Integrated Exhaust Clamp for Sensor Mounting and Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exhaust gas after treatment systems face space constraints due to the need for multiple filter sections, sensors, and clamps, limiting their compactness and versatility across different applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensor means, dispensing means, and electronic components with the clamping apparatus, allowing for a more compact design that can accommodate larger sections within the same or reduced space, and enabling use without a tolerance gap between filter sections, while maintaining clamping efficiency and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate clamps and sensors are used in conventional exhaust systems, then each component can be independently serviced and replaced, but the space required for multiple filter sections, sensors, and clamps increases, limiting compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamp and sensor into a single integrated clamping apparatus. The sensor is mounted on the clamp body, eliminating the need for separate clamp and sensor components. This integration reduces the overall space required while maintaining the ability to independently service and replace filter sections, as the integrated apparatus can be removed as a single unit for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical clamping force to join filter sections while also mounting and positioning sensors for monitoring exhaust parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the exhaust system, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional clamps are used with tolerance gaps between filter sections, then assembly is simpler, but the apparatus cannot be used without a tolerance gap, limiting versatility across different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping apparatus incorporates adjustable clamping force through a screw mechanism that can be tightened to eliminate tolerance gaps. The apparatus transitions from a loose fit configuration to a tight, gap-free connection, allowing it to adapt to different assembly requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables use in both applications requiring tolerance gaps and those requiring precise, gap-free connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clamping parameter from a fixed tolerance gap configuration to an adjustable configuration where the gap can be eliminated through tightening. The screw mechanism allows variation in clamping force and position, enabling the apparatus to accommodate different assembly configurations and application requirements, thereby increasing versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components (clamps, sensors, dispensing means) are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamp, sensor mounting, and dispensing means into a single integrated clamping apparatus. This reduces the total number of separate components in the system while maintaining the ability to independently optimize each functional element during the design phase. The integrated design simplifies assembly and reduces the complexity of managing multiple separate parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
Clamping apparatus is provided including clamp means for clamping two or more items together in use. The clamping means are arranged to move between a clamped and an undamped position in use. Attachment means are provided on or associated with the clamping means for attaching one or more components to said clamping means in use. The components consist of any or any combination of one or more sensor means, one or more dispensing means or one or more electronic components. The clamping means includes at least one band member. The at least one band member forms an outer band and the attachment means are provided on or associated with at least an additional band member in the form of an inner band or segment that is provided with or associated with the outer band.