Compact Reducing Agent Sensor Head for Diesel Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removal units for reducing agent solutions in diesel engine vehicles are costly, difficult to assemble, and require extensive wiring and space, with sensors often located in hard-to-access areas, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact removal unit design with sensors integrated into the head, utilizing a serial bus system and optical properties to determine solution quality, and a heating device to ensure operational readiness, reducing the need for extensive cabling and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged at different locations and/or difficult to access, then measurement coverage is improved, but wiring complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (quality sensor, level sensor, temperature sensor) and integrates them into a single sensor unit that is arranged at a single accessible location on the reducing agent tank. This merging approach maintains comprehensive measurement coverage while significantly reducing wiring complexity and assembly cost compared to distributing sensors throughout the tank.
2Ease of operation
If connecting pieces protrude vertically from the reducing agent tank, then connection accessibility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical protrusion to horizontal extension by designing the connecting piece to extend horizontally from the reducing agent tank. This dimensional change allows the connecting piece to remain easily accessible for connection operations while minimizing vertical space requirements and avoiding interference with the driver's cab area.
3Area of stationary object
If the head is arranged inside the reducing agent tank, then space outside the tank is reduced, but available volume for reducing agent solution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction unit into two functional parts: the sensor unit is positioned outside the reducing agent tank to minimize space occupation, while the connecting piece extends horizontally to access the tank interior for solution extraction. This segmentation allows the head to remain primarily outside the tank, preserving maximum available volume for reducing agent solution while maintaining external accessibility.
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 reduces wiring costs, simplifies installation, minimizes space requirements, and enhances precision in determining reducing agent quality, ensuring compliance with emission regulations while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor for measuring the quality of the reducing agent solution being designed to detect at least one optical property of the reducing agent solution, in particular refraction of light of predetermined wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a heating device to ensure operational readiness
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dispensing unit (1) for dispensing a reducing agent solution, in particular containing urea, from a reducing agent tank of a diesel engine-powered vehicle, comprising a head (2) for connecting the dispensing unit (1) to the reducing agent tank at a connection point of the reducing agent tank, a sensor for measuring a level of the reducing agent solution, a sensor for measuring a temperature of the reducing agent solution and a sensor (4) for measuring a quality of the reducing agent solution, wherein the head (2) has a connection nozzle (13) for drawing the reducing agent solution from the reducing agent tank.In order to provide a sampling unit (1) that is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble and requires little space that can be used for other purposes, the invention proposes that the sensor (4) for measuring the quality of the reducing agent solution is arranged in the head (2) and that the connection nozzle (13) in the installed position of the sampling unit (1) is designed to run parallel to the reducing agent tank near the connection point relative to the reducing agent tank.