Modular Liquid Reductant Module Insert for Vehicle Exhaust Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for providing liquid reducing agents in vehicles, such as those used in exhaust gas treatment systems, face challenges in maintenance and service due to complex access and high costs, particularly in difficult-to-reach locations within motor vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A modular device comprising a tank with a pot-like container and a module insert that houses the delivery unit, sensor, and dispensing connection, allowing for easy removal and replacement of functional components like the pump and pressure sensor, with electrical and hydraulic connections integrated on a carrier body for simplified maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the delivery unit and sensor are integrated into a fixed tank structure, then the system is structurally stable, but maintenance and service costs increase due to difficult access and complex assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a tank body and a separate module insert that contains the delivery unit and sensor. The module insert can be independently removed from the tank through an opening, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace wear-prone components without complex disassembly. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural stability of the tank while enabling easy maintenance of the delivery unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If all functional components are permanently installed in the tank, then system integrity is maintained, but service costs and downtime increase due to difficulty in replacing wear-prone parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrityVSAvoidservice downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The module insert is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable within the tank system. While the tank maintains its structural integrity, the module insert can be quickly extracted through an opening and replaced when components wear out. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between stable operation and easy maintenance, reducing service downtime while maintaining system integrity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the delivery unit is fixed in position, then the system is structurally sound, but maintenance complexity and costs increase due to inaccessibility in difficult-to-reach locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural soundnessVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery unit and sensor are extracted from the fixed tank structure and placed into a separate module insert. This module can be removed through an opening in the tank, providing easy access to components that would otherwise be in difficult-to-reach locations. The extraction principle resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural soundness of the tank while significantly reducing maintenance complexity through improved accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3025035B1Device for storing and providing of liquid reductant
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 TESONA
  • EP3025035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3025035B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3025035B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for accommodating and providing liquid reducing agent (18), consisting of a tank (10) and a pot-like container (12), which extends into the tank interior, at least one conveying unit (13) for the reducing agent (18), a sensor (14) and a connection for discharge of the reducing agent (18) being provided in the container (12), and having means for fastening the container (12) to or in the tank (10). According to the invention, a module insert (3) is formed, which has a carrier body (7), wherein the latter accommodates at least the conveying unit (13), the sensor (14) and the connection for discharge of the reducing agent (18); and furthermore functionally necessary electrical and/or hydraulic connections are implemented on or by means of the carrier body (7) in such a manner that the module insert (3) can be removed easily for maintenance and service purposes and replaced if necessary.