Segmented Heating Member for Exhaust Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust gas purification systems for vehicles face challenges in efficient heating and catalyst integration due to delicate fastening requirements and limited catalyst choices, which restricts the effectiveness of NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon conversion.
Innovation Solution
A device with a heating member comprising elongate heating elements arranged in a flexible and independent manner around the exhaust gas purification member, allowing for uniform heating and reduced thermal inertia, with the heating elements connected in a pattern that facilitates efficient temperature increase and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are fastened by pins pushed into catalyst channels, then heating function is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heating member is divided into multiple independent elongate heating elements that can be separately positioned and fastened, rather than a single complex heating structure. Each element can be independently installed, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining effective heating coverage across the catalyst substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
A frame structure is introduced as an intermediary component to hold and position the heating elements. The frame provides a standardized mounting structure that simplifies installation, allowing heating elements to be systematically arranged and secured without directly pushing pins into catalyst channels, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heating elements are mechanically connected to purification member, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility in catalyst selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into independent elements mounted on a frame, creating a modular structure that can be adapted to different catalyst configurations without requiring integral mechanical connections, thus maintaining structural stability while enabling catalyst versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame-based mounting structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various catalyst types and configurations. The standardized frame design allows the same heating member assembly to work with different purification members, enhancing adaptability while maintaining stable heating functionality.
3Strength
If heating elements have large cross-section, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal inertia increases and heating speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is distributed across multiple thin elongate elements rather than using few thick elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve adequate mechanical strength through the collective structure while each individual element maintains low thermal inertia for rapid heating response.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing cross-sectional area to improve strength, the design uses multiple elements arranged in a spatial configuration (another dimension). The cumulative effect of multiple thin elements provides sufficient structural support while maintaining low thermal mass for fast heating.
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 enables easier assembly and flexibility in catalyst choice, improving the efficiency of exhaust gas purification by allowing for uniform and rapid heating of the purification member, enhancing the conversion of NOx, CO, and hydrocarbons into N2, CO2, and H2O.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member placed in front of and at a distance from the upstream face or the downstream face, the heating member comprising a frame and a plurality of elongate heating elements
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a power source, at least one exhaust gas purification member having an upstream face and a downstream face, and a heating member placed in front of and at a distance from the upstream or downstream face. The heating member comprises a frame and a plurality of elongate heating elements surrounded by a peripheral part of the frame. Each heating element has first and second ends, with at least one of the first and second ends being electrically connected to the power source with the other end being connected to the frame. Each heating element is, between the first and second ends, connected only to at least one other of the heating elements. The heating elements are in contact with one another by respective points of contact, two points of contact of two different heating elements in contact with one another being at the same electric potential.