Patent Publication Number: US-2023151749-A1

Title: Exhaust aftertreatment system with electrical connector

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to exhaust aftertreatment systems for treating exhaust gases produced in automotive applications, and particularly to an aftertreatment system for reducing or removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) from exhaust gases. 
     SUMMARY 
     A vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure includes an engine and an exhaust aftertreatment system in accordance with the present disclosure. The engine combusts fuel and discharges exhaust gases through an interior space. The exhaust aftertreatment system is configured to reduce various undesired effluents in the exhaust gases, for example, NOx, before the exhaust gases are released to the atmosphere. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the exhaust aftertreatment system includes an exhaust housing and one or more exhaust aftertreatment devices coupled to the exhaust housing. The exhaust aftertreatment devices includes a selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR) and a doser mounted upstream of the SCR for injecting a reagent exhaust gases passing through an exhaust passageway defined by the exhaust housing. Chemical reaction of the reagent with the exhaust gases with the reagent occurs downstream of the doser in the SCR to transform the NOx into molecular nitrogen and water vapor which are not harmful to the environment. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the SCR includes a catalyst arranged to lie within the exhaust passageway and configured to encourage the chemical reaction between the exhaust gases and the reagent. In some situations, an efficiency of the chemical reaction can be improved by increasing a temperature of at least one of the catalyst or the exhaust gases and reagent passing therethrough. The SCR further includes an electrical conductor assembly coupled to the catalyst or a heater included in the catalyst and an electrical connector coupled between a power source and the electrical conductor assembly. The electrical conductor assembly and the electrical connector cooperate to supply electrical power from the power source to the catalyst or the heater to heat at least one of the catalyst or the exhaust gases and the reagent passing therethrough. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the electrical conductor assembly is mounted on the exhaust housing and insulates the electrical power from the exhaust housing. The electrical conductor assembly includes an outer mount sleeve coupled to the exhaust housing, an electrical conductor coupled between the electrical connector and the catalyst or the heater, and an insulative sleeve arranged between the outer mount sleeve and the electrical conductor. In some embodiments, axial forces are applied on the outer mount sleeve and radial forces are applied on the electrical conductor to retain the electrical conductor in place relative to the catalyst and the exhaust housing. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the electrical conductor is threadless and the electrical connector is attached to or removed from the electrical conductor by translating the electrical connector in only one direction. The electrical connector may be free to pivot relative to the electrical conductor so as not to impart substantial torque forced on the electrical conductor. 
     Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG.  1    is perspective view of an automotive vehicle including an internal combustion engine and an exhaust aftertreatment system for treating exhaust gases produced by the combustion engine prior to being released to atmosphere; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG.  1    showing a selective catalytic reduction unit included in the exhaust aftertreatment system, the selective catalytic reduction unit including a catalyst configured to encourage chemical reaction between the exhaust gases and a reagent injected into the exhaust gases upstream of the catalyst, an electrical conductor assembly mounted on an exhaust housing surrounding the catalyst and coupled to the catalyst, and an electrical connector coupled removably to the electrical conductor assembly to allow transfer of electrical power from a power source to the electrical conductor assembly to selectively heat the catalyst to increase an efficiency of the catalyst in low-temperature situations; 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG.  2    showing the electrical conductor assembly mounted on the exhaust housing and including an outer mount sleeve engaged with the exhaust housing, a threadless electrical conductor that extends through a conductor-receiving space defined by the outer mount sleeve, and an insulative sleeve that extends through the conductor-receiving space and that is arranged between the electrical conductor and the outer mount sleeve relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer mount sleeve, and showing that the electrical conductor is retained in place relative to the exhaust housing by radial forces acting on the electrical conductor and axial forces acting on the outer mount sleeve through and/or by the insulative sleeve; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded assembly view showing the catalyst and the electrical conductor assembly separated from a portion of the exhaust housing; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded assembly view of the electrical conductor assembly and the electrical connector showing that the electrical conductor assembly may further include first and second retainers configured to provide a compressive load on the insulative sleeve and the outer mount sleeve to retain the electrical conductor assembly in place and showing that insulative sleeve includes a first insulative sleeve section and a second insulative sleeve section each including a sleeve body arranged to lie between the outer mount sleeve and the electrical conductor and an insulative ring coupled to an end of each respective sleeve body and arranged to lie between each retainer and the outer mount sleeve; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross sectional view of the electrical conductor assembly and the electrical connector shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5    showing that the electrical connector may include an outer insulative sleeve that covers the electrical connector and a portion of the electrical conductor assembly outside of the interior space when the electrical connector is fully installed; and 
         FIG.  7    is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of an electrical conductor assembly and an electrical connector adapted to couple with the electrical conductor assembly to allow transfer of electrical power from a power source to the catalyst shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An illustrative over-the-road vehicle  10  includes an engine  12  and an exhaust aftertreatment system  14  in accordance with the present disclosure as shown in  FIG.  1   . The engine  12  is, illustratively, an internal combustion engine combusts fuel and discharges exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are distributed through an interior space  16 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , treated by the exhaust aftertreatment system  14 , and then released into the atmosphere. The exhaust aftertreatment system  14  is configured to reduce various undesired effluents in the exhaust gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), before the exhaust gases are released to the atmosphere. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the exhaust aftertreatment system  14  includes an exhaust housing  15  and one or more exhaust aftertreatment devices  17  such as a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)  18 , a diesel particulate filter (DPF)  20 , a mixer  22 , a doser  24  coupled to the mixer  22 , and a selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR)  26 . The exhaust housing  15  defines the interior space  16 . Each of the exhaust aftertreatment devices  17  is coupled to the exhaust housing  15  and/or located within the interior space  16  and is configured to interact with the exhaust gases produced by the engine  12  to remove or reduce different effluents from the exhaust gases prior to being released to the atmosphere. 
