Integrated Doser Sensor Assembly for Compact NOx Aftertreatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to mount reductant pressure and temperature sensors in an aftertreatment system in a space-efficient manner while maintaining accuracy of pressure and temperature readings, and existing configurations require multiple electrical connectors, increasing cost and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A doser assembly with a sensor assembly that integrates both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor into a single assembly, allowing for improved accuracy and consistency of measurements by configuring both sensors within the same passage and using a shared electrical connector, reducing the need for multiple connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate pressure sensor and temperature sensor assemblies are used, then each sensor can be independently mounted, but the device complexity and number of electrical connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure sensor assembly and temperature sensor assembly into a single integrated sensor assembly. The pressure sensor housing includes a first electrical connector that electrically connects both the pressure sensor and temperature sensor, reducing the total number of electrical connectors from two separate connectors to one shared connector. This merging maintains independent sensor functionality while simplifying the overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple electrical connectors are used for separate sensors, then each sensor can have dedicated connections, but manufacturing cost and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor housing integrates a first electrical connector that provides dedicated electrical connections to both the pressure sensor and temperature sensor through a shared connector structure. This reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for two separate connector assemblies, reducing part count, and simplifying assembly operations while maintaining reliable dedicated connections for each sensor type.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted in separate locations, then each sensor can be optimally positioned, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor assembly is positioned within or adjacent to the pressure sensor housing structure. The temperature sensor housing is selectively coupleable to the pressure sensor housing, creating a nested or closely integrated configuration. This allows both sensors to be optimally positioned for their respective measurement functions while occupying a compact combined space, improving space efficiency without compromising measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The exhaust of internal combustion engines. such as diesel engines. includes nitrogen oxide (NOx) compounds. It is desirable to reduce NOx emissions to comply with environmental regulations. for example. To reduce NOx emissions, a reductant may be dosed into the exhaust by a closer assembly within an aftertreatment system. The reductant facilitates conversion of a portion of the exhaust into non-NOx emissions, such as nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H20), thereby reducing NOx emissions. These aftertreatment systems may include a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor that obtain readings from reductant that is'dosed into the exhaust. A doser assembly includes a doser housing and a doser located at least partially within the doser housing. The doser assembly also includes a sensor assembly that includes a pressure sensor assembly having a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor assembly having a temperature sensor.