Fluid Supply Module Labyrinth Sealing for Electronics Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid supply modules for internal combustion engines, particularly diesel engines, fail to effectively prevent damage to control electronics in the event of a leak, as the reducing agent can come into contact with electrical components, leading to potential short circuits and damage.
Innovation Solution
A supply module design featuring a labyrinth structure between the base and cover plates, combined with a sealing element and detection pins, directs any leaking fluid to a collection space where it can be detected before reaching the control electronics, allowing for timely shutdown to prevent damage. This design includes a detection device that can be either inside or outside the cavity to enhance operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the control electronics are arranged in a cavity between the base plate and cover plate, then the integration and compactness of the supply module is improved, but the risk of fluid penetration damaging the electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the base plate and cover plate to prevent fluid penetration into the cavity. This sealing element acts as a barrier that mediates between the fluid-containing tank and the protected control electronics, eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection area is designed with projections extending in the vertical dimension between the base plate and cover plate. These projections create a three-dimensional labyrinth structure that adds a spatial dimension to the sealing approach, preventing fluid from reaching the electronics through the connection area.
2Reliability
If a sealing element is added in the connection area, then the protection of control electronics is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is merged with the connection area structure itself, forming an integrated solution rather than a separate additive component. The sealing function is combined with the structural connection features, so the sealing element becomes part of the existing connection architecture between base plate and cover plate.
Solution Approach 2:
Projections are formed in the vertical dimension within the connection area to create a labyrinth structure. This dimensional approach provides enhanced protection without requiring additional lateral space or complex external sealing mechanisms, as the protection is built into the vertical stacking of the connection area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the labyrinth structure is created with projections, then the fluid penetration resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth structure is merged with the connection area features, combining the sealing function with the structural connection elements. This integration means the labyrinth projections are formed as part of the base plate or cover plate manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate labyrinth component production and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The labyrinth structure utilizes the vertical dimension by forming projections that extend between the base plate and cover plate. This vertical stacking approach allows the complex sealing geometry to be achieved through simple extrusion or molding of vertical features, rather than requiring complex lateral machining or assembly of multiple components.
4Reliability
If detection pins are added to detect fluid in the collection space, then the reliability of leak detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection pins perform a dual function: they serve as structural support elements for the cover plate while simultaneously acting as sensors for fluid detection. This self-service approach allows the detection function to be provided by existing structural components, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection area projections serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between plates, create the labyrinth sealing structure, and act as detection pins for fluid detection. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable leak detection capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a supply module (1; 2; 3), in particular for providing a fluid reducing agent (6), comprising a base plate (10) and a cover plate (12) which is arranged at a distance above the base plate (10) such that a hollow space (14) is formed between the base plate (10) and the cover plate (12). At least one of the base plate (10) and the cover plate (12) is formed having a connecting region (18) which laterally delimits the hollow space (14). The connection region (18) comprises a labyrinth structure, in order to avoid or to impede the penetration of fluid into the hollow space (14) through the connection zone (18).