Vehicle Fluid Pipeline Sheath With Insulating Channels That Resist Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline designs for fluid transport in vehicles face issues such as collapsed grooves during manufacturing, uneven heating, high production costs due to excessive channels, and inefficient production processes, particularly in SCR systems.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline design featuring a sheath with radially interposed tubular portions that form circular channels between an inner and outer pipe, providing improved mechanical strength, efficient thermal insulation, and reduced production costs, with the option of spiral arrangement for larger diameters to maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If internal grooves are formed in the coating sheath, then thermal insulation is improved, but the groove walls collapse during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The coating sheath is segmented into multiple radially interposed tubular portions that define circular channels. These tubular portions are mutually spaced apart and form interspaces between them, creating a segmented structure that prevents collapse while maintaining thermal insulation. Each tubular portion acts as an independent structural element that supports the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating sheath is formed as a single piece made of polymeric material that combines structural support and thermal insulation functions. The composite structure integrates the tubular portions and interspaces into a unified component that maintains mechanical integrity while providing thermal insulation performance.
2Loss of energy
If multiple circular channels are created between inner and outer pipes, then thermal insulation is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coating sheath with integrated tubular portions and circular channels is formed as a single piece in one extrusion operation. This merging of the insulation structure into a monolithic component eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, adhesive joining, or vacuum sealing operations, thereby reducing production complexity while maintaining effective thermal insulation through multiple channels.
3Device complexity
If the sheath is not in close contact with heating resistor wires, then the sheath structure is simplified, but uneven heating conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular portions are arranged with specific spacing to create localized contact zones with the heating resistor wires. This local quality variation ensures adequate thermal contact in critical areas while maintaining the overall segmented structure. The interspaces between tubular portions are positioned to allow proper wire placement and heat distribution.
4Device complexity
If radial protrusions are made thin to reduce material, then production costs decrease, but they collapse when the pipe is bent
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular portions are given a circular cross-section rather than thin protruding shapes. This curved, tubular geometry provides superior structural strength and resistance to collapse during bending operations. The circular shape distributes stresses more effectively and maintains structural integrity while using efficient material placement.
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 design ensures effective thermal insulation and mechanical strength, reduces production costs, and allows for easy manufacturing, while maintaining insulation even after bending, without the need for external insulation foam.
Implementation Method 1
channels (16) are radially interposed between said inner pipe (12) and said outer pipe (14)... ensuring good thermal insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A line for a fluid to be transported, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising: includes an inner pipe configured to be crossed by the fluid to be transported, and a sheath. The sheath includes an outer pipe, and a plurality of tubular portions defining channels. The tubular portions: are radially interposed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, extend longitudinally along the outer pipe, are made as one piece with the outer pipe, and are mutually spaced apart, thus forming interspaces.