PANEL ASSEMBLY AND AFTERTREATMENT ASSEMBLY INCLUDING PANEL ASSEMBLY

A panel assembly includes a panel member having a mounting side and at least one elongated member. The at least one elongated member includes a mounting edge, a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated member, and a plurality of first spaced apart openings. The panel assembly further includes at least one elongated intersecting member. The at least one elongated intersecting member includes a mounting edge, a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated intersecting member, and a plurality of second spaced apart openings. Further, one of the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member includes at least one slot, the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member intersecting at the at least one slot.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a panel assembly, and more particularly, an aftertreatment assembly including the panel assembly.

BACKGROUND

An aftertreatment system is associated with an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, to reduce and convert particulate matter that may be present in exhaust gases exiting the engine. Some large aftertreatment systems include a service door that allows access to one or more components of the aftertreatment system during servicing/maintenance of the aftertreatment system. The service door is secured to a frame member of the aftertreatment system. Conventional service doors are heavy and lack strength and endurance. Further, conventional service doors are often expensive, complex to manufacture, and/or include a complicated design.

Moreover, the exhaust gases flowing through the aftertreatment system may cause exhaust gas pressure pulsations which may vibrate one or more components of the aftertreatment system. Such vibrations may be transferred to the service door and may cause cracking and failure of the service door. In order to prevent or minimize damage to the service door subjected to the exhaust gas pressure pulsations, it may be desirable for the service door to have natural frequencies outside the range of the pulsations.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,330 describes a muffler for a pneumatic impact device operating at a frequency below or about 60 Hertz. The muffler includes an elastomeric housing adapted to receive and discharge exhaust gas. Further, the elastomeric housing is divided into an admission chamber and a series of muffler chambers. An inlet conduit is communicating with the admission chamber and each muffler chamber. An exhaust conduit is communicating with each muffler chamber as well as with a tail pipe outside the elastomeric housing. A Helmholtz resonator is communicating with the admission chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a panel assembly is provided. The panel assembly includes a panel member including a mounting side. The panel assembly also includes at least one elongated member. The at least one elongated member includes a mounting edge secured to the mounting side of the panel member. The at least one elongated member also includes a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated member and distal to the panel member. The at least one elongated member further includes a plurality of first spaced apart openings proximate to the mounting edge of the at least one elongated member. The panel assembly further includes at least one elongated intersecting member. The at least one elongated intersecting member includes a mounting edge secured to the mounting side of the panel member. The at least one elongated intersecting member also includes a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated intersecting member and distal to the panel member. The at least one elongated intersecting member further includes a plurality of second spaced apart openings proximate to the mounting edge of the at least one elongated intersecting member. Further, one of the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member includes at least one slot, the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member intersecting at the at least one slot.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an aftertreatment assembly is provided. The aftertreatment assembly includes an aftertreatment system including a frame member. The aftertreatment assembly also includes a panel assembly secured to the frame member of the aftertreatment system. The panel assembly includes a panel member including a mounting side. The panel assembly also includes at least one elongated member. The at least one elongated member includes a mounting edge secured to the mounting side of the panel member. The at least one elongated member also includes a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated member and distal to the panel member. The at least one elongated member further includes a plurality of first spaced apart openings proximate to the mounting edge of the at least one elongated member. The panel assembly further includes at least one elongated intersecting member. The at least one elongated intersecting member includes a mounting edge secured to the mounting side of the panel member. The at least one elongated intersecting member also includes a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated intersecting member and distal to the panel member. The at least one elongated intersecting member further includes a plurality of second spaced apart openings proximate to the mounting edge of the at least one elongated intersecting member. Further, one of the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member includes at least one slot, the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member intersecting at the at least one slot.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a panel assembly is provided. The method includes providing a panel member including a mounting side. The method also includes securing at least one elongated member to the panel member at the mounting side. The at least one elongated member includes a mounting edge secured to the panel member, a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated member and distal to the panel member, and a plurality of first spaced apart openings proximate to the mounting edge of the at least one elongated member. The method further includes providing at least one elongated intersecting member. The at least one elongated intersecting member including a mounting edge, a second edge opposite the mounting edge of the at least one elongated intersecting member and distal to the panel member, and a plurality of second spaced apart openings proximate to the mounting edge of the at least one elongated intersecting member. Further, one of the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member includes at least one slot. The method includes intersecting the at least one elongated member with the at least one elongated intersecting member at the at least one slot. The method also includes securing the at least one elongated intersecting member to the panel member at the mounting side and the at least one elongated member at an intersection of the at least one elongated member and the at least one elongated intersecting member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts.

