Automobile Muffler Plug-in Tailpipe Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing vehicle mufflers are complex and expensive, limiting the length and shape of exhaust pipe connections that can be attached, as they require deformation tools and are not cost-effective for longer or varied pipe configurations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a plug-in connection of tailpipes through a recess in the winding casing onto a support plate, allowing axial movement and easy attachment without additional processing, enabling the use of pipes of any length and shape, and accommodating thermal expansion through conical tapers or widening, which simplifies and reduces mechanical stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical forming with deformation tools is used to attach exhaust pipe connections, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical deformation tool system with a simple plug-in connection system. The exhaust pipe connection is attached to the muffler insert via a straightforward insertion into an opening, eliminating the need for deformation tools and complex forming operations while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple, inexpensive plug-in connection design that can be easily manufactured and assembled. The connection structure is designed to be simple and cost-effective, using basic geometric features (openings, pipe sections) rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If deformation tools are used inside the exhaust pipe connection, then the connection is secure, but only short pipe sections can be attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidpipe section length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the deformation tool-based attachment method with a plug-in connection system that accommodates pipes of any length. The connection security is achieved through the geometric fit of the pipe into the opening and its attachment to the muffler insert, not through deformation, thereby removing the length limitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If complex processing is applied to the tailpipe, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple plug-in connection design that requires no additional complex processing of the tailpipe. The pipe is simply inserted into the opening and attached to the muffler insert, eliminating expensive machining, deformation, or other complex operations while ensuring secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical processing operations with a simple insertion and attachment process. The connection security is achieved through the plug-in geometry and attachment mechanism rather than through complex processing steps, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If rigid connection is used between pipe and silencer insert, then structural integrity is maintained, but mechanical stresses from thermal expansion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic connection system where the pipe can move axially relative to the muffler insert. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the exhaust pipe while maintaining structural integrity through the attachment to the muffler insert.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows the connection parameters to change dynamically - specifically, the axial position of the pipe relative to the muffler insert can vary. This parameter change capability enables the system to absorb thermal expansion stresses while maintaining structural integrity through the attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2375017B1Method for manufacturing an automobile muffler and automobile muffler
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2375017B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2375017B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10
  • EP2375017B1 patent drawingFigure 11~14

AI summary

The method involves inserting an end pipe (18) on or in a support plate (24) of a muffler insert (20) through a recess in the compressed jacket (16), and attaching the end pipe at the compressed jacket while maintaining the generated plug-in connection. The end pipe is inserted on a socket (32) of the support plate or in an opening of the support plate. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle muffler comprises a housing.