Dual-Channel Urea Fluid Line for Uniform SCR Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle fluid lines with urea solutions for SCR catalytic converter systems experience flow disruptions and freezing issues due to eddies and bubbles when the engine is turned off and restarted, leading to impaired system performance.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle fluid line design featuring a dual-channel configuration with a plastic outer and inner line connected via rotary or laser welding, ensuring uniform flow and heating of the urea solution through both lines, with an electric heating wire surrounding the outer line to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single inner channel pipeline is used with a connector having two connection branches, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but eddies and bubbles appear in the liquid flow causing flow disruptions when the engine is turned off and restarted
Solution Approach 1:
The single inner channel pipeline is divided into two separate inner channels (first inner channel and second inner channel), each corresponding to one connection branch. This segmentation eliminates the formation of eddies and bubbles at the branching point, ensuring uniform liquid flow through each channel while maintaining reliable operation after engine shutdown and restart.
2Ease of operation
If the pipeline is emptied and refilled with urea solution, then the system is prepared for operation, but eddies and bubbles form in the connector area disrupting the even flow of urea solution
Solution Approach 1:
By providing separate inner channels for each connection branch, the design ensures that during refilling operations, liquid flows smoothly through each channel without forming eddies or bubbles at the connector. This segmentation maintains precise and uniform flow distribution to both connection branches, eliminating flow disruption issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with localized features including sealing elements and flow guidance structures at each connection branch. These local quality enhancements ensure that during refilling, the liquid flow remains even and uniform as it enters each inner channel, preventing bubble formation and maintaining precise flow control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plastic material is used for the pipeline and connector, then the system is cost-effective and corrosion-resistant, but flow uniformity in the connector area is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into separate inner channels compensates for the limitations of plastic material by providing dedicated flow paths that prevent turbulence and bubble formation. This design ensures that even with plastic construction, the system achieves uniform flow distribution and maintains precision in urea solution delivery to the SCR system.
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 minimizes flow irregularities and prevents freezing of the urea solution, ensuring a reliable and uniform supply to the SCR catalytic converter system, maintaining effective nitrogen oxide reduction.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating wire surrounding the outer line to prevent freezing
Implementation Method 2
connected via rotary or laser welding
Implementation Method 3
connected via rotary or laser welding
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Automotive fluid line for conveying at least one fluid medium, in particular for conveying urea solutions for SCR catalyst systems, wherein at least one fluid-carrying pipe and at least one fluid-carrying connector connected to the pipe are provided. The pipe has, over at least a portion of its length L, a fluid-carrying outer pipe and a fluid-carrying inner pipe contained within the outer pipe. The connector has a first connecting branch that is in fluid communication with the outer pipe and a second connecting branch that is in fluid communication with the inner pipe.