Overmolded Attachment Device for Aqueous Solution Dispensing Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment devices for modules dispensing aqueous solutions in motor vehicle tanks face issues with freezing in cold temperatures and require a large number of sealing and heating components, which can be damaged during assembly.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device comprising a pump stator and heat diffuser overmolded with plastic, featuring a PTC heating element and a circulation loop for efficient heat transfer, with reduced sealing and attachment areas, and a compact design that recovers energy dissipated by the pump to heat the solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible heating means are used in the module, then the heating function is provided, but the heating means may be damaged when mounting the module within the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible heating means that can be integrated into the module structure. The flexible nature allows the heating element to conform to the module geometry and withstand mounting stresses without damage, resolving the contradiction between durability and assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating means is merged with the module structure itself, integrating the heating function into the module housing or internal components. This combination eliminates separate attachment steps and reduces the risk of damage during assembly, as the heating element becomes an integral part of the module.
2Reliability
If a large number of sealing means and heating means are used in the module, then the freezing protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The module structure itself serves as both a containment vessel and a heat distribution system, eliminating the need for separate sealing means and heating elements. This integration maintains freezing protection while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The module components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. For example, the module housing provides structural containment, thermal insulation, and heat distribution functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining effective freezing protection.
3Reliability
If non-flexible heating means overmolded with plastic material are used, then the heating function is provided, but additional sealing means and heaters are required
Solution Approach 1:
The heating means is merged with the module structure through overmolding or integration, where the plastic material serves both as a structural component and as a thermal conduit. This eliminates the need for additional sealing means between separate heating components and the module, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable heating function.
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 effectively prevents freezing of aqueous solutions in cold temperatures with reduced component count and improved durability, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of the module for both urea solution dispensing and water injection systems.
Implementation Method 1
said heating means consisting of a heat diffuser comprising at least one heating element of the PTC type (positive temperature coefficient)
Implementation Method 2
heat diffuser which comprises a base and a first plurality of walls that are substantially vertical with respect to said base
Implementation Method 3
a circulation loop for efficient heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment device (1) for a module for dispensing an aqueous solution contained in a tank on board a motor vehicle.According to the invention, such an attachment device (1) comprises a pump stator (31), a heating means and a heat diffuser (14) which comprises a base (15) and a first plurality of walls (16) that are substantially vertical with respect to said base (15) and define at least one first internal volume (3, 17), said base (15) and/or at least one wall that is substantially vertical with respect to the base (15) comprising at least one means (18) for positioning the pump stator and/or a first means (19) for attaching the pump stator and/or at least one second means (20) for attaching the heating means, the pump stator (31) and heat diffuser (14) assembly being overmolded with a plastic material, the attachment device (1) comprising at least one first through-hole (21), preferably in the region of the base of the attachment device (1), suitable for discharging the aqueous solution pumped by the pump, and a second through-hole (22) suitable for supplying the pump with aqueous solution.