     The mixer  22 , doser  24 , and SCR  26  cooperate to reduce or remove NOx effluents from the exhaust gases. The doser  24  is coupled to the mixer  22  and is configured to inject a reagent into the exhaust gases upstream of the SCR  26 . The reagent is, illustratively, a urea solution (i.e. Diesel Emission Fluid), however in other embodiments the reagent may be gaseous ammonia or other suitable chemicals. The mixer  22  is configured to induce mixing of the exhaust gases and the reagent upstream of the SCR  26 . Chemical reaction of the reagent with the exhaust gases occurs downstream of the mixer  22  and the doser  24  in the SCR  26 . 
     The SCR  26  includes a catalyst  28  that encourages chemical reaction of the reagent and the exhaust gases to transform the NOx effluents into molecular nitrogen and water vapor. In the illustrative embodiment, the exhaust aftertreatment system  14  further includes a control system  100  that controls operation of the doser  24  and to selectively heat the catalyst  28  in certain situations. The control system  100  includes a power source  102 , a sensor  104 , and a controller  106  as shown in  FIG.  1   . The power source  102  may be a battery, an alternator, a generator, or any other device suitable for providing and/or producing electrical power. The sensor  104  is illustratively a temperature sensor  104  and is configured measure a temperature of at least one of the exhaust gases and the catalyst  28 . The controller  106  is configured to control output of electrical power from the power source  102  to the catalyst  28  in response to the temperature sensed by the sensor  104 . 
     The catalyst  28  is selectively heatable by the control system  100  to increase an efficiency of the chemical reaction in low-temperature situations, such as start-up conditions of the engine  12  and until a temperature of the exhaust gases and/or the catalyst  28  reaches a predetermined temperature. The catalyst  28  includes catalyst media  108 , a heater  110 , and a conductive ring  112  surrounding the catalyst media  108 . The catalyst media  108  is configured to encourage the chemical reaction between the exhaust gases and the reagent. The heater  110  is coupled to and/or integrated with the catalyst media  108  and increases in temperature when the electrical power passes through the heater  110  to heat the catalyst media  108  (i.e. by resistive heating). In some embodiments, the catalyst media  108  is conductive and is directly heated when the electrical power passes through the catalyst media  108 . The conductive ring  112  is coupled to the heater  110  and receives electrical power and distributes the electrical power to the heater  110 . 
     The SCR  26  further includes an electrical conductor assembly  30  coupled to the exhaust housing  15  and the catalyst  28  and an electrical connector  32  removably coupled to the electrical conductor assembly  30  as shown in  FIG.  3   . The electrical conductor assembly  30  allows transfer of electrical power to the catalyst  28  while insulating the electrical power from the exhaust housing  15 . The electrical connector  32  extends between and interconnects the power source  102  and the electrical conductor assembly  30  to transfer the electrical power to the catalyst  28  through the electrical conductor assembly  30 . 
     Together, the electrical conductor assembly  30  and the electrical connector  32  may be included in an electrical connection system that is configured to interconnect the power source  102  to one or more electrical components or devices. The electrical connection system is configured to transfer and deliver the electrical power to the one or more electrical components for consumption by the electrical component or device. The electrical conductor assembly  30  may be fixed to a non-electrical component (i.e. exhaust housing  15 ) relative to the electrical component or device while insulating other the non-electrical component from the electrical power provided by the power source  102 . 
