Rotationally Symmetric Exhaust Sensor Shield for NVH Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shields for exhaust gas sensor modules on vehicles are prone to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues due to their direct connection to the vehicle frame, which can impact the module's lifespan and user experience, and they often lack proper orientation and direct connection to the frame, leading to resonance and rattle.
Innovation Solution
A rotationally symmetric shield with flanges and mounting legs made from plastic or nylon materials, designed to receive the sensor module, providing a direct connection to the vehicle frame using push-in fasteners and offering protection from environmental debris and thermal barriers, while allowing for easy assembly in either orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the shield is directly connected to the vehicle frame, then mounting stability is improved, but noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting mechanism between the shield and vehicle frame that decouples the direct rigid connection. This intermediary structure allows the shield to be securely mounted while isolating it from frame vibrations and noise, thereby reducing NVH issues while maintaining mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates composite material construction combining vibration-dampening materials with structurally sound materials. This composite approach allows the shield to maintain structural integrity for stable mounting while the vibration-dampening properties reduce NVH transmission from the vehicle frame.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the shield is made from plastic or nylon materials, then NVH issues are reduced, but connection strength to the frame worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The shield uses composite material construction that combines plastic or nylon vibration-dampening materials with reinforcement elements or integrated mounting features that provide adequate connection strength to the vehicle frame, thereby maintaining both NVH reduction and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the plastic or nylon shield, such as thickness, density, or structural geometry, to optimize both vibration dampening properties and mechanical strength for reliable frame connection without excessive NVH transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the shield lacks proper orientation features, then ease of installation is improved, but resonance and rattle worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The shield incorporates asymmetric orientation features such as shaped mounting legs or directional flanges that provide proper alignment during installation. These asymmetric features ensure the shield is installed in the correct orientation to avoid resonance and rattle, while still maintaining ease of installation through intuitive alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield includes self-aligning features that automatically guide the component into the correct orientation during installation without requiring additional alignment tools or procedures. This self-service approach ensures proper orientation to prevent resonance and rattle while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust sensor module assembly has a sensor module and a shield. The shield is shaped to receive the module. The shield has a first mounting leg and a first flange extending from a first end of a base plate, and a second mounting leg and a second flange extending from a second end of the base plate. The shield is rotationally symmetric about an axis extending through and normal to the base plate.