U.S. patent application number 11/316170 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for exhaust dispersion device.
Invention is credited to James W. Girard, Figen Lacin.
Application Number | 20070144158 11/316170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38192003 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Girard; James W. ; et
al. |
June 28, 2007 |
Exhaust dispersion device
Abstract
An exhaust dispersion device for an exhaust system with an outer
flow member is disclosed. The exhaust dispersion device includes a
dispersion member capable of being disposed within the outer flow
member. The dispersion member defines an axis and includes an
upstream end and a downstream end. A cross section of the
downstream end perpendicular to the axis is larger than a cross
section of the upstream end perpendicular to the axis. The
dispersion device also includes an aperture extending through the
dispersion member. The aperture is coaxial with the axis. Flow of
all exhaust gas through the outer flow member is divided between
flow through the aperture and flow between the outer flow member
and the dispersion member. The dispersion member is operable to
divert the flow of the exhaust gas at least partially toward the
outer flow member.
Inventors: |
Girard; James W.; (Ann
Arbor, MI) ; Lacin; Figen; (Dexter, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
38192003 |
Appl. No.: |
11/316170 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 3/2892
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
060/324 |
International
Class: |
F01N 7/00 20060101
F01N007/00 |
Claims
1. An exhaust dispersion device for an exhaust system with an outer
flow member, the exhaust dispersion device comprising: a dispersion
member capable of being disposed within the outer flow member,
wherein the dispersion member defines an axis, wherein the
dispersion member includes an upstream end and a downstream end,
and wherein a cross section of the downstream end perpendicular to
the axis is larger than a cross section of the upstream end
perpendicular to the axis; and an aperture extending through the
dispersion member, wherein the aperture is coaxial with the axis,
wherein flow of all exhaust gas through the outer flow member is
divided between flow through the aperture and flow between the
outer flow member and the dispersion member, and wherein the
dispersion member is operable to divert the flow of the exhaust gas
at least partially toward the outer flow member.
2. The exhaust dispersion device of claim 1, further comprising an
inlet member coupled to the dispersion member, wherein the aperture
extends through the inlet member and the dispersion member.
3. The exhaust dispersion device of claim 2, wherein a cross
section of the inlet member perpendicular to the axis is
approximately constant along a length of the inlet member.
4. The exhaust dispersion device of claim 1, wherein the dispersion
member has a truncated conic shape.
5. The exhaust dispersion device of claim 1, further comprising at
least one support member operable for coupling the dispersion
member to the outer flow member such that the dispersion member is
disposed in spaced relationship relative to the outer flow
member.
6. The exhaust dispersion device of claim 5, wherein the at least
one support member includes an upstream face, and wherein the
upstream face is disposed at a positive angle relative to a plane
that is perpendicular to the axis.
7. An exhaust system comprising: an outer flow member; and an
exhaust dispersion device disposed within the outer flow member,
the exhaust dispersion device comprising a dispersion member that
defines an axis, wherein the dispersion member includes an upstream
end and a downstream end, and wherein a cross section of the
downstream end perpendicular to the axis is larger than a cross
section of the upstream end perpendicular to the axis; and an
aperture extending through the dispersion member, wherein the
aperture is coaxial with the axis, wherein flow of all exhaust gas
through the outer flow member is divided between flow through the
aperture and flow between the outer flow member and the dispersion
member, and wherein the dispersion member is operable to divert the
flow of the exhaust gas at least partially toward the outer flow
member.
8. The exhaust system of claim 7, further comprising an inlet
member coupled to the dispersion member and disposed upstream of
the dispersion member, wherein the aperture extends through the
inlet member and the dispersion member.
9. The exhaust system of claim 8, wherein a cross section of the
inlet member perpendicular to the axis is approximately constant
along a length of the inlet member.
10. The exhaust system of claim 7, wherein the dispersion member
has a truncated conic shape.
11. The exhaust system of claim 10, wherein the outer flow member
comprises a truncated conic member, and wherein a first angle
measured between the axis and a wall of the outer flow member is at
most equal to a second angle measured between the axis and a wall
of the dispersion member.
12. The exhaust system of claim 7, wherein the outer flow member
comprises an inlet member and a truncated conic member coupled to
the inlet member at a transition, and wherein a cross section taken
approximately through the transition perpendicular to the axis
intersects the exhaust dispersion device.