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary aftertreatment assembly100. The aftertreatment assembly100is positioned at an exhaust side (not shown) of an engine (not shown), such as an internal combustion engine. In an example, the engine may include a high-speed diesel engine, such as a marine engine. The aftertreatment assembly100may be associated with a mobile machine, such as a construction machine or a marine ship, a stationary machine, such as a generator, and the like, as per application requirements. The aftertreatment assembly100includes an aftertreatment system102. The aftertreatment system102includes an inlet tube104that is in fluid communication with the engine for receiving exhaust gases exiting the engine. The exhaust gases may contain emission compounds, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and other such combustion products in a non-uniform proportion.

Further, an inlet wiring control box106is positioned at an outside of the inlet tube104. In some examples, the inlet wiring control box106may include sensors to detect one or more parameters of the exhaust gases exiting the aftertreatment system102. The aftertreatment system102includes a first mixer tube108that is in fluid communication with the inlet tube104. The first mixer tube108allows uniform mixing of the exhaust gases. The first mixer tube108may include one or more mixers (not shown) and/or baffles (not shown) for mixing of the exhaust gases. Further, the homogenous exhaust gases are directed towards an inlet chamber110of the aftertreatment system102. The aftertreatment system102also includes a number of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) modules112. The exhaust gases from the inlet chamber110are directed towards the SCR modules112. In other configurations, the aftertreatment system102may include components (not shown), such as a diesel oxidation catalyst module, one or more filters such as a diesel particulate filter, and the like, without any limitations.

Further, the SCR modules112are in fluid communication with an outlet chamber114that receives the exhaust gases from the SCR modules112. The aftertreatment system102includes a frame member116. More particularly, the frame member116forms a portion of the outlet chamber114. The frame member116is substantially rectangular in shape. In some examples, the frame member116may include a threaded metal bar. As illustrated, the inlet chamber110is secured to the outlet chamber114by a number of support structures118. Moreover, the aftertreatment system102includes a second mixer tube120and a baffle122that is connected at an inlet side of the second mixer tube120. The baffle122allows homogeneous mixing of the exhaust gases. Further, the second mixer tube120may include one or more mixers (not shown) and/or baffles (not shown) disposed therein for promoting mixing of the exhaust gases. The exhaust gases exit the aftertreatment system102via an outlet tube124. Moreover, an outlet wiring control box126is positioned at an outside of the outlet tube124. The outlet wiring control box126may include sensors to detect one or more parameters of the exhaust gases exiting the aftertreatment system102.

The aftertreatment system102also includes a panel assembly200secured to the aftertreatment system102. More particularly, the panel assembly200is secured to the frame member116of the aftertreatment system102. The panel assembly200allows access to the outlet chamber114and to other components of the aftertreatment system102, such as the SCR modules112, the baffle122, the second mixer tube120, and the like.

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view of the panel assembly200. The panel assembly200defines a longitudinal axis “X-X1”. In an example, the panel assembly200is made from stainless steel. In other examples, the panel assembly200may be made from other metals or alloys, without any limitations. The panel assembly200includes a panel member202. The panel assembly200also includes elongated members204,206and elongated intersecting members208,210,212that will be explained later in this section.

Further, the panel member202is generally rectangular in shape. The panel member202includes a panel length “L1”, a panel width “W1”, and a panel thickness “T1”. The panel length “L1” may approximately lie in a range of 1200 millimeter (mm) to 1600 mm. The panel width “W1” may approximately lie in a range of 400 mm to 800 mm. Moreover, the panel thickness “T1” may approximately lie in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm. Hereinafter, the panel length “L1”, the panel width “W1”, and the panel thickness “T1” may be referred to as panel dimensions “L1”, “W1”, “T1”. The panel dimensions “L1”, “W1”, “T1” may vary according to variation in dimensions of one or more components of the aftertreatment assembly100.

