Parallel Exhaust System Arrangement for Limited Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in work machines like wheel loaders is to accommodate a urea SCR system within a limited body space, given the existing arrangement of exhaust systems and components such as radiators and exhaust gas treatment devices.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a configuration of three cylindrical exhaust systems arranged in parallel, with specific ports for inflow and discharge, and a bracket that slopes to accommodate these systems within the engine room, allowing for efficient use of space and compact arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a urea SCR system is added to the exhaust system, then emission control is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission controlVSAvoidexhaust system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the oxidation catalyst, DPF, and urea SCR system into a single integrated exhaust system with three parallel cylindrical components. This merging approach allows multiple emission control functions to be performed within one unified structure, improving emission control while managing system complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust system components are arranged in a nested configuration where the second exhaust system is positioned above the first and third systems in side view, and all three are arranged in parallel in plan view. This nesting allows the components to occupy overlapping spatial projections, maximizing space utilization within the limited body space of the work machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple exhaust systems are arranged in parallel, then space utilization is improved, but the arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the three parallel cylindrical exhaust systems. The second exhaust system is positioned above the first and third systems in side view, creating an asymmetric vertical stacking pattern. The outlets are also asymmetrically positioned with the third outlet closer to the center line than the first outlet. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes space utilization while avoiding the redundancy of symmetric configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust systems are arranged in three-dimensional space with specific spatial relationships: in plan view, all three systems are in parallel with outlets directed similarly, while in side view, the second system is positioned above the first and third systems. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows compact packaging within the limited body space by utilizing both horizontal and vertical dimensions effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the exhaust system is compacted to fit limited body space, then space requirements are reduced, but maintenance accessibility may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody space requirementVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust system is segmented into three distinct parallel cylindrical components (first, second, and third exhaust systems), each with its own inlet and outlet ports. This segmentation allows individual components to be accessed and maintained separately, improving ease of repair while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The modular nature of segmented components facilitates targeted maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire exhaust system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3239411B1Operation machine
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP3239411B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3239411B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3239411B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An exhaust system of a work machine is equipped with a first exhaust system, a second exhaust system, and a third exhaust system. The first exhaust system and the third exhaust system are arranged to be in parallel with respective one ends directed in the same direction. In a plan view, the second exhaust system is arranged with the other end side directed in the same direction as the one end sides of the first exhaust system and the third exhaust system to be in parallel with the first exhaust system and the third exhaust system between the first exhaust system and the third exhaust system and, in a side view, is arranged above the first exhaust system and the third exhaust system.