CN210858906U

CN210858906U - Mounting assembly for an aftertreatment system

Info

Publication number: CN210858906U
Application number: CN201921062988.9U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 泰勒·肯特·洛伦兹; 布兰登·斯科特·德格尼尔; 哈曼普里特·辛格; 肯·赫梅尔
Original assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2019-07-08
Filing date: 2019-07-08
Publication date: 2020-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-08

Abstract

The present application relates to a mounting assembly for an aftertreatment system, the mounting assembly including a first mounting bracket including a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate spaced apart from the first mounting plate such that a gap is defined therebetween. A first mounting saddle is disposed in the gap and includes a mounting surface configured to receive an aftertreatment system thereon. A first set of mounting saddle holes is defined through the first mounting saddle, and a first set of coupling members is inserted through the corresponding mounting plate holes and mounting saddle holes. Each plate hole has a diameter greater than a diameter of the corresponding mounting saddle hole such that the coupling member is movable within the corresponding mounting plate hole, thereby allowing the first mounting saddle to move relative to the mounting plate.

Description

Mounting assembly for an aftertreatment system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to mounting assemblies for aftertreatment systems.

Background

Aftertreatment systems are commonly used to treat exhaust gas produced by internal combustion engines, such as diesel or gasoline engines. The aftertreatment system may include various components, such as a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst, an oxidation catalyst, a filter, a mixer, baffles, and the like, packaged within a housing. Aftertreatment systems are typically mounted on mounting structures included in the equipment (e.g., vehicles, heavy equipment, locomotives, etc.) in which they are used. Dimensional variations or thermal expansion between parts of the aftertreatment system may cause misalignment between the aftertreatment system and the mounting structure, which may create fit problems during mounting of the aftertreatment system on the mounting structure.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Embodiments described herein relate generally to mounting assemblies for mounting an aftertreatment system on a structure. The mounting assembly described herein includes a mounting bracket including a mounting plate and a mounting saddle (mounting saddle) interposed between the mounting plate, the mounting plate and mounting saddle configured to accommodate dimensional changes and/or thermal expansion of the aftertreatment system.

In some embodiments, a mounting assembly for an aftertreatment system, comprising: a first mounting bracket including a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate disposed laterally spaced apart from the first mounting plate such that a gap is defined between the first and second mounting plates, wherein each of the first and second mounting plates includes a first set of mounting plate apertures extending therethrough; a first mounting saddle disposed in the gap between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate at a location corresponding to the first set of mounting plate apertures, the first mounting saddle including a mounting surface configured to receive a first surface of a first portion of an aftertreatment system thereon and a first set of mounting saddle apertures extending through the first mounting saddle at locations corresponding to the first set of mounting plate apertures; and a first set of coupling members, each coupling member inserted through one of the first set of mounting plate holes and a corresponding one of the first set of mounting saddle holes to secure the first mounting saddle between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate; wherein each mounting plate hole of the first set of mounting plate holes has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of each corresponding mounting saddle hole of the first set of mounting saddle holes such that each coupling member of the first set of coupling members is movable within a corresponding mounting plate hole of the first set of mounting plate holes to allow the first mounting saddle to move relative to the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second mounting plates further includes a first edge having a first concave curved portion positioned proximate the first set of mounting plate holes, the mounting surface of the first mounting saddle positioned proximate the first concave curved portion.

In some embodiments, the mounting surface of the first mounting saddle includes a first arcuate portion having a first radius and a first center, and a second arcuate portion having a second radius equal to the first radius and a second center offset from the first center.

In some embodiments, the mounting assembly further includes a second mounting saddle disposed proximate the first mounting saddle in the gap between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate, the second mounting saddle including a mounting surface, the mounting surface of the second mounting saddle configured to receive a first surface of a second portion of the aftertreatment system thereon, the second portion being different than the first portion.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second mounting plates further includes a second concave curved portion defined in the first edge of the first and second mounting plates, the mounting surface of the second mounting saddle being positioned proximate the second concave curved portion.

