Heatable Container with External Heating Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for freezing-sensitive fluids in internal combustion engines, such as aqueous urea solutions for SCR systems, require complex and costly heating solutions, which can compromise container integrity and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A heatable container with a surface heating element located outside the container, integrated into a pocket formed by a double container wall, allowing for efficient heating without internal electrical supply lines and enabling easy installation and maintenance, with a flat heating element covered by thermal insulation for improved heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heating devices are used in reducing agent tanks, then the fluid can be prevented from freezing, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is extracted from the interior of the container and placed in a recess on the exterior surface. This removes the complexity of internal electrical supply lines and mounting structures while maintaining the heating function. The heating element is now simply positioned in an external recess rather than being integrated within the container interior.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the heating element inside the container as conventionally done, the invention inverts the approach by positioning it on the exterior surface in a recess. This inversion simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for internal electrical connections and mounting mechanisms.
2Temperature
If electrical heating elements are integrated into the container interior, then heating efficiency is improved, but container integrity is compromised and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is extracted from the container interior and positioned in an external recess. This eliminates the need to compromise container integrity by creating openings or integrating electrical components within the container walls, thereby maintaining structural strength while preserving heating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function is segmented from the container structure itself. The heating element is a separate component positioned in an external recess, allowing the container to maintain its structural integrity while the heating function is provided by an independent element that does not compromise the container's strength.
3Reliability
If complex heating structures are used, then reliable heating is achieved, but ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the heating element to an external recess, the manufacturing process is simplified. The recess can be formed as a simple feature during container molding, and the heating element can be independently manufactured and then positioned in the recess, eliminating complex integration steps required for internal heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Inverting the conventional approach of internal heating to external heating in a recess simplifies manufacturing. The container can be molded with the recess as an integrated feature, and the heating element can be separately installed, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining heating reliability.
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
This design ensures reliable fluid supply to internal combustion engines, prevents electrical faults, and reduces manufacturing costs while providing effective thawing and heat transfer, allowing for easy retrofitting and maintenance with varying heat outputs.
Implementation Method 1
the heatable container with a surface heating element located outside the container... efficient heating... effective thawing and heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
a flat heating element covered by thermal insulation for improved heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
According to the invention, the heatable container for a fluid, for feeding into a cylinder or into a fuel line or into an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the container can be heated by at least one surface heating element which is placed on the outside of at least one container wall in a pocket accessible from outside the container, is characterized in that the pocket is formed by a double bottom of the container.