Reducing Agent Tank Module With Integrated Support Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tanks for storing reducing agents used in internal combustion engines face issues such as reduced filling volume due to protruding components, sensitivity to vibrations, and increased risk of damage from freezing or corrosive agents, as well as complex assembly and reduced usable volume.
Innovation Solution
A support plate integrated into the tank bottom with a stamped grid heater and electrical connections passing through, minimizing component exposure and enhancing structural integrity, combined with a compact design that includes a filter and level sensor, reduces the risk of damage and increases usable volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If components (heater, line connections) are led through the tank cover into the bottom area, then the tank can be filled with reducing agent, but the filling volume is significantly reduced and components are exposed to vibrations and damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of leading components through the cover into the bottom area (conventional approach), the patent inverts the arrangement by integrating the heater and line connections directly into the support plate at the bottom area, eliminating the need for components to penetrate the tank interior and thereby maximizing filling volume while protecting components from vibrations and damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heater and line connections with the support plate by integrating them directly into the bottom area structure. This consolidation eliminates separate component assemblies that would protrude into the tank, maximizing usable volume while reducing the number of potential failure points exposed to vibrations and corrosive agents
2Ease of manufacture
If components are manufactured separately and inserted into the lid, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heater and line connections with the support plate into an integrated assembly, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration maintains manufacturing flexibility while significantly reducing assembly complexity and the total number of components required
3Reliability
If a sheathed cable strand is used for heater connections, then electrical insulation is provided, but the insulation relaxes over time and tightness to encapsulation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sheathed cable strand with a stamped grid heater that has electrical connections passing through the support plate. This design eliminates the aging insulation problem by using a rigid, non-relaxing connection method that maintains tightness and electrical insulation throughout the service life without degrading over time
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 results in a more robust, cost-effective system with improved heat distribution, reduced risk of damage, and increased usable tank volume, while simplifying assembly and enhancing resistance to ice pressure and corrosive agents.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (7) is used... the heater has electrical connections (8a, 8b) which are sealingly passed through openings (9a, 9b) in the support plate (4)... the heat distribution achieved by the configuration according to the invention leads to faster and larger-area thawing of the frozen reducing agent during heating
Implementation Method 2
the heater is designed as a stamped grid... the heat distribution achieved by the configuration according to the invention leads to faster and larger-area thawing of the frozen reducing agent during heating
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tank (1) for storing a reducing agent, in particular a liquid reducing agent, by means of which nitrogen oxide can be reduced out of the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine into nitrogen and water, wherein the tank (1) has a floor region (2) and a head region and furthermore a line connection (5) is utilized in the tank (1) for a suction line and/or a return line and a heater (7, 7a). The tank (1) for storing a reducing agent according to the invention is improved over the prior art and does not have the disadvantages thereof. Said improvement is achieved in that the line connection (5) for the suction line and/or the return line and the heater (7, 7a) are integrated in a carrier plate (4) and the carrier plate (4) is arranged in the floor region (2) of the tank (1).