Reductant Tank Header Assembly with Splitting Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large aftertreatment systems for internal combustion engines often require multiple reductant tanks or headers, which is inefficient and costly, as they need to treat exhaust gas with multiple dosing modules effectively.

Innovation Solution

A header assembly and reductant tank assembly configuration that includes splitting devices and lines to distribute and manage reductant flows between multiple dosing modules from a single reductant tank, allowing for efficient treatment of exhaust gas with reduced hardware requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple dosing modules are used to treat exhaust gas effectively, then the treatment capability is improved, but the number of reductant tanks or headers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas treatment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of tanks or headers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reductant flow is segmented into multiple separate flows using splitting devices. A single reductant tank connects to a header assembly that includes a first splitting device which divides the reductant flow into a first flow for a first dosing module and a second flow for a second dosing module. This segmentation allows one tank to serve multiple dosing modules, reducing the total number of tanks needed while maintaining the capability to treat exhaust gas with multiple dosing modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The header assembly is designed with multi-functionality to distribute reductant to multiple dosing modules. The header includes multiple outlets and splitting devices that enable a single header assembly to perform the function of multiple separate tank-header combinations, allowing one tank-header assembly to universally serve multiple dosing modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple dosing modules are used to treat exhaust gas, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas treatment effectivenessVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple tank-header assemblies are merged into a single integrated tank-header assembly. The header assembly combines multiple outlets and splitting devices into one unit that can distribute reductant to multiple dosing modules simultaneously. This merging reduces the total number of components needed, lowering material costs, assembly costs, and maintenance costs while maintaining the effectiveness of multiple dosing modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11994054B2Reductant tank assembly with multiple connection tank header

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 CUMMINS EMISSION SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A header assembly for an aftertreatment system includes: a header including: a suction port, and a return port; a first splitting device configured to receive a first flow of reductant from the suction port and to split the first flow into a first inlet flow and a second inlet flow; a second splitting device configured to receive a first outlet flow and a second outlet flow and to provide a second flow to the return port of the header; a first inlet line configured to direct the first inlet flow to a first dosing module; a second inlet line configured to direct the second outlet flow to a second dosing module; a first outlet line configured to direct the first outlet flow to the second splitting device; and a second outlet line configured to direct the second outlet flow to the second splitting device.