SCR Connector with Sliding Insert for Rapid Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connection and heating devices for SCR pollution control circuits face high manufacturing costs and thermal inertia issues, while alternative designs using coolant for heating are difficult to assemble and inefficient in heating the internal duct.

Innovation Solution

A connection and heating device with a sliding insert that moves from an intermediate to a final position within the connector, facilitating assembly and improving heating efficiency by allowing a large radial portion of the second channel to envelop the insert, ensuring complete and rapid heating of the first fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electric heating is used to heat the SCR liquid, then heating capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and thermal inertia delays heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electric heating system with a thermal conduction-based heating system using the engine coolant circuit. The heating element is replaced by a thermal exchange mechanism where hot coolant flows through channels in the connector body, transferring heat directly to the SCR liquid through the wall thickness. This eliminates complex electrical components (heating elements, thermostats, wiring) while achieving effective heating through pure thermal conduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If coolant circulation is used to heat the SCR fluid, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but assembly difficulty increases and heating efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coolant inlet and outlet channels directly into the connector body structure itself, rather than using separate external piping. The connector body is designed as an integrated thermal exchange unit where coolant channels are formed within the connector walls, eliminating the need for separate hose connections and reducing assembly steps while maintaining effective heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested channel structure where the coolant circulation channels are embedded within the walls of the connector body. The first channel (SCR liquid) and second channel (coolant) are concentrically arranged, with the coolant channel nested within the connector wall thickness, creating an efficient thermal exchange interface while simplifying the overall assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If coolant circulation is used to heat the SCR fluid, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but heating completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidheating completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality optimization by varying the wall thickness in different regions of the connector body. The wall thickness is specifically optimized in the zones where thermal exchange occurs between the coolant channel and SCR liquid channel, ensuring sufficient thermal conduction area. This localized optimization ensures complete heating of the SCR liquid while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces assembly difficulties and enhances thermal efficiency, allowing for rapid and complete heating of the internal duct, while maintaining a cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

a first channel for a first fluid to be heated... and a second channel surrounding the first channel for a second heat transfer fluid... previously heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The water circulates around the fluid flowing through the insert via a low radial height annular channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3283805B1Fluid connection/heating device, fluid transfer circuit incorporating said device, method of assembly of the device and circuit

Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HUTCHINSON SA

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Figure 3a~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid connection and heating device, to the method of assembly thereof, to a fluid transfer circuit, e.g. "SCR", incorporating said device, and to the method of assembly thereof. This device (1) comprises: - an outer connector (40), inside which the following are formed: * a first axial channel (41) from a first port (O1) of the connector for a fluid that is to be heated, and * a second channel (42) that surrounds said first channel, is intended for a coolant and comprises a radial portion (44) and an axial portion (45) that extends said radial portion as far as a second port (O3) of the connector that is coaxial to the first port; and - an insert (50) that is mounted in the connector and connects the first port to a first pipe (20) via the first and second insert ends (51 and 52) that are adjacent to the first and second ports, the insert defining the first channel and the annular axial portion formed between the insert and a tubular wall (46) of the connector as far as the second port. The insert is mounted by sliding (F) through the second port from an intermediate position to a final position in which the second end of said insert is outside and inside the second port, respectively.