Catalyst Substrate with Induction-Heated Metal Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in inserting larger metal wires into substrate cells to reduce shaking during installation in vehicles, while maintaining efficient manufacturing and catalyst performance in exhaust gas purification systems.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst substrate with a ceramic base body and metal particles or fragments are used, where the metal particles are introduced into specific cells for induction heating, and the substrate is designed with a combination of cordierite and sealing portions to manage temperature and prevent catalyst deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the diameter of metal wire is increased to reduce shaking influence, then the stability of the substrate is improved, but the ease of insertion into substrate cells deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of substrateVSAvoidease of insertion into cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the metal from wire form to particle form, fundamentally altering the parameters of the metal component. This transformation allows the metal to be easily introduced into substrate cells while maintaining sufficient mass to provide stabilization function, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses metal particles that can be easily introduced and fixed into the substrate cells. These particles serve as a disposable or easily replaceable component that provides the necessary stabilization function without requiring complex insertion processes, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If the temperature of the catalyst substrate is increased to enhance exhaust gas purification, then the efficiency of oxidation and reduction reactions is improved, but the risk of catalyst deterioration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of exhaust gas purificationVSAvoidcatalyst durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of the cordierite substrate, which can withstand high temperatures without structural degradation. The substrate's ability to maintain structural integrity during thermal cycling allows the catalyst to operate at higher temperatures for improved productivity while protecting against deterioration through the substrate's thermal stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of cordierite substrate with embedded metal particles. This composite material combines the high-temperature stability of cordierite with the catalytic activity of metal particles, enabling efficient exhaust gas purification at elevated temperatures while the cordierite matrix protects the catalyst from deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This design effectively increases the temperature of the catalyst substrate, enhancing the oxidation and reduction of harmful exhaust gases, while minimizing the influence of shaking and ensuring long-term catalyst functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the substrate is heated based on induction heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

An electromagnetic field generator is mounted adjacent the substrate for generating a varying electromagnetic field inductively to heat the metal and so heat the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

An electromagnetic field generator is mounted adjacent the substrate for generating a varying electromagnetic field inductively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3556453B1Catalyst substrate, method of manufacturing the same, and exhaust gas purification apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP3556453B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3556453B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3556453B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A catalyst substrate may include: a ceramic base body (90) including first and second ends (91, 92), the second end (92) being opposite to the first end (91), and the ceramic base body (90) being provided with a plurality of cells (93) each extending between the first and second ends (91, 92); and a plurality of metal particles or metal fragments (82) introduced into one or more internal spaces of one or more selected cells (93H) in the plurality of cells (93). Each of the plurality of metal particles or metal fragments (82) has a size equal to or less than an opening width of the cell. The plurality of metal particles or metal fragments (82) is configured to generate heat in accordance with varying magnetic field.