13. The exhaust system of claim 7, wherein the exhaust dispersion
device further comprises at least one support member coupling the
exhaust dispersion device to the outer flow member such that the
dispersion member is disposed in spaced relationship relative to
the outer flow member and such that the dispersion member is
coaxial with the outer flow member.
14. The exhaust system of claim 13, wherein the at least one
support member includes an upstream face, and wherein the upstream
face is disposed at a positive angle relative to a plane that is
perpendicular to the axis.
15. An exhaust system for a vehicle comprising: an outer flow
member; a substrate disposed within the outer flow member such that
an exhaust gas within the outer flow member can flow toward the
substrate; and an exhaust dispersion device disposed within the
outer flow member, the exhaust dispersion device comprising a
dispersion member that defines an axis, wherein the dispersion
member includes an upstream end and a downstream end, and wherein a
cross section of the downstream end perpendicular to the axis is
larger than a cross section of the upstream end perpendicular to
the axis; and an aperture extending through the dispersion member,
wherein the aperture is coaxial with the axis, wherein flow of all
exhaust gas through the outer flow member is divided between flow
through the aperture toward the substrate and flow between the
outer flow member and the dispersion member toward the substrate,
and wherein the exhaust dispersion device is operable to divert the
flow of the exhaust gas at least partially toward the outer flow
member as the exhaust gas flows toward the substrate.
16. The exhaust system of claim 15, further comprising an inlet
member coupled to the dispersion member and disposed upstream of
the dispersion member, wherein the aperture extends through the
inlet member and the dispersion member.
17. The exhaust system of claim 16, wherein a cross section of the
inlet member perpendicular to the axis is approximately constant
along a length of the inlet member.
18. The exhaust system of claim 15, wherein the outer flow member
comprises an inlet member and a truncated conic member coupled to
the inlet member at a transition, and wherein a cross section taken
approximately through the transition perpendicular to an axis of
the exhaust dispersion member intersects the exhaust dispersion
device.
19. The exhaust system of claim 15, wherein the dispersion member
has a truncated conic shape, wherein the outer flow member
comprises a truncated conic member, and wherein a first angle
measured between the axis and a wall of the outer flow member is at
most equal to a second angle measured between the axis and a wall
of the dispersion member.
20. The exhaust system of claim 15, wherein the exhaust dispersion
device further comprises at least one support member coupling the
exhaust dispersion device to the outer flow member such that the
dispersion member is disposed in spaced relationship relative to
the outer flow member and such that the dispersion member is
coaxial with the outer flow member, wherein the at least one
support member includes an upstream face, and wherein the upstream
face is disposed at a positive angle relative to a plane that is
perpendicular to the axis.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an exhaust
system, and more particularly relates to an exhaust dispersion
device for an exhaust system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0003] A variety of exhaust systems exist for vehicles and other
machines. Some exhaust systems include catalytic converters, diesel
particulate filters, NOX traps, or other devices with one or more
substrates that treat the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust
system.
[0004] It is desirable to maintain a uniform flow of exhaust gas
radially across the substrate face. This is desirable because the
substrate can perform more effectively. For example, in a diesel
particulate filter, soot is more likely to be distributed evenly on
the substrate if the flow of exhaust gas is uniform. Also,
regeneration within the system can occur more effectively. Uniform
flow is also desirable because the substrate will likely have a
longer operating life. For example, if a substantial temperature
gradient develops in the radial direction on the substrate, the
substrate can crack; however, if the flow of exhaust gas is more
uniform at the substrate face, a substantial temperature gradient
is unlikely to develop.
[0005] However, in conventional exhaust systems, the flow of
exhaust gas tends to be heavier at the axial center of the
substrate face than at the radially outward positions of the
substrate face. As such, the substrate operates less effectively,
and the substrate is more likely to be damaged. Accordingly, there
remains a need for an exhaust system that maintains a more uniform
flow of exhaust gas across the substrate face.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure relates to an exhaust dispersion
device for an exhaust system with an outer flow member. The exhaust
dispersion device includes a dispersion member capable of being
disposed within the outer flow member. The dispersion member
defines an axis and includes an upstream end and a downstream end.
