Reducing Agent Tank With Elastic Opening Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank systems for reducing agents, such as urea solutions in vehicles, face challenges in complete emptying and protection against freezing-induced stresses, leading to residual volumes and potential damage to the conveying device.
Innovation Solution
The tank system incorporates radially inwardly directed elastic elements at the opening in the lower container wall, allowing complete emptying and accommodating the volume expansion of freezing reducing agents, thereby reducing stress and allowing for a smaller heating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the conveyor device is arranged through an opening in the bottom of the container, then the container can be emptied down to a level of a few millimeters, but a considerable residual volume remains in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom of the container is segmented into multiple openings instead of a single opening, allowing the reducing agent to be emptied from multiple locations simultaneously, thereby reducing the residual volume to a minimum
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is transformed from a single-point opening to a distributed pattern of multiple openings across the bottom surface, utilizing spatial distribution to improve emptying efficiency and reduce residual volume
2Volume of stationary object
If the reducing agent freezes in the container, then the frozen reducing agent takes up a significantly larger volume, but this expansion causes massive stresses that lead to damage to the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device is positioned in an insulating region away from the container bottom, providing a buffer zone that protects it from the thermal stresses and volume expansion forces when the reducing agent freezes
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating region acts as an intermediary between the container bottom and the conveyor device, absorbing and distributing the stresses generated by freezing, thereby protecting the conveyor from damage
3Reliability
If a heating device is provided to prevent freezing, then the reducing agent can be kept liquid, but the heating device considerably increases the cost of the tank system
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is extracted from the tank system by utilizing the natural insulation properties of the insulating region, eliminating the need for active heating components while maintaining operational reliability in cold conditions
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 enables nearly complete emptying of the container and minimizes damage from freezing reducing agents, reducing the effort and cost associated with the tank system while ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one opening has elastic elements arranged on the circumference and directed radially inwards
Implementation Method 2
the frozen reducing agent takes up a significantly larger volume than liquid reducing agent
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tank system for a reducing agent, comprising a container for the reducing agent, said container having an upper container wall, side container walls and a lower container wall, and a delivery device for supplying said reducing means under pressure via an outlet to a waste gas. At least one opening is arranged in the lower container wall, the at least one opening forming a connection to another space filled with reducing agent, and at least one opening comprises radially inwardly oriented elements arranged on the periphery.