Exhaust Gas Treatment Assembly Tool-Free Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust gas treatment systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in simplifying the replacement of exhaust gas treatment units, requiring strong forces and tools, and lack efficient detachment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A tubular exhaust gas treatment assembly unit with a locking fixing device featuring radially prestressed locking meshing areas and a locking receiving area, allowing for easy detachment without tools and strong forces, utilizing a ring-shape locking fixing element with U-shaped meshing areas and a groove-like locking depression for secure holding and defined positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixing methods are used for the exhaust gas treatment unit, then the unit is securely held in the exhaust system, but replacement requires strong forces and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into separate locking elements (locking lugs or locking flanges) that can be independently engaged and disengaged. This segmentation allows the exhaust gas treatment unit to be securely held during operation but easily released by simply pulling axially, without requiring strong forces or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic characteristics where the locking elements can be easily disengaged by axial movement. The locking lugs or flanges are designed to allow simple pull-off motion, transforming the static secure connection into a dynamically reversible connection that requires minimal force for replacement.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the inner housing is firmly held in the outer housing, but the detachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into simple, discrete locking elements (locking lugs or locking flanges) rather than a complex integrated system. Each locking element can be independently engaged and disengaged, maintaining secure holding during operation while simplifying the detachment process to a single axial pull motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complex unlocking mechanisms to release the connection, the design inverts the approach by enabling simple axial displacement to disengage the locking elements. The secure locking is achieved through the locking geometry, while release is simplified by allowing the treatment unit to be pulled off axially without additional unlocking steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the exhaust gas treatment unit is securely fixed, then it maintains proper positioning, but replacement requires tool usage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with dynamic release characteristics where the locking elements (locking lugs or locking flanges) can be disengaged by simple axial movement. This allows the treatment unit to maintain stable positioning during operation while enabling tool-free replacement through straightforward pull-off motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-releasing through axial displacement without requiring external tools or complex unlocking procedures. The locking elements automatically disengage when the treatment unit is pulled axially, allowing the entire replacement process to be performed by the operator without additional tools.
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
Enables simple and tool-free replacement of exhaust gas treatment units with a stable and secure locking mechanism, reducing the need for force and tools, while allowing for defined rotary positioning and adaptation for various uses.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking meshing area, which is prestressed radially outwards
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust gas treatment assembly unit for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes a tubular outer housing (12) elongated in a direction of an outer housing longitudinal axis (LA), a tubular inner housing (14) elongated in the direction of an inner housing longitudinal axis (LI), an exhaust gas treatment unit (16) being carried in the inner housing (14), and a locking fixing device (24) detachably fixing the inner housing in the outer housing. The locking fixing device (24) includes a locking fixing element (26) held at the inner housing (14) in both axial directions with a radially outwards prestressed locking meshing area (28). In association with the locking meshing area (28), a locking receiving area (42) at the outer housing (12), interacts with the locking meshing area (28) for holding the inner housing (14) in the outer housing (12) in at least one axial direction.