In some embodiments, a second set of mounting plate holes extends through the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate proximate to where the second mounting saddle is disposed, and wherein a second set of mounting saddle holes extends through the second mounting saddle at locations corresponding to the second set of mounting plate holes, wherein the second set of mounting saddle holes has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the second set of mounting plate holes.

In some embodiments, the second mounting saddle is welded to the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

In some embodiments, the first mounting bracket further comprises a first mounting strip extending at a non-zero angle from at least a portion of a second edge of the first mounting plate different from the first edge of the first mounting plate, the first mounting strip configured to mount the first mounting bracket on a mounting structure.

In some embodiments, the first mounting strip is oriented perpendicular to the first mounting plate and extends away from the second mounting plate.

In some embodiments, the first mounting bracket further comprises a second mounting strip extending at a non-zero angle from at least a portion of a second edge of the second mounting plate different from the first edge of the second mounting plate.

In some embodiments, the second mounting strip is oriented perpendicular to the second mounting plate and extends away from the first mounting plate.

In some embodiments, the mounting assembly further comprises:

a second mounting bracket disposed laterally spaced from the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket comprising:

a first mounting plate, and

a second mounting plate disposed laterally spaced apart from the first mounting plate of the second mounting bracket such that a gap is defined between the first mounting plate of the second mounting bracket and the second mounting plate of the second mounting bracket,

wherein each of the first mounting plate of the second mounting bracket and the second mounting plate of the second mounting bracket includes an additional first set of mounting plate apertures extending therethrough, and wherein the second mounting bracket has the same structure as the first mounting bracket; and

a further first mounting saddle disposed in the gap between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate of the second mounting bracket at a location corresponding to the further first set of mounting plate apertures, the further first mounting saddle comprising:

a mounting surface configured to receive a second surface of the first portion of the aftertreatment system thereon, an

A further first set of mounting saddle holes extending through the further first mounting saddle at locations corresponding to the further first set of mounting plate holes,

wherein the additional first mounting saddle coupled to the second mounting bracket has the same structure as the first mounting saddle coupled to the first mounting bracket; and

a second set of coupling members, each coupling member inserted through one of the additional first set of mounting plate holes of the second mounting bracket and a respective one of the additional first set of mounting saddle holes of the additional first mounting saddle to secure the additional first mounting saddle between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate of the second mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the mounting assembly further comprises an additional second mounting saddle disposed proximate the additional first mounting saddle in the gap between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate of the second mounting bracket, the additional second mounting saddle comprising a mounting surface configured to receive thereon a second surface of the second portion of the aftertreatment system different from the first portion, the additional second mounting saddle having the same structure as the second mounting saddle coupled to the first mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the mounting assembly further comprises a frame disposed between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, the frame comprising: a back plate, at least a portion of a second edge of each of the first and second mounting plates of the first and second mounting brackets, respectively, abutting the back plate; a base plate extending away from an edge of the backplate, at least a portion of a third edge of each of the first and second mounting plates of the first and second mounting brackets respectively abutting the base plate; and a partition disposed between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket and extending from the second mounting plate of the first mounting bracket to the first mounting plate of the second mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the frame further comprises a first set of clips extending from the back plate, a first clip of the first set of clips extending along a portion of an exterior face of the first mounting plate of the first mounting bracket and a second clip of the first set of clips extending along a portion of an interior face of the second mounting plate of the first mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the frame further comprises a second set of clips extending from the back plate and offset from the first set of clips, a first clip of the second set of clips extending along a portion of an exterior face of the second mounting plate of the second mounting bracket and a second clip of the second set of clips extending along a portion of an interior face of the first mounting plate of the second mounting bracket.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (so long as the concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be part of the subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing in the present disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Drawings

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the mounting assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the mounting assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the mounting assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of the mounting assembly of fig. 1 and an aftertreatment system mounted thereon, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6A-6F illustrate different positions of a mounting saddle included in the mounting assembly of fig. 1 relative to a mounting plate included in the mounting assembly, according to different embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a mounting saddle upon which a portion of an aftertreatment system is disposed; FIG. 7B illustrates a top perspective view of the mounting saddle showing the mounting surface of the mounting saddle according to one embodiment.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, like numerals generally identify like components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments described herein relate generally to mounting assemblies for mounting an aftertreatment system on a structure. The mounting assembly described herein includes a mounting bracket including a mounting plate and a mounting saddle interposed between the mounting plate, the mounting plate and mounting saddle configured to accommodate dimensional changes and/or thermal expansion of the aftertreatment system.

