Probe Carrier Insert Structure for Thermal and Corrosion Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing probe carrier arrangements for internal combustion engine exhaust systems lack an optimized connection method that ensures stability and corrosion resistance for measuring probes, particularly under varying thermal conditions.

Innovation Solution

A probe carrier arrangement where the probe socket and probe carrying insert are designed as separate elements with materials optimized for their specific functions, allowing for a stable and corrosion-resistant connection, with options for threaded engagement or press fit, and potentially using different materials like austenitic and ferritic metals to manage thermal expansion and corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single integrated probe socket design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different measuring probes and applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different measuring probesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe carrier arrangement is divided into separate functional elements: a probe socket integrated into the exhaust-carrying housing and a separate probe carrying insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be optimized for different probe types while the socket remains a stable structural component, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probe carrying insert serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting interface for measuring probes, enables material optimization for corrosion resistance, and allows easy adaptation to different probe types. By concentrating these universal functions in the removable insert, the system achieves versatility without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the probe socket is made from a single material, then manufacturing is simplified, but performance under varying thermal conditions and corrosion resistance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability under thermal conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The probe carrying insert can be made from different materials than the probe socket, such as using corrosion-resistant materials for the insert while maintaining structural integrity of the socket. This composite approach allows optimization for specific thermal and corrosion conditions without complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the probe carrier arrangement use materials optimized for their specific functions: the probe socket uses materials suitable for structural stability and thermal resistance, while the probe carrying insert uses materials optimized for corrosion resistance and probe compatibility. This local quality approach improves reliability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the probe carrying insert protrudes axially beyond the insert receiving opening, then probe support is improved, but the connection stability and gas-tight seal are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidprobe support functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing axial support through protrusion, the probe carrying insert provides probe support through radial features such as an insert flange that extends laterally. This dimensional shift allows the insert to support probes while maintaining a flush profile that ensures connection stability and gas-tight sealing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The probe support function is achieved through an intermediary structure (insert flange) that provides lateral support rather than axial protrusion. This intermediary element enables probe support while maintaining the gas-tight connection between the insert and socket, resolving the contradiction between support functionality and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If threaded engagement is used to connect the probe carrying insert to the probe socket, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded mechanical connection is replaced with a press-fit or interference fit connection between the probe carrying insert and probe socket. This substitution eliminates the need for threading operations while maintaining strong connection through precise dimensional control and material selection, reducing manufacturing complexity without sacrificing connection strength.

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

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

This design provides a stable, corrosion-resistant, and thermally resilient connection for measuring probes, ensuring reliable operation even under severe thermal stress and allowing for easy adaptation to different probe types without altering the probe socket design.

Implementation Method 1

potentially using different materials like austenitic and ferritic metals to manage thermal expansion and corrosion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3702594B1Probe support assembly
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 PUREM GMBH
  • EP3702594B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3702594B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A probe carrier arrangement, in particular for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, comprises a probe nozzle (14) provided on a probe carrier body (12) with at least one insertion opening (24) extending in the direction of a insertion opening longitudinal axis (E) and a probe carrier insert (28) arranged in the insertion opening (24) with at least one probe opening (36) extending in the direction of a probe opening longitudinal axis (S).