Exhaust Coupling Element Pivoting for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor vehicles, the installation of exhaust-gas aftertreatment components in the engine compartment is challenged by the need for space due to stringent regulations, which conflicts with the requirement for deformation zones to protect against frontal impacts, leading to increased risk of damage to the passenger compartment and components like the exhaust-gas catalytic converter.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a coupling element that allows the exhaust-gas aftertreatment component to pivot downward upon a threshold force, reducing the risk of contact with the bulkhead during a frontal deformation event, thereby limiting movement and mitigating damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaust-gas aftertreatment components are installed in the engine compartment to meet stringent exhaust-gas regulations, then exhaust-gas purification performance is improved, but the space required for deformation zones is reduced, increasing the risk of damage to the passenger compartment during frontal impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot downward when a threshold force is detected during frontal deformation. This dynamic response enables the system to adapt to impact conditions, protecting the passenger compartment while maintaining normal operation during regular driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the exhaust-gas aftertreatment component and the exhaust-gas path. It provides a controlled connection that allows movement when necessary, mediating between the need for secure mounting and the need for impact protection.
2Power
If larger, more powerful components for exhaust-gas aftertreatment are used to improve purification performance, then exhaust-gas treatment capability is enhanced, but the space required for deformation zones is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable coupling element allows larger aftertreatment components to be installed closer to the bulkhead without permanently reducing deformation zone space. During normal operation, the component maintains its position for optimal performance, but during impact, the coupling pivots to allow necessary movement, enabling the use of more powerful components without sacrificing safety space.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the coupling element is designed to allow downward pivoting movement upon threshold force, then protection against frontal impact is improved, but the complexity of the fastening device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element's ability to pivot is achieved by designing it with appropriate geometric parameters and material properties that allow movement only when a threshold force is exceeded. This parameter-based design enables passive safety functionality without requiring complex active control systems, sensors, or actuators.
4Area of stationary object
If components for exhaust-gas aftertreatment are arranged close to one another in the engine compartment to achieve compact construction, then space utilization is improved, but the likelihood of oscillations or vibrations being transmitted between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as a vibration-damping intermediary between the exhaust-gas aftertreatment component and the exhaust-gas path. By allowing controlled movement and incorporating damping characteristics, it reduces the transmission of oscillations and vibrations between closely spaced components while still maintaining secure mounting during normal operation.
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 solution enables the use of larger, more powerful components for exhaust-gas aftertreatment while minimizing the space required for deformation zones, reducing the risk of damage to the passenger compartment and improving safety by limiting the movement of exhaust-gas aftertreatment components during a frontal impact.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element allows downward pivoting movement of the at least one exhaust-gas aftertreatment component if a vertically downwardly directed force above a predetermined magnitude acts
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided for a coupling element. In one example, the coupling element comprises a rotating element configured to rotate an aftertreatment device relative to a section of an exhaust passage in response to a force greater than a threshold force.