Conventional mounting structures and assemblies for mounting aftertreatment systems are generally not configured to accommodate dimensional variations of the aftertreatment systems mounted thereon. In some cases, dimensional variations may be due to design tolerances that exist at the post-processing assembly and part level. In other cases, the dimensional changes may be due to thermal expansion of the aftertreatment system as the hot exhaust gas passes through the aftertreatment system, which may raise the temperature of the aftertreatment system above 550 degrees celsius, causing dimensional changes and changes in the orientation of legs or branches of the aftertreatment system. This can be a significant problem in larger aftertreatment systems, where thermal expansion can lead to larger displacements of the aftertreatment system. Furthermore, the mounting structure may acquire heat from the aftertreatment system relatively slowly, which may create thermal gradients, resulting in thermal stresses and potential structural failures, such as leaks at areas of band clamps (straps) typically used to couple various segments or various modules of the aftertreatment system.

In contrast, embodiments of the mounting assembly described herein may provide one or more benefits, including, for example: (1) providing a mounting saddle movably mounted in a mounting bracket that accommodates variations in the size, shape, or position of an aftertreatment system disposed thereon; (2) providing at least two contact points of the aftertreatment system on the mounting saddle; (3) prevent the aftertreatment system from crushing due to excessive pressure and/or fit problems; (4) preventing leakage at joints or interfaces of various sections of an aftertreatment system; and (5) supporting the aftertreatment system in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

Referring to fig. 1-5, a mounting assembly 100 is shown according to an embodiment. As shown in fig. 5, the mounting assembly 100 may be used to mount the first leg 12 and the second leg 14 (e.g., two parallel gas collection chamber portions) of a U-shaped aftertreatment system 10 (i.e., the U-shaped outer housing of the aftertreatment system 10). The aftertreatment system 10 may be used to treat exhaust gas produced by an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (e.g., a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a biodiesel engine, a natural gas engine, an alcohol engine, an E85 engine, a dual fuel engine, etc.). Although described with respect to the aftertreatment system 10, it should be understood that the mounting assembly 100 may be used to mount any suitable aftertreatment system. Although generally described as being used to mount an aftertreatment system, it should be understood that the mounting assembly 100, or any other mounting assembly described herein, may be used to mount any other component, such as a muffler (e.g., a U-shaped muffler), an acoustic device, a fuel tank, a compressed air tank, or any other container or structure that may be coupled to an aftertreatment component.

The mounting assembly 100 includes a first mounting bracket 110a disposed on a frame 140. The first mounting bracket 110a includes a first mounting plate 112 and a second mounting plate 114, the second mounting plate 114 being disposed laterally spaced apart from the first mounting plate 112 (e.g., parallel to each other) such that a gap is defined between the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114, as shown in fig. 4. Each of the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 may comprise a substantially flat plate formed of a strong and rigid material (e.g., a metal such as cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.).

First set of mounting

plate holes

116a and 116b extend through first mounting plate 112 and second mounting plate 114, respectively. As shown in fig. 1, 2, and 4, each of the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 may include a first edge 111 facing the aftertreatment system 10. First edge 111 has a first concave curved portion 115a/115b located proximate to first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116 b. The first concave curved portions 115a/115b may include arcuate notches or cutouts defined on the first edges 111 of the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114 and may correspond to the shape of the aftertreatment system 10 to be mounted thereon.

First mounting saddle 130a is disposed in the gap between first mounting plate 112 and second mounting plate 114 at a location corresponding to first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116 b. The first mounting saddle 130a may be formed of a strong and rigid material (e.g., a metal such as cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) and generally includes an arcuate portion defining a mounting surface 131a, the mounting surface 131a being configured to receive a first surface of a first portion of the aftertreatment system 10, such as a first surface of the first leg 12, thereon. In some embodiments, the first concave curved portions 115a/115b of the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114 may define a shape corresponding to the shape of the mounting surface 131 a.

