Laterally Split Exhaust System for Firefighting Vehicle Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighting vehicles face challenges in incorporating exhaust systems due to limited space, as existing exhaust systems take up significant space and complicate integration with other essential components like fire pumps and storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
An after-treatment exhaust system is designed with a diesel particulate filter supported on one lateral side of the vehicle chassis and a selective catalytic reduction device on the opposite side, utilizing conduits to facilitate exhaust gas treatment while maximizing chassis space for other components, allowing for a more compact and accessible exhaust system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an exhaust system is incorporated in a firefighting vehicle, then exhaust emission standards are met, but available space within the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system components are arranged laterally across the vehicle chassis rather than longitudinally, utilizing the lateral dimension to distribute space requirements. The diesel particulate filter is mounted on one side and the selective catalytic reduction device on the other, converting a potential longitudinal space conflict into a lateral arrangement that better accommodates the vehicle's interior volume constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust treatment function is divided into separate components (diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction device) positioned at different lateral locations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned and sized independently, reducing the cumulative space impact compared to a consolidated exhaust system design.
2Volume of moving object
If exhaust treatment components are positioned close together, then space is saved, but accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the exhaust treatment into spatially separated components (particulate filter on one lateral side, catalytic reduction device on the other), the system maintains a compact overall footprint while providing clear access pathways to each component. Maintenance personnel can approach each component from its lateral mounting position without obstruction from other exhaust components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each exhaust treatment component is positioned at a different lateral location with optimized local accessibility characteristics. The diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction device are each accessible from their respective sides, allowing maintenance activities to be performed independently without requiring disassembly of the entire exhaust system.
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 configuration reduces the overall height of the vehicle, improves maneuverability, and provides better accessibility for maintenance, while effectively treating exhaust pollutants by removing particulate matter and reducing gaseous emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a diesel particulate filter configured to be supported at a first lateral side of a vehicle chassis
Implementation Method 2
a selective catalytic reduction device configured to be supported at a second lateral side of the vehicle chassis opposite the first lateral side
Data Source
AI summary
An after treatment exhaust system is provided. The after treatment exhaust system includes a diesel particulate filter configured to be supported at a first lateral side of a vehicle chassis and a selective catalytic reduction device configured to be supported at a second lateral side of the vehicle chassis opposite the first lateral side. The after treatment exhaust system also includes a first conduit configured to be in fluid communication between an engine and the diesel particulate filter, a second conduit configured to be in fluid communication between the diesel particulate filter and the selective catalytic reduction device and a third conduit having a first end coupled to the selective catalytic reduction device and at least one second end configured to be open to the environment.