A cross section of the downstream end perpendicular to the axis is
larger than a cross section of the upstream end perpendicular to
the axis. The dispersion device also includes an aperture extending
through the dispersion member. The aperture is coaxial with the
axis. Flow of all exhaust gas through the outer flow member is
divided between flow through the aperture and flow between the
outer flow member and the dispersion member. The dispersion member
is operable to divert the flow of the exhaust gas at least
partially toward the outer flow member.
[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an
exhaust system that includes an outer flow member and an exhaust
dispersion device disposed within the outer flow member. The
exhaust dispersion device includes a dispersion member that defines
an axis. The dispersion member includes an upstream end and a
downstream end. A cross section of the downstream end perpendicular
to the axis is larger than a cross section of the upstream end
perpendicular to the axis. The exhaust dispersion device also
includes an aperture extending through the dispersion member. The
aperture is coaxial with the axis. Flow of all exhaust gas through
the outer flow member is divided between flow through the aperture
and flow between the outer flow member and the dispersion member.
The dispersion member is operable to divert the flow of the exhaust
gas at least partially toward the outer flow member.
[0008] In still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to
an exhaust system for a vehicle that includes an outer flow member
and a substrate that is disposed within the outer flow member such
that an exhaust gas within the outer flow member can flow toward
the substrate. The exhaust system also includes an exhaust
dispersion device disposed within the outer flow member. The
exhaust dispersion device includes a dispersion member that defines
an axis. The dispersion member includes an upstream end and a
downstream end. A cross section of the downstream end perpendicular
to the axis is larger than a cross section of the upstream end
perpendicular to the axis. The exhaust dispersion device also
includes an aperture extending through the dispersion member. The
aperture is coaxial with the axis. Flow of all the exhaust gas
through the outer flow member is divided between flow through the
aperture toward the substrate and flow between the outer flow
member and the dispersion member toward the substrate. The
dispersion member is operable to divert the flow of the exhaust gas
at least partially toward the outer flow member as the exhaust gas
flows toward the substrate.
[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exhaust
system of a vehicle with an exhaust dispersion device;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the exhaust system of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the
exhaust dispersion device; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is an end view of the exhaust dispersion device of
FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings,
corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding
parts and features.
[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portion of a vehicle 10,
specifically, a portion of an exhaust system 12 is shown. It will
be appreciated that the exhaust system 12 could be included in any
other machine besides a vehicle 10 without departing from the scope
of the present disclosure.
[0017] The exhaust system 12 includes an outer flow member 14. The
outer flow member 14 can be a portion of an exhaust after-treatment
device, such as a catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter,
an NOX trap, and/or any suitable device without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0018] The exhaust system 12 also includes a substrate 16 (FIG. 1).
The substrate 16 is disposed within the outer flow member 14. The
substrate 16 is operable for removing substances from exhaust gas
that flows through the exhaust system 12. More specifically, the
exhaust system 12 is in fluid communication with an engine (not
shown), and exhaust gases from the engine flow through the outer
flow member 14 toward the substrate 16. The exhaust gases flow
through the substrate 16, and the substrate 16 removes substances,
such as soot, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate
matter and the like.
[0019] The exhaust system 12 also includes an exhaust dispersion
device generally indicated at 18. As will be discussed, the exhaust
dispersion device 18 is operable to cause more uniform flow of
exhaust gases across an upstream face 20 of the substrate 16.
[0020] In the embodiment shown, the outer flow member 14 includes
an inlet member 11 and a truncated conic member 13. The truncated
conic member 13 is coupled to the inlet member 11 at a transition
15. The transition 15 can have any suitable radius. In one
embodiment, the inlet member 11 is coupled to the truncated conic
member 13 by welding. In another embodiment, the inlet member 11
and the truncated conic member 13 are integrally attached. In the
embodiment shown, the inlet member 11 has a circular cross section
and is co-axial with the conic member 13. It will be appreciated,
however, that the outer flow member 14 could be of any suitable
shape without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0021] The smaller end of the conic member 13 is coupled to the
inlet member 11 such that the cross-sectional area of the outer
flow member 14 increases moving away from the inlet member 11.
Also, in the embodiment shown, the substrate 16 is disposed within
the outer flow member 14 at the maximum cross-sectional area of the
outer flow member 14.
