Crystallized Glass Joint Structure for Exhaust Insulation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulating materials, particularly crystallizable or partially crystallized glasses, are not sufficiently resistant to environmental conditions in exhaust systems of internal combustion engines, leading to impaired electrical resistance and control behavior due to moisture condensation, and lack thermal stability and fatigue strength.

Innovation Solution

A joining connection design using crystallizable or partially crystallized glass with a structure that extends the creepage distance and includes a predominantly amorphous glass layer with minimal pores, optionally with high-temperature-stable ceramics, and a crystallite arrangement that interlocks to enhance mechanical stability and thermal resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crystallizable or partially crystallized glass is used as insulating material, then electrical resistance is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to moisture condensation in exhaust systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical resistanceVSAvoidmoisture condensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the creepage distance by creating a three-dimensional path along the surface of the insulating component. The structure includes surface features such as ribs, grooves, or protrusions that force moisture to travel a longer, more complex path rather than a direct linear distance, thereby maintaining electrical resistance even when condensation is present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines crystallizable or partially crystallized glass with specific surface structures to create a composite insulating system. The glass material provides base electrical insulation properties while the added surface structures (ribs, grooves, protrusions) create additional physical barriers against moisture, achieving synergistic protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If elastomeric material is used to extend creepage distance, then electrical insulation is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates in hot zone of exhaust systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from elastomeric to crystallizable or partially crystallized glass, which has significantly higher thermal stability. This material substitution allows the insulating component to maintain its electrical insulation properties and structural integrity at the high temperatures found in exhaust systems while still providing extended creepage distance through surface structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If insulating component surface is extended to increase creepage distance, then electrical resistance is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical resistanceVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the creepage distance in the lateral dimension by adding surface structures such as ribs, grooves, and protrusions rather than increasing the overall length of the insulating component. This allows electrical insulation to be improved without significantly increasing the component's footprint or compromising its mechanical strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of crystallizable or partially crystallized glass provides a composite structure that combines electrical insulation properties with high mechanical strength. The material's inherent properties maintain structural integrity while the added surface features extend the creepage path

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

The design provides enhanced electrical insulation and mechanical stability, maintaining high resistance and stability up to 1000°C, with minimal porosity and a strong bond between components, suitable for high-temperature applications.

Implementation Method 1

the surface of the electrically insulating component 53, which extends between the joining partners, forms a structure S, in particular a protrusion or depression, by which in particular the direct path from the at least one joining partner to the at least one other joining partner along the surface is extended

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCreepage distance extension:

Implementation Method 2

an at least predominantly amorphous glass layer can be arranged in the joining connections disclosed herein, which preferably comprises less than 10 pores per cm3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity reduction: Porosity

Implementation Method 3

a crystallisable or at least partially crystallized glass and its use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 4

maintaining high resistance and stability up to 1000°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion resistance: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 5

these are often not sufficiently safe in such an environment to ensure unimpaired control behavior against the impairments described above

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Data Source

PatentEP3877346B1Joint connection comprising a crystallised glass, its use, crystallisable and at least partially crystallised glass and its use
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SCHOTT AG
  • EP3877346B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3877346B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2c
  • EP3877346B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a join comprising an at least partially crystallized glass and the use thereof, a glass that can be crystallized, an at least partially crystallized glass, and use thereof.