The panel member202includes a mounting side214. When the panel assembly200is secured to the frame member116(seeFIG. 1), the mounting side214faces the aftertreatment system102and may be referred to as the inside. Further, the panel member202includes an outside216that is opposite to the mounting side214. The outside216faces away from the aftertreatment system102. Further, the panel member202includes an outer periphery218and a number of mounting apertures220disposed proximate to the outer periphery218. Each mounting aperture220aligns with a corresponding aperture (not shown) in the frame member116for receiving a mechanical fastener222(shown inFIG. 1) therethrough for removably securing the panel assembly200to the frame member116. Thus, the panel assembly200is secured to the frame member116by the mechanical fasteners222. The mechanical fasteners222are embodied as bolts herein. Alternatively, the mechanical fasteners222may include screws, pins, and the like. Further, a metal bar with threaded nuts (not shown) may be disposed adjacent to the panel member202that couples with the mechanical fasteners222. Moreover, a gasket (not shown) is disposed between the panel member202and the frame member116for restricting leakage of exhaust gases.

Further, the panel member202includes a first side edge224, a second side edge226, a third side edge228, and a fourth side edge230. The panel member202includes one or more lifting eyes232extending from the outer periphery218of the panel member202. The lifting eyes232are disposed proximate to corners of the outer periphery218. More particularly, the panel member202includes the first pair of lifting eyes232extending from the first side edge224of the panel member202and the second pair of lifting eyes232extending from the third side edge228of the panel member202. In other embodiments, the panel member202may include more than four or less than four lifting eyes232. Each lifting eye232includes a through-hole234. In an example, the lifting eyes232may be provided by cutting a sheet of metal using a material removal technique, such as using a laser. Alternatively, any other techniques known in the art may be used to provide the lifting eyes232.

The panel assembly200also includes the one or more elongated members204,206. The elongated members204,206may be mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis “X-X1” of the panel assembly200. In the illustrated example, the panel assembly200includes two elongated members204,206. However, a total number of the elongated members204,206may vary based on dimensions of the aftertreatment system100, as per application requirements. The elongated members204,206include a first thickness “T2”. The first thickness “T2” may approximately lie in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm. In an example, the first thickness “T2” may be equal to the panel thickness “T1”. In another example, the first thickness “T2” may be different from the panel thickness “T1”. The elongated members204,206also include a first height “H1” (shown inFIG. 3). The first height “H1” may approximately lie in a range of 25 mm to 125 mm. It should be noted that the ranges for the first thickness “T2” and the first height “H1” provided herein are exemplary in nature and the ranges may vary as per application requirements.

The elongated members204,206are secured to the panel member202at the mounting side214. Each elongated member204,206includes an outer surface236and an inner surface238. The inner surface238of the elongated member204faces the inner surface238of the elongated member206. Referring toFIG. 3, the one or more elongated members204,206include a first end240and a second end242. The one or more elongated members204,206also include a mounting edge244secured to the mounting side214of the panel member202(seeFIG. 2). More particularly, each of the one or more elongated members204,206includes a number of spaced apart first base portions246,248such that each first base portion246,248is disposed adjacent to a first opening256,258. The first base portions246are disposed proximate to the first and second ends240,242. In the illustrated example, each elongated member204,206includes four first base portions246. Further, the first base portions248are centrally disposed. In the illustrated example, each elongated member204,206includes three first base portions248. The elongated members204,206are secured to the panel member202at the number of first base portions246,248.

Each first base portion246,248includes a first length “L2”, “L3” that approximately lies in a range of 10 mm to 40 mm. In the illustrated example, the first base portions246that are disposed proximate to the first and second ends240,242include the first length “L2” that is lesser than the first length “L3” of the first base portions248that are centrally disposed. The elongated members204,206are secured to the panel member202at the corresponding first base portions246,248by welding. In this embodiment, the first base portions246,248of the elongated members204,206are secured to the panel member202at the outer surface236of the elongated members204,206(as best illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 7). Further, the number of first base portions246,248of the elongated members204,206may be secured to the panel member202at the inner surface238of the elongated members204,206.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first base portions246,248are welded to the panel member202. The elongated member204,206is secured to the panel member202by welding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds as illustrated by weld marks249(shown inFIGS. 5 and 7). In another example, any other welding technique, such as spot welding or stitch welding, may be used to secure the elongated intersecting members204,206to the panel member202. The one or more elongated members204,206also include a second edge250opposite the mounting edge244of the one or more elongated members204,206and distal to the panel member202. The second edge250includes a pair of taper surfaces252and a straight surface254extending between the pair of taper surfaces252.

