Integrated DEF Tank Siphon Line for Top-Access Draining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks face challenges in draining and require additional components or cumbersome procedures, such as removing parts to insert a siphoning tube, which may not always be available.
Innovation Solution
An integrated tank siphon line with a siphon inlet at the bottom and a port at the top, allowing for draining without removing components, leveraging preexisting tank and vehicle components for siphoning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drain plug is installed at the bottom of the DEF tank, then draining capability is provided, but accessibility becomes restricted when the bottom is not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing drainage from the bottom of the tank, the invention inverts the approach by providing drainage from the top of the tank through a siphon line. The siphon line extends from the top wall down to the bottom interior to extract fluid, reversing the conventional drainage direction and making it accessible from the top where service is easier.
2Ease of operation
If a separate siphoning tube is added for draining, then draining capability is provided, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the siphon line with the existing tank structure by integrating it into the top wall assembly. Rather than being a separate removable component, the siphon line is permanently mounted to the tank body and combined with the level sending unit housing, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining draining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The siphon line is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides drainage capability, acts as part of the level sensing system housing, and can be integrated with existing tank mounting structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If tank components are removed to insert a siphon tube, then draining capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The siphon line is pre-integrated into the tank structure during manufacturing, with the line already mounted to the top wall and positioned to reach the bottom interior. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for field installation procedures that would require removing tank components, making the system ready for immediate use.
4Ease of operation
If additional draining components are carried, then draining capability is provided, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank structure itself provides the mounting and support for the siphon line, using its own structural components (top wall, sending unit housing) to accommodate the drainage function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate support structures or additional heavy components that would otherwise be required.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient draining of DEF without additional components, reducing complexity and cost, and utilizing existing components for multiple functions.
Implementation Method 1
a tank siphon line to drain the diesel exhaust fluid from the tank body... The integrated tank siphon line avoids any need to remove tank components to feed a siphon tube into a tank
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a diesel exhaust fluid tank for a vehicle. An exemplary diesel exhaust fluid tank includes a tank body to store diesel exhaust fluid, a tank supply line to deliver the diesel exhaust fluid to a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) device, and a tank siphon line to drain the diesel exhaust fluid from the tank body. The tank siphon line is mounted to the tank body and includes a siphon inlet (e.g., devoid of a filter) at or proximate to a bottom wall of the tank body. The integrated tank siphon line avoids any need to remove tank components to feed a siphon tube into a tank. Further, the tank siphon line leverages preexisting components in the diesel exhaust fluid tank and/or the vehicle to siphon diesel exhaust fluid as needed.