The first set of mounting saddle holes 132a extend through the first mounting saddle 130a at locations corresponding to the first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116b such that the first set of mounting saddle holes 132a are axially aligned with the first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116b when the first mounting saddle 130a is disposed between the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114.

The mounting assembly 100 also includes a first set of coupling members 150 (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, etc.). Each of the first set of coupling members 150 is inserted through one of the first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116b and a corresponding one of the first set of mounting saddle holes 132a to secure the first mounting saddle 130a between the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 of the first mounting bracket 110 a. Each mounting plate hole 116a/116b of the first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116b has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of each corresponding mounting saddle hole 132a of the corresponding first set of mounting saddle holes 132 a. In some embodiments, each coupling member 150 is loosely secured such that each coupling member 150 of the first set of coupling members 150 is movable within a corresponding mounting plate hole 116a/116b of the first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116b, thereby allowing the first mounting saddle 130 to move relative to the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114.

In other embodiments, each of the first set of coupling members 150 of the mounting saddle 130a is fastened to a torque value sufficient to keep the mounting

plates

112, 114 and the first mounting saddle 130a tightly coupled together, but still accommodate changes in leg dimensions (e.g., dimensions of the first leg 12 of the aftertreatment system 10) and relative orientation caused by thermal expansion of the aftertreatment system 10. This allows first mounting saddle 130a to slide between mounting

plates

112, 114 with oversized first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116b at a controlled force value. In some embodiments, a coating of a low-friction material (e.g., ceramic) may be applied to the sides of the first mounting saddle 130a and/or the sides of the mounting

plates

112, 114 so that the coefficient of friction may be tightly controlled. In some embodiments, a biasing member (e.g., a spring or belleville washer) having a pre-compression feature (e.g., positioned between first mounting saddle 130a and mounting plates 112 and/or 114, or between coupling members 150 and first mounting plate 112) may be used in order to provide a consistent compressive force regardless of the torque applied by each of the first set of coupling members 150. This may further control the sliding force on a plane designed to "slide" with a desired disengagement force. An advantage of this configuration is that it secures the first mounting saddle 130a between the mounting

plates

112, 114 under vibration and shock, but allows for sliding under thermal expansion.

Thus, when the aftertreatment system 10 is mounted on the first mounting saddle 130a, the first mounting saddle 130a is adjustable and may assume a variety of positions to adjust its position to accommodate dimensional changes or thermal expansion of the aftertreatment system 10. For example, fig. 6A-6F illustrate various positions of mounting saddle 130a relative to mounting bracket 110a, which allows considerable flexibility in accommodating dimensional changes and thermal expansion of aftertreatment system 10.

A second mounting saddle 130b may also be disposed in the gap between the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 proximate to the first mounting saddle 130 a. As shown in fig. 1, 2, and 4, each of the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 may further include a second concave curved portion 117a/117b on the first edge 111 thereof. A second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118b may extend through first mounting plate 112 and second mounting plate 114 proximate second concave curved portions 117a/117 b.

The second mounting saddle 130b includes a second mounting surface 131b, the second mounting surface 131b configured to receive a second surface of a second portion of the aftertreatment system 10 different from the first portion thereon. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the first mounting saddle 130a is configured to receive a first surface of the first leg 12 of the aftertreatment system 10, and the second mounting saddle 130b is configured to receive a first surface of the second leg 14 of the aftertreatment system 10. The second leg 14 is disposed parallel to the first leg 12 and is fluidly coupled to the first leg 12 by a conduit 16. In some embodiments, a through hole 138 may be defined at each end of the mounting saddle 130a and may be configured to facilitate mounting of the first leg 12 of the aftertreatment system 10 thereon. For example, a band, strap, or clamp may be positioned around at least a portion of the

legs

12 and 14 and coupled to the through-holes 138 (e.g., by screws, nuts, bolts, etc.) to secure the

legs

12, 14 to the corresponding mounting saddles 130a/130 b.

