SCR Doser Connector Sealing With Internal Snap-Hook Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SCR doser electrical connection methods in internal combustion engines are either exposed and visible, or they protrude beyond the housing, which can be prone to damage and do not provide adequate sealing.

Innovation Solution

A doser design with an elongated aperture in the rear wall for inserting an electrical connector, which includes a snap-hook mechanism for secure engagement with the electro-actuator and a grommet for sealing, preventing fluid ingress and ensuring the connector cannot be removed without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electrical connector is left exposed on the outside of the housing, then the connection is easily accessible, but the connector is prone to damage and does not provide adequate sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector accessibilityVSAvoidconnector protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is inserted through an aperture in the housing wall and retained within the housing interior using a retention element. This nesting arrangement protects the connector while maintaining accessibility, as the connector remains positioned within the housing rather than being fully enclosed or exposed externally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A retention element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connector and the housing wall. This retention element engages with the connector to prevent removal while allowing the connector to be inserted and accessed, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a harness is directly connected to the connector inside the housing, then the connection is protected, but an electrical flying lead must protrude beyond the housing boundary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidcable routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into distinct components: the connector with its aperture, the retention element for securing the connector, and the cable routing path through the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the cable passing through the housing wall in a controlled manner rather than requiring a protruding flying lead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the connector is inserted through an aperture in the housing wall, then the connector is protected and sealed, but the connector may be removed without damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidconnector removability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retention element is pre-configured to engage with the connector in a manner that prevents removal. The retention element is resilient and deflects during insertion to allow connector placement, then returns to its rest position to lock the connector in place, preventing unintended removal while requiring deliberate action for removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If a resilient retention element is used to secure the connector, then the connector is securely retained, but the retention mechanism adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector retentionVSAvoidretention mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient retention element is designed to automatically engage and disengage the connector without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The element deflects during insertion to allow connector placement, then self-returns to its rest position to lock the connector, providing secure retention through its own elastic properties rather than requiring external actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a secure, sealed, and protected electrical connection that is resistant to damage and fluid ingress, ensuring reliable operation of the SCR doser in harsh engine environments.

Implementation Method 1

Said hook is arranged at a resilient end of a spring extending from a base of the connector body and, during engagement of the connector said spring deflects from a rest position and, when the connector is fully engaged said spring self-returns to said rest position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4191034B1SCR doser and electrical connector
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 PHINIA DELPHI LUXEMBOURG SARL
  • EP4191034B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4191034B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4191034B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

A doser (10) adapted for spraying a fluid, the doser comprising a doser body (12) which encloses an electro-actuator (24). The doser body (12) is provided with an aperture (20) in which an electrical connector (22) is inserted, . The electrical connector (22) is adapted to be arranged at the end of an electrical cable for complementary connection of an electro-actuator (24), said connector (22) having a body defining a passage for the cable, the connector further comprising a hook adapted to mechanically engage with a complementary feature of said electro-actuator.