Flexible Flat Raw Matrix Wound Catalyst Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalytic converters for internal combustion engines are complex to produce and have limitations in achieving high catalytic activity and efficient heat conduction, leading to delayed activation and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, flat raw matrix is wound spirally to form a catalyst support with recesses, dividing it into sections to reduce thermal mass and enhance heat conduction, allowing for quicker activation and improved catalytic performance by optimizing temperature distribution and pressure equalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a traditional honeycomb catalyst support is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but thermal mass is high leading to delayed activation and reduced heat conduction efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation temperatureVSAvoidthermal mass
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst support is divided into multiple sections (first section with inflow opening, second section with outflow opening) separated by a transverse web. This segmentation reduces thermal mass in the inlet area while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling faster heating and quicker activation of the catalytic converter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a complex multi-section catalyst support structure is used, then catalytic activity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst support is formed from a flexible flat raw matrix that is wound spirally around a mandrel to create the three-dimensional honeycomb structure. This approach simplifies manufacturing compared to traditional complex multi-section structures, while the wound configuration maintains catalytic activity through optimized flow paths and surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If a compact catalyst support design is used, then space efficiency is improved, but pressure gradients increase reducing flow efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport volumeVSAvoidpressure gradient
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible flat raw matrix is wound in a spiral configuration around a mandrel, creating a structure where flow paths are optimized to minimize pressure gradients. The winding pattern ensures relatively uniform pressure distribution throughout the catalyst support, improving exhaust gas flow efficiency while maintaining compact volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 catalyst support achieves rapid heat-up and increased efficiency, ensuring the catalytic converter reaches operating temperature quickly and maintains high performance by reducing thermal mass and managing pressure gradients, thus enhancing exhaust gas purification.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible, flat raw matrix (50, 150) is wound up in a spiral shape to form a catalyst carrier (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

divide the catalyst support (20) into at least two sections (21, 22) arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow (a), thereby dividing the thermal mass and enhancing heat conduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2568138B1Flexible, flat raw matrix for a catalyst, and corresponding catalyst
Publication Date: 2016.09.28 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2568138B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2568138B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A flexible, planar raw matrix (50) that can be wound to form a catalyst support (20) is proposed. The planar raw matrix (50) has at least two recesses (53) arranged side by side in a transverse direction (b) of the raw matrix (50) and, when wound to form a catalyst support (20), overlapping in the transverse direction (b). Furthermore, a catalyst (1) comprising a catalyst support (20) wound from the flexible planar raw matrix (50) and a manufacturing process for such a catalyst (1) are proposed.