Exhaust Injector Connection Device Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for injectors in exhaust systems of internal combustion engines face issues with overheating and vibration-induced failures, particularly when used upstream of SCR catalyzers, due to high temperatures and inadequate thermal insulation and vibration damping.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a thermally conductive tubular support body, radial heat dissipation fins, and a vibration damping mechanism using elastic elements and insulating materials to manage heat exchange and prevent damage from vibrations, ensuring effective thermal insulation and vibration absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If radial fins are uniformly distributed over the whole length of the support body, then heat dissipation is improved, but vibration-induced failure of the fins occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidvibration-induced failure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support body is divided into distinct zones: a first zone with uniformly distributed radial fins for heat dissipation, and a second zone with a different fin configuration to reduce vibration sensitivity. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function while minimizing the overall vibration-induced failure risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support body are given different fin characteristics - the first zone has fins optimized for heat dissipation while the second zone has fins designed to be less vibration-sensitive. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing heat dissipation where most needed while reducing vibration vulnerability in susceptible areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the electromagnetic injector is placed in the exhaust duct, then NOx reduction function is achieved, but overheating and destruction of the injector occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx reductionVSAvoidoverheating
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The support body acts as an intermediary between the exhaust duct environment and the electromagnetic injector. It provides thermal insulation to protect the injector from overheating while maintaining the injector's position in the exhaust duct for NOx reduction functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic injector is nested within the support body, which provides a protective thermal environment. This nested structure allows the injector to function in the high-temperature exhaust duct while being thermally protected by the surrounding support body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Temperature

If thermal insulation is enhanced to protect the injector, then injector protection is improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjector protectionVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support body implements different thermal characteristics in different zones: the first zone provides thermal insulation to protect the injector, while the second zone with radial fins provides heat dissipation pathways. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support body is segmented into functional zones with different thermal properties - an insulating zone for protection and a dissipating zone with radial fins for heat release. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of injector protection and effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution provides robust, cost-effective thermal insulation and vibration damping, preventing overheating and failure of the electromagnetic injector, ensuring reliable operation in high-temperature exhaust environments while maintaining efficient heat dissipation and ammonia dispersion for NOx reduction.

Implementation Method 1

a heat dissipation element arranged to ensure an adequate thermal insulation of the injector itself from the heat of the exhaust system while allowing an effective heat disposal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the heat which is transmitted by conduction and irradiation to the injector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a tubular support body, which is made of thermally conductive material, accommodates the injector therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the vibrations which, in use, are transmitted to the heat dissipation device may accidentally cause the failure of the heat dissipation device itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 5

ensure an adequate thermal insulation of the electromagnetic injector from the heat of the exhaust system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2623739B1Device for connecting an injector in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2015.01.28 FAB ITAL MAGNETI MARELLI SPA
  • EP2623739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2623739B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A device (13) for connecting an injector (12) to an exhaust system (1) in an internal combustion engine (2) provided with an connection pipe (15) which laterally protrudes from an exhaust duct (3); the connection device (13) comprises a tubular support body (14), provided with a longitudinal symmetry axis (16), made of a thermally conductive material, adapted to accommodate the injector (12) therein and to be coupled to the connection pipe (15), and provided win turn with a heat dissipation device (24) coaxial to the longitudinal symmetry axis (16). The connection device is further provided with a device (25) for damping the vibrations transmitted to the heat dissipation device (24), having in turn a number of elastic elements (26) coaxial to the longitudinal symmetry axis (16) and accommodated at the lower portion of the support body (14).