The one or more elongated members204,206further include the number of first spaced apart openings256,258proximate to the mounting edge244of the one or more elongated members204,206. Each of the first openings256,258is disposed adjacent to the mounting edge244of the one or more elongated members204,206. In this embodiment, the elongated members204,206include four first openings256that are centrally disposed and two first openings258that disposed proximate to the first and second ends240,242. It should be noted that each first opening256may have a different dimension, for example, a radius of each first opening256may be different, as per application requirements.

A total number of the first openings256,258may vary depending on a length of the corresponding elongated members204,206. In the illustrated embodiment, a shape of the first openings256is different from a shape of the first openings258. More particularly, the four first openings256are arch shaped and the two first openings258are rectangular shaped. Alternatively, the shape of the first openings256may be similar to the shape of the first openings258. Further, in some embodiments, the first openings256may have a different shape, such as a rectangular shape, a square shape, and the like.

Moreover, the one or more elongated members204,206or the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212include one or more slots260,262(shown inFIG. 4). The one or more elongated members204,206and the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212intersect at the one or more slots260,262. In the illustrated example, the one or more elongated members204,206include the one or more first slots260and the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212include the one or more second slots262. In some examples, the one or more elongated members204,206may omit the first slots260and only the elongated intersecting members208,210,212may include the second slots262. In other examples, the one or more elongated members204,206may include the first slots260and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212may omit the second slots262.

Further, the one or more first slots260are disposed proximate to the second edge250of the one or more elongated members204,206. The first slots260extend from the second edge250towards the mounting edge244. Each first slot260is disposed between adjacent first openings256. In the illustrated example, each elongated member204,206includes three first slots260. More particularly, a total number of the first slots260is equal to a total number of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212. However, the total number of the first slots260may vary, as per application requirements. The three first slots260are equidistant to each other. The first slots260are rectangular in shape. Each first slot260includes a first depth “D1” and a first width “W2”. The first depth “D1” is lesser than the first height “H1” of the elongated members204,206. Further, each first slot260includes a tolerance stack up gap. The tolerance stack up that may approximately lie in a range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm

Referring toFIG. 4, the panel assembly200includes the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212. The elongated intersecting members208,210,212are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “X-X1” (seeFIG. 2) of the panel assembly200. In the illustrated example, the panel assembly200includes three elongated intersecting members208,210,212. However, the total number of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212may vary based on dimensions of the aftertreatment system100, as per application requirements. Each elongated intersecting member208,210,212includes a second thickness “T3” (shown inFIG. 2). The second thickness “T3” may approximately lie in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm. In an example, the second thickness “T3” may be equal to the panel thickness “T1” (seeFIG. 2) and the first thickness “T2” (seeFIG. 2). In another example, the second thickness “T3” may be different from the panel thickness “T1” and the first thickness “T2”. Each elongated intersecting member208,210,212also includes a second height “H2”. The second height “H2” may approximately lie in a range of 25 mm to 125. In the illustrated example, the second height “H2” is approximately equal to the first height “H1” (seeFIG. 3). Accordingly, the straight surface254of each elongated member204,206is co-planar with the straight surface284of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212. In another example, the second height “H2” may be lesser than or greater than the first height “H1”. It should be noted that the ranges for the second thickness “T3” and the second height “H2” provided herein are exemplary in nature and the ranges may vary as per application requirements.

The elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the panel member202at the mounting side214. Further, each elongated intersecting member208,210,212is secured to each elongated member204,206. Each of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212includes a left surface268and a right surface270. When assembled, the right surface270of the elongated intersecting member208faces the left surface268of the elongated intersecting member210, whereas the right surface270of the elongated intersecting member210faces the left surface268of the elongated intersecting member212.

Each elongated intersecting member208,210,212includes a first end264and a second end266. The one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212also include a mounting edge272secured to the mounting side214of the panel member202(seeFIG. 2). More particularly, each of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212includes a number of second base portions274such that each second base portions274is disposed adjacent to a second opening282. In the illustrated example, each elongated intersecting member208,210,212includes six second base portions274. The one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the panel member202at the number of second base portions274. Each second base portion274includes a second length “L4” that lies in a range of 10 mm to 40 mm.

