Exhaust Aftertreatment Component Replacement via Nested Sleeve Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for replacing exhaust aftertreatment components in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are not feasible due to the complex configurations of these systems, which often require disassembly of the outer casing, leading to costly and inefficient replacements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the removal of the first exhaust aftertreatment component from its sleeve while keeping the sleeve intact, followed by inserting a second sleeve with a new component, which is configured to fit within the first sleeve, allowing for quick and cost-efficient replacement without disassembling the outer casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the outer casing of the EATS is disassembled to replace exhaust aftertreatment components, then access to components is achieved, but the complexity and cost of the replacement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to exhaust aftertreatment componentsVSAvoidDisassembly of outer casing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the exhaust aftertreatment components (catalysts, filters) inside sleeves that are themselves inside the outer casing. The sleeves act as intermediate containers that can be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the outer casing, enabling component replacement while maintaining the integrity of the outer housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the complete exhaust aftertreatment system is replaced due to component failure, then system functionality is restored, but cost and resource waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem functionalityVSAvoidScrap of functional components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the exhaust aftertreatment components from their integrated position within the outer casing by introducing removable sleeves. This allows individual components (catalysts, filters) to be separately removed and replaced while leaving the outer casing and other functional components in place, preventing unnecessary disposal of still-functional parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If exhaust aftertreatment components are tightly integrated in the EATS, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpace utilization in EATSVSAvoidComponent replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the exhaust aftertreatment system by dividing it into modular sleeves, each containing specific components (catalysts, filters). These segmented sleeves can be independently accessed and replaced through the outer casing opening, maintaining compact overall dimensions while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4033081B1A method for replacing an exhaust aftertreatment component
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4033081B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4033081B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4033081B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~6c

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for replacing an exhaust aftertreatment component (112, 114, 116) of an exhaust aftertreatment system (106) in a vehicle (1) or vessel. The exhaust aftertreatment system is delimited by an outer casing (108) and comprises a first sleeve (124), which extends in an axial direction and contains a first exhaust aftertreatment component (116) mounted directly in the first sleeve. The method comprises the steps of: - removing the first exhaust aftertreatment component from the first sleeve, the first sleeve thereby remaining intact within the outer casing, - providing a second exhaust aftertreatment component (132, 134) being mounted in a second sleeve (136), the second sleeve being configured to fit within the first sleeve, and - mounting the second sleeve with the second exhaust aftertreatment component in the first sleeve by inserting the second sleeve into the first sleeve in the axial direction thereof. The invention also relates to an exhaust aftertreatment system of a vehicle or vessel. The invention further relates to a vehicle or vessel comprising the exhaust aftertreatment system.