As described with respect to the first mounting saddle 130a, in some embodiments, the shape of the second concave curved portion 117a/117b may correspond to the shape of the mounting surface 131b of the second mounting saddle 130 b. In some embodiments, the second set of mounting saddle holes 132b may be defined through the second mounting saddle 130b at locations corresponding to the second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118 b. In some embodiments, the second mounting saddle 130b is welded to the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114, e.g., at a location corresponding to the second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118b (e.g., through the second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118b and the mounting saddle holes 132a/132b), such that the second mounting saddle 130b is immovable relative to the first mounting bracket 110 a. In such embodiments, the second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118b and the second set of mounting saddle holes 132b may serve as alignment features that position the second mounting saddle 130b relative to the first mounting bracket 110 a.

Keeping the second mounting saddle 130b immovable provides the advantage of increased structural strength. Since the non-movable second mounting saddle 130b may be coupled to the mounting

plates

112 and 114 by a strong coupling method (e.g., welding), this results in a mounting assembly that is overall more robust relative to mounting assemblies in which all saddles are movable. This may also reduce cost and facilitate installation, as it may be easier to first position a portion of the aftertreatment system in the non-movable second mounting saddle 130b and then position a second portion of the aftertreatment system on the movable first mounting saddle 130 a. This allows for less alignment, faster assembly and faster maintenance. However, in other embodiments, it may be beneficial to have all of the mounting saddles in the mounting assembly movable. In such embodiments, the second set of mounting saddle holes 132b may be substantially similar to the first set of mounting saddle holes 132a, and the second mounting saddle 130b mounted thereon is similar to the first mounting saddle 130a, allowing both the first and second mounting saddles 130a/130b to be movable.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118b may be approximately equal to the diameter of the second set of mounting saddle holes 132 b. Thus, if the coupling member is inserted through the second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118b and the mounting saddle hole 132b, the coupling member may not move within the second set of mounting plate holes 118a/118b such that the second mounting saddle 130b is substantially immovable relative to the first mounting bracket 110 a.

As shown in fig. 1, the first mounting bracket 110a further includes a first mounting strip 120 extending at a non-zero angle (e.g., an angle of 90 degrees) from at least a portion of a second edge 113 of the first mounting plate 112 that is different from the first edge 111. The first mounting strap 120 is configured to mount the first mounting bracket 110a to a mounting structure. For example, a plurality of through-holes 122 are defined through the first mounting strip 120. A coupling member (e.g., a screw, bolt, rivet, etc.) may be inserted through each of the plurality of through-holes 122 for mounting the mounting assembly 100 on a mounting structure (e.g., a vehicle chassis).

As shown in fig. 1, first mounting strip 120 is oriented perpendicularly with respect to first mounting plate 112 (i.e., at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to first mounting plate 112) and extends in a direction away from second mounting plate 114. In other embodiments, the first mounting strip 120 may extend at an angle of approximately zero degrees relative to the first mounting plate 112, or at any other non-zero angle (e.g., an angle between zero and 90 degrees) relative to the first mounting plate 112.

In addition, the first mounting bracket 110a also includes a second mounting strip 124 extending at a non-zero angle from at least a portion of a second edge of the second mounting plate 114, different from the first edge 111 thereof. A second edge of the second mounting plate 114 corresponds to the second edge 113 of the first mounting plate 112. A plurality of through holes (not shown) may also be defined through the second mounting strap 124 to allow insertion of a coupling member therethrough, as described with respect to the first mounting strap 120. In some embodiments, the second mounting strip 124 is oriented perpendicular to the second mounting plate 114 and extends away from the first mounting plate 112, e.g., in an opposite direction from the first mounting strip 120. In other embodiments, the second mounting strap 124 may extend at an angle of approximately zero degrees relative to the second mounting plate 114, or at any other non-zero angle (e.g., an angle between zero degrees and 90 degrees) relative to the second mounting plate 114.

