Open Dome Ice Protector for Exhaust Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for introducing freezable liquids into motor vehicle exhaust gas systems face issues with ice formation damaging sensors and the formation of bubbles under ice protectors, which disrupt measurement and increase costs due to additional components and complex assembly.
Innovation Solution
A dome-shaped ice protector with a completely open upper side prevents bubble formation and ensures sensor protection by allowing ice to slide over it, while reinforcement fins provide rigidity without additional parts, allowing for direct attachment to the sensor or tank floor and suspension of sensor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed dome-shaped ice protector is used to prevent ice damage to the sensor, then the sensor is protected from ice forces, but bubbles form under the dome and disrupt measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic closed dome structure and replaces it with an open dome-shaped ice protector that lacks the upper closing portion. This removal of the closing element eliminates the bubble accumulation problem while preserving the ice protection function through the open dome shape that allows ice to slide over it.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of closing the dome to prevent bubble formation, the invention inverts the approach by leaving the dome open and using the open structure itself to prevent bubble accumulation. The open design allows bubbles to escape while the dome shape continues to provide ice protection.
2Reliability
If a separate ice protector part is added to protect the sensor, then the sensor is protected from ice damage, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the ice protector function directly into the sensor housing structure. The open dome-shaped ice protector is integrated as part of the sensor assembly rather than being a separate component, eliminating additional manufacturing steps and assembly operations while maintaining sensor protection.
3Reliability
If a separate ice protector part is added to protect the sensor, then the sensor is protected from ice damage, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ice protector is combined with the sensor housing into a single integrated assembly. The open dome-shaped structure is formed as part of the sensor housing, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining protective functionality.
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
The solution ensures reliable measurement by preventing bubble interference and reducing manufacturing and assembly costs, as ice is safely managed and sensor components are protected without additional parts, enhancing the functional reliability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer emits an acoustic wave which is reflected at one or more reflection surfaces arranged in the tank and is converted again at the transducer
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic wave which is reflected at one or more reflection surfaces arranged in the tank
Implementation Method 3
This usually semi-spherical arrangement allows the ice to slide over the protector and therefore not damage the part of the sensor which is arranged in the tank
Implementation Method 4
the solution freezes at −11° C. If the motor vehicle is switched off and the temperature of the liquid drops below −11° C., the solution in the tank freezes
Implementation Method 5
the liquid may expand by up to approximately 11% in the frozen state
Data Source
AI summary
The specification discloses a device for introducing a freezable liquid into the exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle. The device may include a tank for accommodating the freezable liquid, a sensor for determining the concentration and/or the filling level of the freezable liquid in the tank, and a dome-shaped ice protector. The sensor may be arranged at least partially in the tank, on the floor thereof. The dome-shaped ice protector may have rounded side faces which run together in the upward direction and have the purpose of protecting the part of the sensor which is located in the tank. The ice protector may be embodied in one piece with a floor plate of the sensor or with the tank floor and the dome of the ice protector has a completely open upper side.