Systems for a fastening device of an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12054196-B2
Application number	US-202017112619-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 4, 2020
Priority date	Dec 5, 2019
Publication date	Aug 6, 2024
Grant date	Aug 6, 2024

Abstract

Systems are provided for a fastening system. In one example, the fastening system comprises a fastening element coupled to each of a subframe and an aftertreatment device. The fastening element is configured to alter a path of travel of the aftertreatment device in response to a deformation of the subframe.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A system, comprising:
a fastening system comprising a tether physically coupled to each of an aftertreatment device of an exhaust aftertreatment system at a first extreme end and a vehicle subframe at a second extreme end, wherein the aftertreatment device is coupled to a turbocharger via a flange, wherein the aftertreatment device is arranged proximally to a bulkhead that separates an engine compartment from a compartment of a motor vehicle, and wherein the fastening system and the aftertreatment device are arranged in the engine compartment.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tether is loose during conditions where a deformation to the vehicle subframe is not occurring.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the tether is taut during conditions where the deformation to the vehicle subframe is occurring.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tether is a metal cable.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tether is flexible.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tether is configured to extend and adjust a direction of travel of the aftertreatment device in response to a deformation of the vehicle subframe, and wherein the direction of travel of the aftertreatment device is opposite to a direction in which the motor vehicle is propelled while in a drive gear.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the aftertreatment device is arranged in a front end of the motor vehicle, and wherein the turbocharger is arranged in an engine compartment and coupled to a cylinder head of the engine.

8. A system, comprising:
a fastening system comprising a tether physically coupled to each of an aftertreatment device of an exhaust aftertreatment system at a first extreme end and a vehicle subframe at a second extreme end, wherein the tether is loose when the vehicle subframe is not deformed and tightens as the vehicle subframe deforms, wherein a flange physically couples the aftertreatment device to a turbocharger, wherein the aftertreatment device is arranged proximally to a bulkhead that separates an engine compartment from a compartment of a motor vehicle, and wherein the fastening system and the aftertreatment device are arranged in the engine compartment.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the tether is flexible and comprises a metal cable.

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first extreme end of the tether is physically coupled to a portion of the aftertreatment device opposite the flange.

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the tether is configured to apply a rotational force to the aftertreatment device in response to the tether being elongated beyond a threshold.

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the aftertreatment device and the tether are arranged at a front end of a vehicle.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Spurling Michael
• Sawatzki Marius
• Meckenstock Daniel

Classifications

• B62D21/155

  Sub-frames or underguards · CPC title

• F01N13/1822

  for fixing exhaust pipes or devices to vehicle body · CPC title

• F01N2450/18

  by using quick-active type locking mechanisms, e.g. clips · CPC title

• F01N13/1811

  with means permitting relative movement, e.g. compensation of thermal expansion or vibration · CPC title

• B60K13/04

  concerning exhaust · CPC title