Integrated Fluid Channel in Reducing Agent Tank

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reducing agent tanks for motor vehicles lack an integrated and efficient heating solution that is both compact and effectively integrated into the tank design, which can impact the performance of exhaust gas cleaning systems.

Innovation Solution

A reducing agent tank with a tank segment that incorporates a molded-in fluid channel for heating, where the tank segment itself forms the fluid channel, allowing for efficient heat distribution and integration with the vehicle's cooling circuit, and includes a delivery module for pumping the reducing agent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate heating pipes or hoses are used to heat the reducing agent, then the heating function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating system structureVSAvoidreducing agent temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is merged with the tank structure by integrating fluid channels directly into the tank segment. The tank segment itself forms the fluid channel, eliminating the need for separate heating pipes or hoses. This combining of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining effective heating capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If external heating elements are added to the tank, then heating capability is provided, but the tank design becomes more complex and compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereducing agent temperatureVSAvoidtank volume
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid channel is nested within the tank segment structure itself. The channel is formed as an integrated part of the tank segment, allowing the heating system to be contained within the existing tank volume without requiring additional external space or increasing overall tank size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Temperature

If multiple separate components are used for heating, then heating function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereducing agent temperatureVSAvoidtank manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tank segment and fluid channel are merged into a single integrated component formed by one and the same molded part. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing of heating pipes and their subsequent assembly to the tank, significantly simplifying both manufacturing processes and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated heating solution ensures effective temperature control for the reducing agent, enhancing the performance of the exhaust gas cleaning system and providing a compact, efficient design suitable for commercial vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

an integrated, in particular molded-on or molded-in, fluid channel for conducting a fluid for heating, in particular for heating, the reducing agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3109424B1Reducing agent tank with integrated fluid channel for guiding a heating fluid
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3109424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3109424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3109424B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a reducing agent tank (T) for a reducing agent, in particular a urea tank. The reducing agent tank (T) comprises a housing (1) for receiving the reducing agent, a tank segment (3) and preferably a conveying module (2) for conveying the reducing agent, wherein the tank segment (3) has at least one integrated fluid channel (3.1) for guiding a fluid to heat the reducing agent, in particular such that the tank segment (3) itself forms the fluid channel (3.1).