Segmented Exhaust Support Ring with Wire Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support rings for exhaust gas ducting systems in internal combustion engines face challenges in providing a reliable and easy-to-manufacture supporting effect for exhaust gas treatment arrangements while maintaining structural integrity and protecting against corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A support ring constructed with multiple body segments forming a ring-like structure, where each segment is designed as a U-profile with a flexible wire mesh support arrangement, allowing for precise manufacturing and secure connection without distorting, and providing a radially outward supporting effect without impairing the exhaust gas treatment arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a support ring is constructed with a single integrated body, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring body is divided into multiple body segments (at least two) that are connected to each other. Each segment can be manufactured separately with standard sheet metal forming processes, then assembled together using the support arrangement as a connector, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design.
2Manufacturing precision
If body segments are formed with high precision curved configuration, then supporting effect is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support ring body into multiple separate segments, each segment can be formed with precise curved configurations using standard sheet metal forming processes without the complexity of forming a large integrated curved structure. The segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured independently with controlled precision requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support arrangement is rigidly connected to body segments, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and corrosion protection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement includes a flexible element (such as a shock-absorbing metal mesh or flexible plate) that provides both structural support and flexibility. This flexible element can deform to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration while maintaining the structural stability of the support ring, and its flexible nature allows it to conform to the body segments without rigid connections.
4Reliability
If additional fastening measures are used to secure body segments, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement serves a dual function: it provides shock absorption/flexibility and simultaneously acts as the connecting element between body segments. By merging the support function and connection function into a single integrated arrangement, the need for separate fastening measures is eliminated, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the unified design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A support ring (36) for an exhaust system, in particular of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, comprises a support element body (40) with a plurality of body segments (46, 48) and a support arrangement (42) connecting the body segments (46, 48) together.