[0022] The exhaust dispersion device 18 includes an inlet member 22
and a dispersion member 24 coupled to the inlet member 22. In the
embodiment shown, the inlet member 22 has a circular cross-section
and is axially straight such that a cross-sectional area of the
inlet member 22 perpendicular to the axis A is approximately
constant along the length of the inlet member 22. The dispersion
member 24, on the other hand, has a truncated conic shape and
includes an upstream end 26 and a downstream end 28 (FIG. 1). The
upstream end 26 of the dispersion member 24 is coupled to the inlet
member 22. Accordingly, a cross section of the downstream end 28
perpendicular to the axis, A, is larger than a cross section of the
upstream end 26 perpendicular to the axis, A. It will be
appreciated that the inlet member 22 and the dispersion member 24
could be of any suitable shape without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0023] The exhaust dispersion device 18 also includes an aperture
30 (FIG. 2) that extends through the inlet member 22 and the
dispersion member 24. The aperture 30 is coaxial with the axis, A.
In the embodiment shown, the wall thickness of the inlet member 22
and the dispersion member 24 remains constant across the length of
the exhaust dispersion device 18 such that the cross-sectional area
of the aperture 30 remains generally constant through the inlet
member 22 and increases across the length of the dispersion member
24 moving away from the inlet member 22. Accordingly, the flow of
all exhaust gas (represented by dashed arrows in FIG. 1) is divided
between flow through the aperture 30 toward the substrate 16 and
flow between the outer flow member 14 and the exhaust dispersion
device 18 toward the substrate 16.
[0024] The exhaust dispersion device 18 further includes at least
one support member 32. In the embodiment shown, the exhaust
dispersion device 18 includes a plurality of support members 32
spaced equally from each other about the axis A. Each support
member 32 is coupled to the inlet member 22 at one end, and each
support member 32 is also coupled at an opposite end to the outer
flow member 14. In the embodiment shown, each support member 32
includes a tab 34 at one end to facilitate attachment to the outer
flow member 14. In one embodiment, the exhaust dispersion device 18
is coupled to the inlet member 11 of the outer flow member 14, and
then the truncated conic member 13 is coupled to the inlet member
11.
[0025] Accordingly, the support members 32 couple the exhaust
dispersion device 18 to the outer flow member 14 such that the
inlet member 22 is disposed upstream of the dispersion member 24.
The support members 32 also couple the exhaust dispersion device 18
to the outer flow member 14 such that the dispersion member 24 is
disposed in spaced relationship relative to the outer flow member
14. In the embodiment shown, the dispersion member 24 and the inlet
member 22 are co-axial with the outer flow member 14; however, the
dispersion member 24 and the inlet member 22 could be misaligned
with the outer flow member 14 without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0026] Furthermore, the exhaust dispersion device 18 is disposed
within the outer flow member 14 such that a cross section taken
approximately through the transition 15 perpendicular to the axis,
A, intersects the exhaust dispersion device 18. In addition, a
first angle, .theta., measured between the axis, A, and a
peripheral wall of the outer flow member 14 is at most equal to a
second angle, .theta.', measured between the axis, A, and a
peripheral wall of the dispersion member 24. In the embodiment, the
first angle, .theta., is less than the second angle, .theta.'.
[0027] As represented by the dashed arrows of FIG. 1, the exhaust
dispersion device 18 forces the flow of exhaust gas outward
radially toward the outer flow member 14. Accordingly, the flow of
exhaust gas is more evenly distributed across the upstream face 20
of the substrate 16. As such, the substrate 16 can function more
effectively, and the operating life of the substrate 16
increases.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of the
dispersion device 118 is illustrated, wherein like numerals
increased by 100 represent like features with respect to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the dispersion device 118
includes a dispersion member 124 and a plurality of support members
132. The dispersion device 118 also includes a relief 133 that
extends from the downstream end 128 toward the upstream end 126.
There is a relief 133 on each side of each support member 132.
[0029] Furthermore, each support member 132 includes an upstream
face 135. As shown in FIG. 4, the upstream face 135 is disposed at
a positive angle, .theta.'', relative to a plane that is
perpendicular to the axis A. Accordingly, the flow of exhaust gas
is diverted at least partially by the dispersion member 124 toward
the outer flow member, and the upstream face 135 of each support
member 132 further diverts the flow of the exhaust gas for more
even flow distribution across the upstream face of the
substrate.
* * * * *