a premixing chamber in which an exhaust gas is heated; a battery (30) for powering an electric heater (22) that heats the exhaust gas in the premixing chamber of the exhaust aftertreatment system (20); and an exhaust flex pipe assembly (100) configured to couple an outlet (12) of the turbocharger with an inlet of the exhaust aftertreatment system (20), the exhaust flex pipe assembly (100) comprising: a cylindrical body (110) made from a plurality of corrugated rings (112) arranged side by side; a plurality of triboelectric nanogenerator strips (120) coupled to an outer surface of the cylindrical body (110), each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) being configured to harvest electrical energy from the vibrations generated by at least one of the motor (10) and one suspension system of the vehicle; and a plurality of ignition switches (130), each ignition switch (130) being coupled to and adapted with a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) to capture the electrical energy generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) and feed it into the battery (30). [8] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the ends (120a, 120b) of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) are coupled to the outer surface of the cylindrical body (110) by thermal spraying; and the thickness of each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) is in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm. [9] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein Each triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) is made of a layered zinc-aluminum double hydroxide nanocomposite material; and the triboelectric nanogenerator strip (120) is configured to generate an output voltage of 50 to 60 volts under a pressure of 1 kilogram of force. [10] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the exhaust flex pipe device (100) comprises three triboelectric nanogenerator strips (120) arranged parallel to each other on the outer surface of the cylindrical body (110), and the three triboelectric nanogenerator strips (120) are arranged at equal distances from each other along a circumference of the cylindrical body (110).

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