Work Vehicle Sensor Mounting via Fan Shroud and Intake Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing configuration of work vehicles with exhaust gas purifiers requires dedicated members and wire connectors for sensors, leading to complex and costly assemblies.

Innovation Solution

The work vehicle incorporates a fan shroud that supports the pressure difference sensor, and an intake pipe with a ribbed structure supports the wire connectors for temperature sensors, eliminating the need for dedicated members and simplifying the configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated members (sensor brackets) are used to attach pressure difference sensor and temperature sensor to exhaust gas purifier, then sensor support reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor support reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor bracket function with the exhaust gas purifier housing itself. The housing is designed with integrated mounting structures (protrusions or recesses) that directly support the pressure difference sensor and temperature sensor, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor brackets. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining reliable sensor support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust gas purifier housing is given multiple functions: it serves both as the structural enclosure for the filter element and as the mounting structure for sensors. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent eliminates dedicated sensor support members, thereby simplifying the overall device structure without compromising sensor support reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated members and wire connectors are provided for sensors, then sensor installation reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs and assembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installation reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The housing structure is designed to simultaneously serve as mechanical support for sensors and as part of the electrical connection system through integrated wire routing channels or clips. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering both manufacturing costs and assembly effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is designed as a multi-functional component that provides mechanical support, electrical connection routing, and structural enclosure. By making the housing universal in its functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated members and wire connectors, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining installation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If pipe length to pressure difference sensor is reduced, then system complexity is reduced, but sensor positioning precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsensor positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the pressure difference sensor directly into or onto the exhaust gas purifier housing, which is itself positioned close to the filter element. This integration allows the use of short connection pipes while the housing structure provides precise positioning features (such as locating pins or machined surfaces) that ensure accurate sensor alignment without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces assembly complexity and costs while maintaining effective sensor support and heat dissipation, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the exhaust gas purifier system.

Implementation Method 1

The exhaust gas purifier includes a filter that collects particulate matter in the exhaust gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The engine includes a differential pressure sensor that detects a pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of the filter of the exhaust gas purifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 3

The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the exhaust gas in the exhaust gas purifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3663549B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 YANMAR POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3663549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3663549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3663549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tractor includes an engine (5) and a fan shroud (21). The engine (5) includes a DPF (51) for purifying exhaust gas. The fan shroud (21) is disposed ahead of the engine (5). The DPF (51) includes a soot filter (62) for collecting PM in exhaust gas. The engine (5) includes a pressure difference sensor (65) for detecting a pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of the soot filter (62) of the DPF (51) in a direction in which exhaust gas flows. The pressure difference sensor (65) is supported by the fan shroud (21). A temperature sensor (63) detects a temperature of the exhaust gas in the DPF (51). A wire connector (73, 74) disposed in an intermediate portion of a wire from the temperature sensor (63) to an engine control unit (25) is supported by the intake pipe (23) of the engine (5).