Silencer Half-Shells With Integrated Fastening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muffler designs for internal combustion engine exhaust systems require additional fastening means, increasing production costs and complexity, while also potentially impairing exhaust gas routing with external fastening elements.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates fastening elements directly onto the half-shells of the muffler's hollow body, allowing for a plug-in or snap-in connection without external fastening elements, using collars with tabs and interruptions for secure mechanical fixation, eliminating the need for separate fastening means and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional separate fastening means are used to connect the two half-shells, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function directly into the half-shells by forming fastening elements (collars with tabs) as integral parts of the half-shell structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate fastening means while maintaining mechanical connection strength, thereby reducing device complexity and production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shells are designed to be self-fastening through the integrated collar and tab structure. The tabs on one half-shell engage with the collar of the other half-shell, creating a self-contained fastening system that does not require external fastening components, thus simplifying the overall device.
2Strength
If external fastening elements are used to connect the half-shells, then the mechanical connection is secured, but the exhaust gas routing is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening function from the main exhaust flow path by positioning the collars and tabs on the outer surface of the half-shells. This segmentation allows the fastening elements to be located away from the exhaust gas routing, preventing obstruction while maintaining mechanical connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are positioned in a different spatial dimension (on the outer surface of the half-shells) rather than within the exhaust flow path. This dimensional relocation allows the fastening system to function without interfering with exhaust gas routing, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and flow efficiency.
3Strength
If complex screw or welded connections are used to fasten the half-shells, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the assembly ease and production cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (screws, welds) with a simpler tab-and-collar engagement mechanism. The tabs insert into and engage with the collars through a straightforward mechanical motion, eliminating the need for threading, tightening, or welding operations, thus improving assembly ease while maintaining adequate connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements (collars and tabs) are pre-formed as integral parts of the half-shells during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the fastening components are already in their final configuration, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps such as screwing or welding, and enabling simple snap-fit or insert assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6c
AI summary
The invention relates to a silencer (1) which is for an exhaust gas installation (2) of a combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle, and which comprises a silencer housing (3) that encloses a housing inner chamber (5), and at least one hollow body (4) in a half shell construction that is arranged in said housing inner chamber (5) and that conducts exhaust gas, the two half shells (14, 15) of the hollow body (4) being fixed to each other in the region of a separating plane (16). The assembly of the silencer (1) and hollow body (4) can be simplified if the two half shells (14, 15) are fixed to one another using fixing elements (17, 18) that are designed directly on the half shells (14, 15).