The one or more elongated members204,206and the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the panel member202by welding. As shown inFIG. 5, the elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the panel member202at the corresponding second base portions274(seeFIG. 4) by welding. In an example, the second base portions274of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the panel member202at the right surface270of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212. In another example, the number of second base portions274of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212may be secured to the panel member202at the left surface268of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second base portions274of the one of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212are welded to the panel member202. The elongated intersecting member208,210,212is secured to the panel member202by welding using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds as illustrated by weld marks276. In another example, any other welding technique, such as spot welding or stitch welding, may be used to secure the elongated intersecting members208,210,212to the panel member202.

Referring now toFIG. 4, the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212also include a second edge278opposite the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212and distal to the panel member202. The second edge278includes a pair of taper surfaces280and a straight surface284extending between the pair of taper surfaces280.

The one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212include the number of second spaced apart openings282proximate to the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212. Each of the first openings256,258and the second openings282includes an air flow path “F1”. Further, each of the second openings282is disposed adjacent to the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212. In this embodiment, the elongated intersecting members208,210,212include three second openings282. A total number of the second openings282may vary depending on a length of the corresponding elongated intersecting members208,210,212. In the illustrated example, the shape of the first openings256(seeFIG. 3) is same as a shape of the second openings282. Each of the number of first openings256and the number of second openings282is arch shaped. In other embodiments, the number of second openings282may have a different shape, such as a rectangular shape, a square shape, and the like. In other examples, the shape of the first openings256may be different from the shape of the second openings282. It should be noted that each second opening282may have a different dimension, for example, a radius of each second opening282may be different, as per application requirements.

The one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212include the one or more second slots262proximate to the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212. In some examples, the elongated intersecting members208,210,212may omit the second slots262, and only the elongated members204,206may include the first slots260. The one or more second slots262are disposed proximate to the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212. The second slots262extend from the mounting edge272towards the second edge278of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212. Further, each second slot262is disposed between adjacent second openings282. In the illustrated example, the elongated intersecting members208,210,212include two second slots262. More particularly, a total number of the second slots262is equal to the total number of the elongated members204,206. However, the total number of the second slots262may vary, as per application requirements.

The second slots262are rectangular in shape. Each second slot262includes a second depth “D2” and a second width “W3”. The second depth “D2” is lesser than the second height “H2” of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212. In some embodiments, the first width “W2” (seeFIG. 3) of the first slot260may be same as the second width “W3” of the second slot262. In other embodiments, the first width “W2” may be different from the second width “W3”. Further, in some examples, the first depth “D1” (seeFIG. 3) is lesser than the second depth “D2”. In some examples, a difference between the first depth “D1” and the second depth “D2” may approximately lie between 1 mm and 4 mm. Further, each second slot262includes a tolerance stack up gap. The tolerance stack up that may approximately lie in a range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm.

Referring toFIG. 6, the one or more second slots262of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212intersect with the one or more first slots260of the one or more elongated members204,206. The first slots260in the elongated member204intersect with the corresponding second slots262in the elongated intersecting members208,210,212for securing the elongated intersecting members208,210,212to the elongated member204. Further, the first slots260in the elongated member206also intersects with the corresponding second slots262in the elongated intersecting members208,210,212for securing the elongated intersecting member208,210,212to the elongated member206.

Referring now toFIG. 7, the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the one or more elongated members204,206by welding. As illustrated, the outer surface236of the elongated member204,206is welded to the left surface268of each elongated intersecting member208,210,212at the intersection of the slots260,262(seeFIGS. 3 and 4) as illustrated by weld marks286. More particularly, the inner surface238of the elongated member204,206is welded to the left surfaces268of each elongated intersecting member208,210,212at the intersection of the slots260,262. In an example, the elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the elongated members204,206using 3 mm to 6 mm fillet welds. The securing of the elongated intersecting member208,210,212to the panel member202and the elongated member204,206divides the panel member202into a number of areas288. More particularly, the elongated members204,206and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212divide the panel member202into twelve areas288.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 8, a panel assembly800is illustrated. The panel assembly800includes a panel member802. The panel member802is similar to the panel member202of the panel assembly200described in relation toFIG. 2. As illustrated, the panel member802includes the mounting apertures820and the lifting eyes832similar to the mounting apertures220and the lifting eyes232explained in relation toFIG. 2.

