Flexible Carrier Heating Device for Exhaust Aftertreatment Tank
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices for exhaust gas aftertreatment systems struggle to evenly distribute heat to thaw frozen exhaust gas aftertreatment agents across the tank, particularly at low temperatures, leading to incomplete thawing in regions further away from the extraction point.
Innovation Solution
A flexible carrier with articulated carrying elements and spring elements that apply a spring force to distribute heating elements across the tank, ensuring even heat distribution and a predetermined shape for efficient installation and operation, combined with heat-conductive materials and spacers to manage distance and prevent overheating of connecting lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating elements are arranged in a fixed rigid structure, then the installation position is precise, but the heat distribution in the tank is poor and regions away from extraction point cannot be reliably thawed
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a dynamic structure with spring elements that allow it to adapt its shape and position within the tank. The spring elements enable the carrier to expand or contract, allowing heating elements to reach different regions of the tank including areas away from the extraction point, thereby improving heat distribution throughout the liquid medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure utilizes changes in physical parameters (spring force, expansion/contraction) to adjust the positions of heating elements. By changing the state of the spring elements, the carrier can transform between compact and expanded configurations, enabling flexible heat distribution while maintaining structural integrity.
2Temperature
If the carrier is made flexible to improve heat distribution, then heat distribution improves, but the carrier cannot maintain a predetermined shape
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier employs spring elements that provide dynamic stability. These springs allow the carrier to flex and adapt to tank contours while automatically returning to a predetermined stable configuration, thus maintaining both flexibility for heat distribution and shape stability for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are configured to automatically maintain the carrier's predetermined shape without external control. The elastic properties of the springs provide self-regulating force that keeps the carrier in its designed configuration, ensuring consistent heat distribution patterns.
3Temperature
If carrying elements are allowed to move freely to distribute heat, then heat distribution improves, but the connecting lines become overstressed and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are pre-configured to provide cushioning forces that limit the range of motion of carrying elements. This beforehand cushioning prevents connecting lines from being overstressed by excessive movement, while still allowing sufficient flexibility for effective heat distribution throughout the tank.
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 ensures reliable thawing of exhaust gas aftertreatment agents across the tank, preventing incomplete thawing and reducing the risk of damage to connecting lines, while facilitating simple installation and maintaining effective heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element which applies a spring force to at least two of the carrying elements
Implementation Method 2
heating device can be activated in order to thaw frozen exhaust gas aftertreatment agent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating device (6) for a tank (2) of an exhaust gas aftertreatment agent system, having a carrier (7) and having a plurality of heating elements (10) arranged on the carrier (7). According to the invention, the carrier (7) has a plurality of carrying elements (8), which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, and at least one spring element (13), which applies a spring force to at least two of the carrying elements (8). The carrier (7) is thus formed to be flexible or deformable overall, wherein the carrier is forced into a final shape by the spring element.