The mounting assembly 100 also includes a second mounting bracket 110b disposed laterally spaced apart from (e.g., parallel to) the first mounting bracket 110 a. The second mounting bracket 110b is substantially similar in structure and function to the first mounting bracket 110a, i.e., includes a first mounting plate 112 and a second mounting plate 114, the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114 including a first set of mounting plate apertures 116a/116b extending therethrough, and may also include a first concave curved portion 115a/115 b. First mounting saddle 130a is disposed in the gap between first mounting plate 112 and second mounting plate 114 at a location corresponding to first set of mounting plate holes 116a/116 b. The first mounting saddle 130a is connected to the second mounting bracket 110b and has the same structure as the first mounting saddle 130a connected to the first mounting bracket, as previously described herein. The second set of coupling members 152 are used to couple the first mounting saddle 130a to the mounting

plates

112, 114 of the second mounting bracket 110b such that the first mounting saddle 130a can move relative to the mounting

plates

112, 114, as previously described herein. Each of the first mounting saddles 130a of the first and second mounting brackets 110a/110b provides a mounting location for the aftertreatment system 10 (e.g., the first leg 12 of the aftertreatment system 10) while accommodating dimensional changes and/or thermal expansion/contraction due to manufacturing tolerances. For example, the first mounting saddle 130a of the second mounting bracket 110b defines a mounting surface 131a configured to mount a second surface of a first portion (e.g., the first leg 12) of the aftertreatment system 10 thereon.

In some embodiments, the second mounting bracket 110b further includes a second mounting saddle 130b, the second mounting saddle 130b being disposed in the gap between the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 of the second mounting bracket 110b proximate the first mounting saddle 130a of the second mounting bracket 110b, as described with respect to the first mounting bracket 110 a. The second mounting bracket 110b coupled to the second mounting saddle 130b has the same structure as the second mounting saddle 130b coupled to the first mounting bracket 110 a. The second mounting saddle 130b includes a mounting surface 131b configured to receive a second surface of a second portion (e.g., the second leg 14) of the aftertreatment system 10. Each of the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 of the second mounting bracket 110b may also define a corresponding second concave curved portion 117a/117b on its corresponding first edge 111. The second set of mounting plate apertures 118a/118b may be defined through the first mounting plate 112 and the second mounting plate 114 of the second mounting bracket 110 b. In some embodiments, the second mounting saddle 130b may include a second set of mounting saddle holes 132b extending therethrough. The second mounting saddle 130b may be fixedly coupled to the second mounting bracket 110b or welded to the second mounting bracket 110b, for example, by a coupling member (e.g., a screw, bolt, rivet, etc.).

Each of the second mounting saddles 130b of the first and second mounting brackets 110a/110b provides a mounting location for a second portion of the aftertreatment system 10 (e.g., the second leg 14 of the aftertreatment system 10 shown in fig. 5), but is not movable, unlike the adjustable mounting saddles 130a of the first and second mounting brackets 110a/110 b. As shown in fig. 6A-6F, the adjustable mounting saddle 130a can assume a variety of positions to adjust itself when the aftertreatment system 10 is assembled on the mounting assembly 100. For example, the design of the U-shaped aftertreatment system 10 shown in FIG. 5 allows the aftertreatment system 10 to have different tolerance variations. Thus, when the aftertreatment system 10 is assembled with the mounting bracket 110a/110b, the adjustable mounting saddle 130a of the mounting bracket 110a/110b may assume different positions to accommodate variations between the various components in the aftertreatment system 10. In addition, the adjustable mounting saddle 130a reduces the pre-load or pre-stress that may occur when assembling the second leg 14 of the aftertreatment system 10 on the fixed second mounting saddle 130 b.

Referring to fig. 7A-7B, the surface 131 of the first mounting saddle 130a, and in some embodiments also the second mounting saddle 130B, includes a first arcuate portion 134 having a first radius a and a first center 135, and a second arcuate portion 136 having a second radius B equal to the first radius a and a second center 137 offset from the first center 135. This enables the circular plenums (plenum) of the

legs

12, 14 of the aftertreatment system 10 to fit into the mounting saddles 130a (in some embodiments, the mounting saddles 130b), the circular plenums of the

legs

12, 14 having at least two tangential contacts with the surface 131 at positions located 45 degrees from the center of the

legs

12, 14 at all possible manufacturing outside diameter variations of the

legs

12, 14. This may prevent the housing of the

legs

12, 14 from being crushed in the mounting saddle 130a/130b due to excessive pressure and/or fitting problems that may occur with the

legs

12, 14 in the mounting saddle 130a/130b due to variations and/or thermal expansion between the parts. Furthermore, the

legs

12, 14 are supported in both the horizontal and vertical directions by the nature of a 45 degree line of contact with the surface 131 of the mounting saddle 130a/130b, and any play or play in these directions is eliminated.