The panel assembly800includes two elongated members804,806. The elongated members804,806are similar to the elongated members204,206of the panel assembly200described in relation toFIG. 3. Further, the elongated members804,806include a first height “H3”. The elongated members804,806include a mounting edge844, a second edge850, a number of first openings856,858, and a number of first base portions846,848similar to the mounting edge244, the second edge250, the number of first openings256,258, and the number of first base portions246,248described in relation toFIG. 3. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the elongated members804,806do not include the first slots similar to the first slots260in the elongated members204,206explained in relation toFIG. 3.

Further, the panel assembly800described herein includes three elongated intersecting members808,810,812. The elongated intersecting members808,810,812are similar to the elongated intersecting members208,210,212of the panel assembly200described in relation toFIG. 4. Further, the elongated intersecting members808,810,812include a second height “H4”. In the illustrated embodiment, the second height “H4” is greater than the first height “H3”. Accordingly, a straight surface854of each elongated member804,806is not co-planar with a straight surface884of the elongated intersecting members808,810,812. More particularly, the straight surface854of each elongated member804,806is spaced apart from the straight surface884of the elongated intersecting members808,810,812. The elongated intersecting members808,810,812include a mounting edge872, a second edge878, a number of second openings882, a number of second base portions874, and a number of second slots862similar to the mounting edge272, the second edge278, the number of second openings282, the number of second base portions274, and the number of second slots262described in relation toFIG. 4. In this embodiment, the second slots862allow intersection of the elongated members804,806with the elongated intersecting members808,810,812.

Referring toFIG. 9, the elongated members804,806are secured to the panel member802by welding as illustrated by weld marks849. Further, the elongated intersecting members808,810,812are also secured to the panel member802by welding. Further, the elongated members804,806are secured to the elongated intersecting members808,810,812. More particularly, each of the second slots862(seeFIG. 8) receives a portion of the elongated members804,806for securing the elongated intersecting members808,810,812with the corresponding elongated members804,806. The elongated member804is secured to each of the elongated intersecting members808,810,812at a location where the corresponding second slots862intersect with the elongated member804. Further, the elongated member806is secured to each of the elongated intersecting members808,810,812at a location where the corresponding second slots862intersect with the elongated member806. The elongated members804,806are secured to the elongated intersecting members808,810,812by welding as illustrated by weld marks886. Further, details pertaining to various welding connections between the panel member802, the elongated members804,806, and the elongated intersecting members808,810,812are similar to details pertaining to various welding connections between the panel member202, the elongated member204,206, and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212of the panel assembly200.

Further, design and details pertaining to arrangement of various parts of the panel assembly800are similar to design and details pertaining to arrangement of various parts of the panel assembly200. However, dimensions of the panel member802, the elongated members804,806, and the elongated intersecting members808,810,812may vary as per application requirements.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

For explanatory purposes, this section will now be explained in relation to the panel assembly200. However, it should be noted that the details provided in this section is equally applicable to the panel assembly800, without any limitations.FIG. 10illustrates a method1000for assembling the panel assembly200. At step1002, the panel member202including the mounting side214is provided.

At step1004, the one or more elongated members204,206are secured to the panel member202at the mounting side214. The one or more elongated members204,206include the mounting edge272, the second edge278opposite the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated members204,206and distal to the panel member202, and the number of first spaced apart openings proximate to the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated members204,206. Further, the one or more elongated members204,206are secured to the panel member202by welding.

At step1006, the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212are provided. The one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212include the mounting edge272, the second edge278opposite the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212and distal to the panel member202, and the number of second spaced apart openings282proximate to the mounting edge272of the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212. Further, the one or more elongated members204,206or the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212include the one or more slots260,262.

At step1008, the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212intersect with the one or more elongated members204,206at the one or more slots260,262. At step1010, the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the panel member202at the mounting side214and the one or more elongated members204,206at the intersection of the one or more elongated members204,206and the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212. Further, the one or more elongated intersecting members208,210,212are secured to the panel member202and the one or more elongated members204,206by welding.

