Muffler Partition Plates Support Catalytic Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mufflers equipped with catalytic converters have a large gap between partitions, increasing their size and likelihood of interference with other components, particularly in work machines, which is undesirable for compactness and stability.

Innovation Solution

A muffler design with first and second box halves joined together and interposed partition plates that create silencing chambers to support a cylindrical holding tube for the catalytic converter, allowing for a narrow gap and firm support, while preventing exhaust gas leaks and flame exit through a series of silencing chambers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large gap is provided between partitions to support the catalytic converter, then the catalytic converter is stably supported, but the muffler size increases and interference with other components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of catalytic converter supportVSAvoidmuffler size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate is divided into a first partition plate and a second partition plate that are arranged at different positions along the exhaust flow direction. This segmentation allows the catalytic converter to be supported by both plates without requiring a large gap between single partitions, thereby maintaining stability while reducing overall muffler volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of supporting the catalytic converter within a single partition plane, the solution uses two partition plates positioned at different locations along the exhaust flow direction (creating a three-dimensional support structure). This dimensional approach enables stable support with reduced gap requirements compared to traditional single-partition designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If partitions are arranged with a large gap to support the catalytic converter, then the converter is stable, but the likelihood of interference with other components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of catalytic converterVSAvoidcompatibility with other components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the support structure into two partition plates positioned at different locations, the design achieves stable catalytic converter support while reducing the overall footprint of the muffler. This compact configuration reduces interference with surrounding components and improves adaptability to various engine layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If a narrow gap is used between partition plates, then the muffler becomes compact, but the holding tube may not be firmly supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuffler compactnessVSAvoidsupport firmness of holding tube

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented between two partition plates: the first partition plate provides initial support and positioning, while the second partition plate provides additional support at a different location. This distributed support system achieves firm holding tube support with narrow gaps, enabling compact muffler design without sacrificing structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding tube is positioned and supported within the nested arrangement of the two partition plates, which wrap around or enclose portions of the holding tube. This nested configuration provides firm support with minimal clearance requirements, achieving both compactness and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9022170B2Muffler equipped with catalytic converter

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A muffler is capable of stably supporting the catalytic converter in a muffler box with a pair of partitions. The muffler box includes first and second box halves joined together with open surfaces thereof abutting each other, and first and second partition plates interposed between the first and second box halves and overlapping each other to separate inside of the muffler box into first and second silencing chambers and define a third silencing chamber between the first and second partition plates, one end opening of a cylindrical holding tube housing and holding the catalytic converter is connected to the exhaust inlet pipe, the pair of partition plates support the holding tube in such a way as to wrap an outer peripheral surface thereof, and another end opening of the holding tube is communicated with the exhaust outlet pipe through the first, second, and third silencing chambers in this order.