Referring again to fig. 1-4, a frame 140 is disposed between the first mounting bracket 110a and the second mounting bracket 110 b. The frame 140 includes a back plate 146 (fig. 3-4). At least a portion of the second edge 113 of each of the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114 of the first and second mounting

brackets

110a, 110b, respectively, abuts the backing plate 146. The base plate 142 extends away from an edge of the back plate 146, which is remote from the first edge 111 of the mounting

plates

112, 114. At least a portion of the third edge 119 of each of the first and second mounting

plates

112, 114 of the first and second mounting

brackets

110a, 110b, respectively, abuts the substrate 142. In various embodiments, the substrate 142 extends from an edge of the back plate 146 toward the mounting bracket 110a/110b at an angle in the range of 15 degrees to 60 degrees.

The frame 140 also includes a spacer 144 disposed between the first mounting bracket 110a and the second mounting bracket 110b and extending from the second mounting plate 114 of the first mounting bracket 110a to the first mounting plate 112 of the second mounting bracket 110 b. The spacer 144 may include a first wedge portion 145 positioned adjacent the first mounting saddle 130a and a second wedge portion 147 positioned adjacent the second mounting saddle 130 b. The

wedge portions

145 and 147 may increase the rigidity and strength of the partition 144. A first end of the spacer plate 144 may be coupled to the base plate 142 (e.g., welded to the base plate 142), and a second end of the spacer plate 144 opposite the first end may be coupled to the backing plate 146 (e.g., welded to the backing plate 146).

A first set of clips 148a/148b extend from the back plate 146 toward the first mounting bracket 110 a. Specifically, a first clip 148a of the first set of clips 148a/148b extends along a portion of the exterior face of the first mounting plate 112 of the first mounting bracket 110a, and a second clip 148b of the first set of clips 148a/148b extends along a portion of the interior face (i.e., facing the spacer 144) of the second mounting plate 114 of the first mounting bracket 110 a. Similarly, a second set of clips 149a/149b extends from the back plate 146 laterally offset from the first set of clips 148a/148 b. A first clip 149a of the second set of clips 149a/149b extends along a portion of the exterior face of the second mounting plate 114 of the second mounting bracket 110b, and a second clip 149b of the second set of clips 149a/149b extends along a portion of the interior face of the first mounting plate 112 of the second mounting bracket 110 b. The first set of clips 148a/148b can be configured to secure the first mounting bracket 110a therebetween, and the second set of clips 149a/149b can be configured to secure the second mounting bracket 110b therebetween.

It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to mean that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments must be specific or best examples).

As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" generally mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, about 0.5 would include 0.45 and 0.55, about 10 would include 9 to 11, and about 1000 would include 900 to 1100.

As used herein, the term "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise arrangements and/or numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or variations of the described and claimed subject matter are considered within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

The term "coupled" and similar terms as used herein mean that two components are directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a coupling can be achieved in the following cases: two members or two members and any additional intermediate members are integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or two members and any additional intermediate members are attached to one another.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various embodiments as presented herein is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that features from one embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with features of other embodiments disclosed herein, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any utility model or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular utility models. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly for an aftertreatment system, the mounting assembly comprising:

a first mounting bracket, the first mounting bracket comprising:

a first mounting plate, and

a second mounting plate disposed laterally spaced from the first mounting plate such that a gap is defined between the first and second mounting plates,

wherein each of the first and second mounting plates includes a first set of mounting plate holes extending therethrough;

a first mounting saddle disposed in the gap between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate at a location corresponding to the first set of mounting plate holes, the first mounting saddle comprising:

a mounting surface configured to receive a first surface of a first portion of the aftertreatment system thereon, an