The panel assembly200described herein is removably secured to the frame member116using the mechanical fasteners222. Thus, the panel assembly200may be easily removed during servicing/maintenance of the aftertreatment assembly100for accessing one or more components of the aftertreatment assembly100. Further, the panel assembly200is easier to insulate and seal thereby reducing possibility of leakage of the exhaust gases. In an example, an inside of the panel assembly200that faces the aftertreatment system102is designed to allow mixing of the exhaust gases that are received within the outlet chamber114. More particularly, the first and second openings256,258,282in the elongated members204,206and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212include the air flow paths “F1”. The air flow paths “F1” allow movement of the exhaust gases therethrough. A movement of the exhaust gases through the air flow paths “F1” may further promote mixing of the exhaust gases. It should be noted that the first openings256and the second openings282facilitate mixing of the exhaust gases without significantly limiting the flow of exhaust gases along the panel member202. As the panel assembly200promotes mixing of the exhaust gases, the baffle122and/or the second mixer tube120may include a simpler design or, in some instances, the baffle122and/or the second mixer tube120may be omitted. Further, the first openings256and the second openings282also provide guidance for the assembler/welder to weld the elongated members204,206and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212.

The panel assembly200is cost effective, easy to manufacture, and has a simple design. The panel assembly200described herein includes fewer part numbers as compared to conventional panel assemblies. Further, various parts of the panel assembly200such as the panel member202, the elongated members204,206, and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212are light in weight thereby reducing an overall weight of the panel assembly200.

Moreover, the elongated members204,206and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212divide the panel member202into a number of areas288that may provide improved structural rigidity as compared to conventional panel assemblies. The lightweight members204,206,208,210,212may also eliminate localized pockets of vibrations by introducing damping effect into the panel assembly200thereby increasing a natural frequency of the panel assembly200to approximately between 200 hertz (Hz) and 230 Hz. The panel assembly200may minimize a system level drop in natural frequency and vibrations due to exhaust gas pressure pulsations. This phenomenon reduces a probability of failure of the panel assembly200due to pressure pulsations while the aftertreatment assembly100is in operation. Moreover, the design of the panel assembly200described herein may not require lab/field structural validation.

Further, the lifting eyes232of the panel member202help in removal of the panel member202from any direction. More particularly, irrespective of a mounting orientation of the aftertreatment system102, the lifting eyes232may allow the panel assembly200to be lifted horizontally or vertically. Further, the lifting eyes232may allow removal of the panel assembly200even when the aftertreatment assembly100is in positioned in a compact space or at a location that is difficult to reach. Moreover, as the lifting eyes232are integral with the panel member202, requirement of securing additional eyes to the panel member202may be eliminated. Further, the tap taper surfaces252,280of the elongated and elongated intersecting members204,206,208,210,212may allow ease in manufacturing and assembly of the panel assembly200. The taper surfaces252,280of the elongated and elongated intersecting members204,206,208,210,212may also reduce stresses induced in the panel assembly200. Moreover, the taper surfaces252,280eliminates sharp corners thereby reducing safety concerns while manufacturing, assembly, and servicing of the panel assembly200.

The elongated member204is welded to the panel member202at the corresponding outer surface236and the elongated member206is welded to the panel member202at the corresponding outer surface236which allows ease in accessibility and welding of the elongated members204,206. Further, the elongated intersecting members208,210,212are welded to the panel member202at the corresponding right surfaces270which allows ease in accessibility and welding of the elongated intersecting members208,210,212. Moreover, welding the elongated members204,206and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212only at the first and second base portions246,248,274, respectively, reduces an amount of welding material used in the panel assembly200, which in turn reduces weight and cost of the panel assembly200as well as weld distortion thereby providing a better quality product. Moreover, the first and second base portions246,248,274provide a self-locating feature that minimizes requirement of providing welding markings for welding of the elongated members204,206and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212to the panel member202.

Further, the welding of the elongated intersecting member208,210,212to the elongated members204,206provides an inter-locking grid design. The first and second slots260,262in the elongated members204,206and the elongated intersecting members208,210,212provide a self-locating feature for securing the elongated intersecting members208,210,212to the elongated members204,206, thereby simplifying an assembly process of the panel assembly200. Further, the weld marks286are vertically spaced apart from the weld marks249,276, thus the weld marks286do not interfere with the weld marks249,276.

It should be noted that dimensions of various parts of the panel assembly200may be varied based on the configurations/sizes of different aftertreatment assemblies, or other application requirements, thereby increasing versatility of the panel assembly200. Further, the panel assembly200described herein can be associated with various configurations of aftertreatment systems.