Tri-Axis DEF Dosing Connector for SCR Aftertreatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diesel engine exhaust treatment systems face inefficiencies in DEF dosing, including excess pumping capability, inaccurate DEF injection, and difficulties in heating DEF supply lines at low temperatures, particularly in higher horsepower engines with multiple DEF lines.

Innovation Solution

A dosing system with a tri-axis connector that splits the DEF flow into two equal portions for simultaneous delivery to two injectors, accompanied by a heating system to ensure timely thawing, ensuring precise control and efficient NOx reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple DEF supply lines are used to deliver DEF to multiple injectors, then the dosing capability is improved, but the complexity of heating the DEF supply lines increases and energy requirements are not met within specified timeframes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing capabilityVSAvoidheating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple DEF supply lines into a single integrated heating system. The heating element is designed as a unified structure that can heat multiple supply lines simultaneously through thermal coupling, reducing the number of separate heating components and control systems needed while maintaining the ability to deliver adequate heat to all lines within the specified timeframe

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If the pump pumping capability exceeds the injector dosing capability, then the pump can handle higher flow rates, but the entire pumping capability is not fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump pumping capabilityVSAvoidunused pumping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements variable speed control for the pump, allowing the pumping capability to dynamically adjust to match the actual dosing requirements of the injectors. This enables the pump to operate at optimal speeds under different operating conditions, fully utilizing its capability when needed while avoiding energy waste when lower flow rates are sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If DEF supply lines are exposed to low temperatures, then the system can operate in cold environments, but the DEF supply lines require heating to prevent freezing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecold environment operationVSAvoidheating energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary heating measures by integrating heating elements directly into the DEF supply lines and positioning them to provide heat before the DEF reaches critical low-temperature zones. The system activates heating in advance of potential freezing conditions, using thermal insulation and pre-heating sections to minimize the total energy required to prevent freezing during cold operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system achieves precise DEF dosing and efficient NOx reduction by ensuring equal flow rates and pressures to both injectors, and rapid thawing of DEF supply lines, meeting stringent emission standards.

Implementation Method 1

The tri-axis connector may be in fluid communication with the pump and may be configured to split the DEF from the pump into two portions each exiting one of the first outlet port and the second outlet port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow splitting:

Implementation Method 2

a heating system to ensure timely thawing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9512763B2Diesel exhaust fluid dosing system for diesel engine aftertreatment module
Publication Date: 2016.12.06 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US9512763B2 patent drawing
  • US9512763B2 patent drawing
  • US9512763B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dosing system for dosing diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into an inlet of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment module of a diesel engine is described. The dosing system may comprise a DEF supply line configured to deliver the DEF from a pump to a first injector and a second injector at the inlet. The DEF supply line may include a tri-axis connector configured to split the DEF from the pump into two portions each exiting one of a first outlet port and a second outlet port, a first delivery conduit configured to deliver the DEF exiting the first outlet port to the first injector, and a second delivery conduit configured to deliver the DEF exiting the second outlet port to the second injector. The first injector and the second injector may dose the same quantity of the DEF into the inlet of the aftertreatment module.