Current Feed-Through Thermal Decoupling for Catalytic Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically heatable catalytic converters face thermal load issues due to direct integrally bonded connections between the current feed-through and internal components, leading to potential damage at the contact region from exhaust-gas energy and heating conductor heat.
Innovation Solution
A current feed-through design with thermal decoupling features, such as reduced thermal conductivity materials, heat shields, additional thermal masses, and extended conductive elements, to minimize heat transfer from the 'hot end' to the 'cold end', reducing thermal stress on the insulation and connection areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the current feed-through uses direct integrally bonded connection between the current-conducting pin and internal components, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but thermal load on the insulation and connection means increases leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal decoupling device as an intermediary element between the hot end (current feed-through contact region) and the cold end (external connection region). This mediator reduces heat conduction along the current feed-through while maintaining electrical connectivity, thereby protecting the insulation and connection means from excessive thermal load without compromising electrical contact reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local thermal management by creating a thermal decoupling zone at specific locations along the current feed-through. The thermal decoupling device is positioned to selectively reduce heat conduction in the critical region where thermal load causes damage, while allowing other regions to maintain their thermal characteristics for optimal electrical performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal decoupling devices are added to reduce heat conduction, then thermal stress on insulation and connection means is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal conductivity parameter of the current feed-through structure by introducing materials or structures with different thermal properties. The thermal decoupling device changes the thermal conduction parameter locally to reduce heat transfer, while the rest of the structure maintains its original parameters for electrical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining materials with different thermal and electrical properties. The thermal decoupling device may use composite materials that provide thermal resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity, thereby reducing thermal stress without significantly increasing device complexity
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
Effectively reduces thermal stress on the cold end, preventing damage to insulation and connection means by minimizing heat conduction from the hot end, thereby enhancing the durability and reliability of the current feed-through.
Implementation Method 1
a device for reducing the heat conduction from the interior of the catalytic converter along the current feed-through to a contact face arranged outside the catalytic converter
Implementation Method 2
having an electrical insulation layer, which surrounds the electrically conductive element on its radial outer face
Data Source
AI summary
A current feed-through for an electrically heatable catalytic converter, wherein the catalytic converter has in the interior thereof at least one electrical conductor, which is electrically contactable by the current feed-through, having a central electrically conductive element, which is guided from the interior of the catalytic converter through the outer housing wall thereof, having an electrical insulation layer, which surrounds the electrically conductive element on its radial outer face, and having a metallic sleeve, in which the electrically conductive element and the electrical insulation layer is received, wherein at the current feed-through or directly adjacently to the current feed-through there is arranged a device for reducing the heat conduction from the interior of the catalytic converter along the current feed-through to a contact face arranged outside the catalytic converter.