Tank Assembly Return Line Integration for AdBlue Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank arrangements for reducing agents, such as AdBlue, require numerous variants of slosh pots and intake lines due to different tank sizes, leading to increased complexity and costs, and pose issues with ice formation and fluid handling at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The tank arrangement connects the return line directly to the intake line, allowing unused fluid to be returned to the delivery device or suction line, eliminating the need for a slosh pot below the tank opening and using a heating device to prevent ice formation, with a heating wire along the intake line for efficient thawing and a guide to secure the slosh pot in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slosh pot is arranged directly below the tank opening to receive returned fluid, then the fluid can be properly contained, but the number of variants increases for different tank sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The return line is designed to connect directly to the suction line rather than requiring a slosh pot below the tank opening. This universal connection method works for all tank sizes, eliminating the need for size-specific slosh pot arrangements and reducing the number of variants while maintaining proper fluid containment and return functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the return line connects to the tank interior, then fluid can be returned to the slosh pot, but ice formation can occur and cause fluid to escape
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of ice formation in the slosh pot is eliminated by extracting the return line connection from the tank interior/slosh pot area and connecting it directly to the suction line. This removes the risk of ice formation causing fluid escape while maintaining the fluid return function through the heated suction line.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction line acts as an intermediary between the return line and the delivery device. By routing returned fluid through the heated suction line instead of directly into the slosh pot, the system prevents ice formation while maintaining proper fluid return functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If different tank sizes require different slosh pots and intake lines, then proper fit is ensured, but production costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The return line is designed to connect directly to the suction line, creating a universal configuration that works with all tank sizes. This eliminates the need for size-specific slosh pots and intake lines, reducing production costs and inventory complexity while maintaining proper fit and functionality through standardized components.
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
This configuration reduces the number of variants needed for slosh pots and intake lines, prevents ice-related issues by direct heating, and allows for standardization of slosh pot height and intake line length across different tank sizes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the tank can optionally have a heating device, for example an electrical PTC heater, which thaws the fluid frozen in the tank
Implementation Method 2
The heating device preferably has at least one heating wire, which consists of stainless steel or a stainless steel strand
Implementation Method 3
The heat introduced into the tank by means of the heating device is distributed by heat transport, in particular heat convection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tank assembly (1), comprising a tank (2), in particular for reductant, a conveying device (8) associated with the tank (2), a slosh pot (5) arranged in an interior (3) of the tank (2), and a return line (19) for returning unneeded fluid in the direction of the tank (2), wherein an intake line (10) of the conveying device (8) is designed to convey fluid out of the slosh pot (5). According to the invention, the return line (19) is connected directly to the intake line (10) at the end of the return line associated with the tank (2). The invention further relates to an exhaust emission control device.