Exhaust Decoupling Element With External Circumferential Weld Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoupling elements in exhaust systems face challenges in achieving a reliable and cost-effective welded connection between the flange and support ring, often requiring complex preparation due to internal welds that are difficult to access.
Innovation Solution
The decoupling element incorporates a socket on the flange that can be inserted into the body's end section surrounded by the support ring, allowing for a circumferential weld seam that connects the support ring to the flange's outer circumference, enhancing visibility and accessibility for welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support ring is inserted into a receiving opening of the flange and the axial end section of the body protrudes axially beyond the support ring, then the welded connection can be produced, but the weld seam connects primarily to the axial end face of the end section and only subordinately or not at all to the support ring, making the weld difficult to access and requiring complex preparation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the support ring protrude outward for welding, the invention inverts the arrangement by having the socket protrude outward and the support ring remain recessed. This inversion allows the weld seam to access the support ring's outer circumference directly, eliminating the need for complex preparation while maintaining reliable welded connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the welding dimension from an internal axial weld (difficult to access) to an external circumferential weld (easy to access). By positioning the socket to protrude axially beyond the support ring, the weld seam can apply welding from the outside in a circumferential direction, transforming an inaccessible internal weld into an accessible external weld.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex preparation is performed to remove the protruding end of the end section on the support ring, then the welded connection becomes accessible, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by designing the socket to protrude axially beyond the support ring from the outset. This preliminary design arrangement ensures that the weld seam can access the support ring without requiring any subsequent preparation or removal of material, eliminating complex preparation processes while maintaining welding accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the protruding end section that causes welding difficulties and replaces it with a socket that protrudes in the opposite direction. By taking out the problematic configuration and substituting it with the socket protruding beyond the support ring, the design eliminates the need for complex preparation while maintaining easy welding accessibility.
3Strength
If the weld seam connects the axial end face of the end section to the flange, then a welded joint is formed, but the internal weld occurs that is largely covered by the annular shoulder, making the weld more difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the welding approach from internal axial welding to external circumferential welding. By having the socket protrude axially beyond the support ring, the weld seam can access and weld the support ring's outer circumference from the outside, transforming an internally hidden weld into an externally accessible weld that maintains joint strength while improving operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket acts as an intermediary element that enables external access to the support ring for welding purposes. By protruding axially beyond the support ring, the socket provides a accessible surface for the weld seam to connect to the support ring's outer circumference, serving as a mediator between the welding tool and the support ring while maintaining strong welded joint.
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 arrangement facilitates a reliable and cost-effective welded connection between the flange and support ring, eliminating the need for complex preparation and ensuring a strong, intimate bond between the flange, support ring, and body.
Implementation Method 1
the weld seam connects an axial end face of the support ring to an outer circumference of the socket of the flange
Implementation Method 2
such a decoupling element comprises an elastic, exhaust-carrying body which can be integrated into the exhaust line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The decoupling element (2) has a resilient exhaust gas guiding portion (3) whose axial end section (8) is enclosed outside along circumferential direction (5) by a supporting ring (7). A flange (9) is connected with the guiding portion and secured by a weld seam (12) at supporting ring. The flange is provided with a connecting piece (13) inserted into the supporting ring. The weld seam is arranged circumferentially outside of guiding portion, turned away from axial front end of the supporting ring and connected with the external periphery (15) of the connecting piece.