SCR Doser Electrical Connector With Snap-Hook Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical connection methods for reagent fluid dosers in SCR systems are either exposed and prone to damage or require complex internal connections, lacking a secure and sealed solution for the exhaust pipe of internal combustion engines.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector with a hook mechanism and seal member is designed to securely engage with an electro-actuator, preventing removal without damage and ensuring a sealed connection, utilizing a spring-loaded snap-hook and grommet for reliable engagement and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electrical connector is left exposed on the outside of the SCR doser housing, then the connection is accessible and easy to connect, but the connector is prone to damage and fluid ingress

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

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is nested within the SCR doser housing, with the connector body received inside the housing and the seal member extending through the housing wall to seal around the connector. This nesting arrangement protects the connector from damage and fluid ingress while maintaining a compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the connector, extending through the housing wall to seal around the connector body and cable. This intermediary seal prevents fluid ingress while allowing the connector to be integrated within the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a harness is directly connected to the connector inside the housing with a flying lead protruding beyond the housing, then the connection is protected inside the housing, but the connection complexity increases and the flying lead is exposed to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector, housing, and seal member are merged into a single integrated assembly. The connector body is received within the housing, and the seal member integrates both housing and connector sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate flying leads and reducing overall connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the connector is designed with a hook mechanism to prevent removal without damage, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is designed as a resilient element that can deflect during the engagement process and then self-return to its rest position to lock the connector in place. This dynamic behavior provides secure engagement without requiring complex locking mechanisms or additional actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the seal member seals around both the cable and connector body, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal member complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidseal member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is designed as a universal sealing solution that simultaneously seals around both the cable and the connector body through a single continuous structure. This multi-functional seal eliminates the need for separate sealings for different components, reducing overall seal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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, damage-resistant, and sealed electrical connection for reagent fluid dosers in SCR systems, preventing fluid ingress and ensuring reliable operation within the harsh environment of an internal combustion engine's exhaust pipe.

Implementation Method 1

Said hook may be 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

PatentEP3762592B1Electrical connector for a SCR doser
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 PHINIA DELPHI LUXEMBOURG SARL
  • EP3762592B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3762592B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3762592B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

An electrical connector (22) 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.