Exhaust Stack Support Bracket With Vibration-Attenuating Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional support brackets for diesel engine exhaust stacks increase vehicle cost and mass, compromising aerodynamics and fuel economy by not effectively managing vibration and movement.

Innovation Solution

A support system comprising a first and second bracket with a flexible member that allows limited movement and vibration attenuation between the exhaust stack and the vehicle, using fasteners to secure the brackets to the vehicle and stack, with the option of elastomeric materials for enhanced flexibility and replaceability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sizeable support bracket is used to couple the exhaust stack to the vehicle frame, then the exhaust stack is securely supported, but the vehicle mass increases and aerodynamics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust stack support stabilityVSAvoidvehicle mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into separate brackets that attach to the exhaust stack and vehicle frame, with vibration attenuating members positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while reducing overall mass compared to a single large bracket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Vibration attenuating members are introduced as intermediary elements between the exhaust stack and vehicle frame. These intermediaries reduce vibration transmission and allow for a lighter support structure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a sizeable support bracket is used to couple the exhaust stack to the vehicle frame, then the exhaust stack is securely supported, but vehicle aerodynamics are compromised thereby decreasing fuel economy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust stack support stabilityVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration attenuating members function as flexible elements that connect the rigid brackets to the exhaust stack and vehicle frame. These flexible components reduce the overall rigidity and mass of the support system, improving aerodynamics and fuel economy while maintaining support stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If rigid brackets are used to support the exhaust stack, then structural strength is maintained, but vibration is transmitted between the exhaust stack and vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracket structural strengthVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration attenuating members change the physical parameters of the connection between brackets and exhaust stack/vehicle frame. By introducing materials with different vibration damping properties, the system maintains structural strength while reducing harmful vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If the vibration attenuating member is integrated into the bracket, then manufacturing is simplified, but the member is difficult to replace when worn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport system manufacturingVSAvoidvibration attenuating member replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration attenuating member is segmented from the rigid brackets, allowing it to be independently replaced. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture through separate component production while significantly improving ease of repair by enabling independent replacement of the worn vibration attenuating member without replacing the entire bracket assembly.

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 reduces vehicle weight and cost while improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency by allowing limited movement and attenuating vibrations, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the exhaust stack support system.

Implementation Method 1

The member may include a reenforcing element, not shown for clarity, such as a steel shim and the like. In some embodiments, the member may be replaceable as desired.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration attenuation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

In some embodiments, the member may comprise a flexible material, such as an elastomer and the like. In these embodiments, the elastomeric member may attenuate vibration experienced by at least one of the cab 14 and the exhaust stack 12.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11898672B2Support for exhaust stack

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 INT TRUCK INTPROP CO LLC

AI summary

A support for an exhaust stack comprises a first bracket including a first base joining a first extension and a second extension, the first base being fixed to the vehicle, and a second bracket including a second base joining a third extension and a fourth extension, the second base being fixed to the exhaust stack. A member is disposed between the first base and the second base. The member has a first end and a second end. A first fastener is accepted by the first end and extends between the first extension and the second extension. A second fastener is accepted by the second end and extends between the third extension and the fourth extension.