Exhaust Sensor Mounting on Catalyst Flange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional internal combustion engine exhaust lines require manual disassembly of fragile temperature sensors for filter cleaning, which is time-consuming and risks damaging the sensor, and existing solutions are costly and bulky.

Innovation Solution

A burnt gas exhaust line design featuring a catalytic converter with two casings joined by fixing flanges, where one casing contains a particulate filter and the other serves as a mounting support for the temperature sensor, allowing for easier filter extraction without manipulating the sensor, which is housed in the first casing between the oxidation catalyst and particulate filter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is placed close to the particulate filter inlet for accurate temperature measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to separate securing arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidsecuring arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature sensor mounting function with the existing fixing flange structure that secures the two casings together. The fixing flange is pierced radially with a bore that houses the temperature sensor base, integrating the sensor mounting into the structural assembly rather than requiring separate mounting hardware. This resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate temperature measurement near the filter inlet while avoiding additional complexity in the securing arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If manual cleaning of the particulate filter requires disassembly of the temperature sensor, then access to the filter is improved, but reliability decreases due to risk of sensor damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning accessibilityVSAvoidsensor integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the catalytic converter into two separate casings that can be easily separated from each other using the fixing flanges. The temperature sensor is mounted on the first casing, while the particulate filter is contained in the second casing. This segmentation allows the filter to be accessed and cleaned by simply separating the casings without any manipulation of the temperature sensor, thereby maintaining sensor reliability while improving ease of maintenance operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If a separate securing arrangement is provided for the temperature sensor to emerge close to the particulate filter, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensor positioningVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing flange structure serves multiple functions: it secures the two casings together to form the catalytic converter housing, and simultaneously provides mounting support for the temperature sensor through its radial bore. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting brackets or additional securing components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precise temperature sensor positioning near the particulate filter inlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies filter cleaning, reduces the risk of sensor damage, and provides a more cost-effective and compact solution by allowing the particulate filter to be removed without disassembling the temperature sensor, enhancing maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an exothermic reaction is caused within the oxidation catalyst to raise the temperature of the burnt gases, so that they enter the particulate filter at a temperature of around 650 degrees Celsius and burn the polluting particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 2

This oxidizer, also called an oxidizer, is intended to oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide from fuel combustion and fresh air in the engine combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP1914400B1Exhaust line with a catalyst and a temperature sensor
Publication Date: 2010.03.10 RENAULT SA
  • EP1914400B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The line has a temperature sensor emerging inside a catalytic converter that includes two envelopes (48, 49) integrated to each other by fastening clips (48A, 49A), where the envelope (49) contains a particle filter (47). The fastening clip (48A) serves as a mounting base to the temperature sensor. The clip is pierced of bore (48C) that houses a base (76) of the sensor. The clip (48A) is placed with respect to the filter such that the sensor emerged between an oxidation catalyst (46) and the particle filter is close to the filter.