Flexible Conduit Element With High Polymer Coating For Exhaust Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible conduit elements in exhaust gas systems of vehicles face challenges in resisting mechanical stresses such as vibrations and environmental stresses like corrosion from moisture and corrosive substances, which can lead to degradation and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A flexible conduit element comprising a bellows member coated with a high polymer layer, which provides thermal insulation, corrosion protection, and vibration damping, allowing the use of lower-quality metals and adjusting stiffness and flexibility properties, while being resistant to environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal bellows member is used without coating, then mechanical strength and flexibility are maintained, but corrosion resistance from moisture and corrosive substances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a high polymer coating layer on the metal bellows member surface, creating a composite structure that combines the mechanical strength of metal with the corrosion resistance of polymer materials. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by protecting the metal from environmental corrosion while maintaining its structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The high polymer coating acts as an intermediary layer between the metal bellows and the corrosive environment. This coating layer mediates the interaction by providing a protective barrier against moisture and corrosive substances, preventing direct contact between the environment and the metal surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If thermal insulation is added to the bellows member, then heat protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin high polymer coating layer that provides thermal insulation functionality without adding significant structural complexity. This thin film approach delivers heat protection while maintaining the simplicity of the bellows member design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The high polymer coating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides corrosion resistance, thermal insulation, and vibration damping. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple protective features into a single integrated layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If vibration damping is enhanced, then protection against mechanical stress is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The high polymer coating creates a composite structure where the polymer layer provides vibration damping properties. The combination of metal bellows and polymer coating offers mechanical strength and vibration resistance without requiring separate damping components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The high polymer coating simultaneously provides corrosion protection, thermal insulation, and vibration damping. This multi-functional approach enhances vibration resistance while avoiding the need for additional dedicated damping structures, thereby maintaining design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 high polymer layer enhances the durability and resistance of the flexible conduit element to mechanical and environmental stresses, improving its performance and extending its lifespan by providing thermal insulation, corrosion protection, and adjusting stiffness and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the high polymer layer enhances the durability and resistance of the flexible conduit element to mechanical and environmental stresses, improving its performance and extending its lifespan by providing thermal insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the high polymer layer enhances the durability and resistance of the flexible conduit element to mechanical and environmental stresses, improving its performance and extending its lifespan by providing thermal insulation, corrosion protection, and adjusting stiffness and flexibility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3091263B1Flexible conduit element
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 SJM
  • EP3091263B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3091263B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3091263B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention refers to a flexible conduit element 1 for the joint between an exhaust gas system and a combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising a bellows member 2 which defines a guiding channel 10 for guiding the exhaust gas of the combustion engine to an exhaust gas system, wherein at least a portion of a side surface of the bellows member 2 is coated with a high polymer layer 80,80.1,80.2, and an exhaust gas system for a vehicle having such a flexible conduit element 1.