AdBlue Metering Module Bonded Heat Sink Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosing devices for internal combustion engines face overheating issues due to high temperatures in exhaust lines, leading to material degradation and limited protection against heat and external media, which affects the functionality and sealing of the dosing units.

Innovation Solution

A dosing device comprising an injection valve and a receiving device connected via material bonds, featuring a heat sink element and a cover element with integral welded connections, providing efficient cooling through a complex-shaped annular chamber and a cooling medium flow path, and incorporating an expansion compensation mechanism to manage thermal stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the dosing module is positioned close to the hot exhaust line to optimally introduce reducing agent, then the dosing effectiveness is improved, but the materials and seals overheat leading to functionality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a cooling device with cooling fins that surrounds the dosing module, creating a thermal barrier zone between the hot exhaust line and the sensitive dosing components. This segmentation allows the dosing module to remain close to the exhaust line for effective dosing while the cooling device protects it from overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cooling device acts as an intermediary element between the hot exhaust line and the dosing module. This intermediary structure with cooling fins dissipates heat through convection and radiation, protecting the seals and materials of the dosing module from direct thermal exposure while allowing the dosing function to operate effectively near the exhaust line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cooling devices are added to protect against overheating, then material protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling device is merged with the holding device or adapter that already exists in the dosing system. The cooling fins are integrated into the structural components that hold the dosing module, combining the cooling function with the existing mechanical support structure. This reduces overall device complexity compared to adding a separate cooling system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device or adapter serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the dosing module, acts as a cooling device with integrated fins for heat dissipation, and potentially serves as a mounting structure for the exhaust line. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If elastomers are used for sealing and insulation, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but maximum permissible temperature is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmaximum permissible temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from the elastomeric materials that are temperature-sensitive and relocated to a position protected by the cooling device with cooling fins. The cooling structure creates a thermal barrier that allows elastomeric seals to function effectively at lower temperatures away from the direct heat exposure of the exhaust line, while the dosing module remains close to the exhaust for effective operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures optimal sealing and robustness against temperature loads, reduces manufacturing costs and weight, and enhances heat dissipation, preventing overheating and maintaining functionality even at high temperatures, while eliminating the need for additional sealing elements.

Implementation Method 1

passive cooling using cooling fins on the dosing module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

passive cooling using cooling fins on the dosing module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a fluid-filled heat sink is used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the injection valve and the receiving device being combined to form a structural unit by means of material connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3077634B1Metering module for metering adblue
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3077634B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3077634B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a metering device (10) for introducing a process liquid or auxiliary agent into a flow pipe of an internal combustion engine, in particular for introducing a reducing agent into an exhaust gas pipe (12). Said device comprises an injection valve (22) and a receiving device (50) comprising a heat sink element (46) and a cover element (48). The injection valve (22) and the receiving device (50) are combined to form a structural unit by means of bonded connections (62, 64).