A first set of mounting saddle holes extending through the first mounting saddle at locations corresponding to the first set of mounting plate holes; and

a first set of coupling members, each coupling member inserted through one of the first set of mounting plate holes and a corresponding one of the first set of mounting saddle holes to secure the first mounting saddle between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate;

wherein a diameter of each mounting plate hole of the first set of mounting plate holes is greater than a diameter of each corresponding mounting saddle hole of the first set of mounting saddle holes such that each coupling member of the first set of coupling members is movable within a corresponding mounting plate hole of the first set of mounting plate holes, thereby allowing the first mounting saddle to move relative to the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

2. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second mounting plates further comprises a first edge having a first concave curved portion positioned proximate the first set of mounting plate holes, the mounting surface of the first mounting saddle being positioned proximate the first concave curved portion.

3. The mounting assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting surface of the first mounting saddle comprises a first arcuate portion having a first radius and a first center, and a second arcuate portion having a second radius equal to the first radius and a second center offset from the first center.

4. The mounting assembly of claim 2, further comprising a second mounting saddle disposed proximate the first mounting saddle in the gap between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate, the second mounting saddle including a mounting surface, the mounting surface of the second mounting saddle configured to receive a first surface of a second portion of the aftertreatment system thereon, the second portion being different than the first portion.

5. The mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second mounting plates further comprises a second concave curved portion defined in the first edge of the first and second mounting plates, the mounting surface of the second mounting saddle being positioned proximate the second concave curved portion.

6. The mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein a second set of mounting plate holes extend through the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate proximate to a location where the second mounting saddle is disposed, and wherein a second set of mounting saddle holes extend through the second mounting saddle at a location corresponding to the second set of mounting plate holes,

wherein the second set of mounting saddle holes have a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the second set of mounting plate holes.

7. The mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein the second mounting saddle is welded to the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

8. The mounting assembly of any of claims 2 and 4-7, wherein the first mounting bracket further comprises a first mounting strip extending at a non-zero angle from at least a portion of a second edge of the first mounting plate different from the first edge of the first mounting plate, the first mounting strip configured to mount the first mounting bracket on a mounting structure.

9. The mounting assembly of claim 8, wherein the first mounting strip is oriented perpendicular to the first mounting plate and extends away from the second mounting plate.

10. The mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein the first mounting bracket further comprises a second mounting strip extending at a non-zero angle from at least a portion of a second edge of the second mounting plate different from the first edge of the second mounting plate.

11. The mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein the second mounting strip is oriented perpendicular to the second mounting plate and extends away from the first mounting plate.

12. The mounting assembly of any of claims 4-7, further comprising:

a first mounting plate, and

13. The mounting assembly of claim 12 further comprising an additional second mounting saddle disposed proximate the additional first mounting saddle in the gap between the first and second mounting plates of the second mounting bracket, the additional second mounting saddle including a mounting surface configured to receive thereon a second surface of the second portion of the aftertreatment system different from the first portion, the additional second mounting saddle having the same structure as the second mounting saddle coupled to first mounting bracket.

14. The mounting assembly of claim 12, further comprising a frame disposed between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, the frame comprising:

a back plate, at least a portion of a second edge of each of the first and second mounting plates of the first and second mounting brackets, respectively, abutting the back plate;

a base plate extending away from an edge of the backplate, at least a portion of a third edge of each of the first and second mounting plates of the first and second mounting brackets respectively abutting the base plate; and

a spacer disposed between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket and extending from the second mounting plate of the first mounting bracket to the first mounting plate of the second mounting bracket.

15. The mounting assembly of claim 14 wherein the frame further comprises a first set of clips extending from the back plate, a first clip of the first set of clips extending along a portion of an exterior face of the first mounting plate of the first mounting bracket and a second clip of the first set of clips extending along a portion of an interior face of the second mounting plate of the first mounting bracket.

16. The mounting assembly of claim 15 wherein the frame further comprises a second set of clips extending from the back plate and offset from the first set of clips, a first clip of the second set of clips extending along a portion of an exterior face of the second mounting plate of the second mounting bracket and a second clip of the second set of clips extending along a portion of an interior face of the first mounting plate of the second mounting bracket.