     The electrical conductor assembly  30  includes an outer mount sleeve  34 , an electrical conductor  36 , and an insulative sleeve  38  as shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   . The outer mount sleeve  34  is coupled to the exhaust housing  15  to fix the electrical conductor assembly  30  in place relative to the exhaust housing  15 . The electrical conductor  36  extends through a conductor-receiving space  40  defined by the outer mount sleeve  34  and is coupled directly to the electrical connector  32  to receive the electrical power therefrom. The insulative sleeve  38  is located between the outer mount sleeve  34  and the electrical conductor  36  to block passage of the electrical power from the electrical conductor  36  to the exhaust housing  15 . In the illustrative embodiment, the insulative sleeve  38  is made from a ceramic material, however, in other embodiments, another suitable insulative material can be used such as a synthetic polymeric material. 
     The outer mount sleeve  34  is illustratively embodied as a cylindrical tube as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , however, in some embodiments, the outer mount sleeve  34  can have any polygonal shape. The outer mount sleeve  34  is made from a metallic material in the illustrative embodiment, however, in some embodiments, other suitable materials may be used. The exhaust housing  15  is formed to include an opening  19  that matches an outer surface  35  of the outer mount sleeve  34 . The outer mount sleeve  34  may be press-fit with the exhaust housing  15  and/or joined in any suitable manner such as by welding, brazing, and soldering, for example. The outer mount sleeve  34  further includes an inner end  42  located within the interior space  16  and an outer end  44  located outside of the interior space  16 . 
     The electrical conductor  36  is illustratively embodied as a cylindrical rod to match a shape of the outer mount sleeve  34  and the insulative sleeve  38 , however, in some embodiments, any suitable polygonal shape may be used. The electrical conductor  36  is threadless but is formed to include an annular channel  37  at an outer end  46  of the electrical conductor  36  that is configured to receive the electrical connector  32 . An inner end  48  of the electrical conductor  36  is engaged with the conductive ring  112  of the catalyst  28 . The electrical connector  32  includes at least one connector retainer  33  that extends into the annular channel  37  to retain the electrical connector  32  to the electrical conductor  36 . The at least one connector retainer  33  is free to slide through the annular channel  37  such that the electrical connector  32  is free to pivot relative to the electrical conductor  36  without imparting substantial torque on the electrical conductor  36 . 
     The insulative sleeve  38  includes a sleeve body  50 , a first insulative ring  52  coupled to an inner end of the sleeve body  50 , and a second insulative ring  54  coupled to an opposite, outer end of the sleeve body  50  as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The sleeve body  50  is arranged between the outer mount sleeve  34  and the electrical conductor  36  to separate the electrical conductor  36  from the exhaust housing  15 . The first insulative ring  52  extends radially outward away from the electrical conductor  36  to engage an axial surface of the inner end  42  of the outer mount sleeve  34  relative to a longitudinal axis  56  of the outer mount sleeve  34 . The second insulative ring  54  extends radially outward away from the electrical conductor  36  and engages an axial surface of the outer end  44  of the outer mount sleeve  34 . 
     At least one of the sleeve body  50 , the first insulative ring  52 , and the second insulative ring  54  may be sized so as to be press-fit with the electrical conductor  36  when the electrical conductor assembly  30  is fully assembled. The first and second insulative rings  52 ,  54  may engage the outer mount sleeve  34  and impart opposing inward forces  90 ,  92  on the inner and outer ends  42 ,  44  of the outer mount sleeve  34 . The opposing inward forces  90 ,  92  may provide a compressive load on the outer mount sleeve  34 . The insulative sleeve  38  may also impart a radial force  94  toward and on the electrical conductor  36  so as to frictionally engage the electrical conductor  36  and block movement of the electrical conductor  36  relative to the outer mount sleeve  34  and the exhaust housing  15 . Accordingly, an outer diameter of the electrical conductor  36  may be slightly larger than an inner diameter of the insulative sleeve  38  so as to provide a friction-interference fit therebetween. In some embodiments, the radially inward force  94  is provided by the outer mount sleeve  34  to the electrical conductor  36  through the insulative sleeve  38  such that a friction-interference is provided between the outer mount sleeve  34  and the insulative sleeve  38  and between the insulative sleeve  38  and the electrical conductor  36 . 
     In some embodiments, the sleeve body  50  includes a first sleeve-body section  60  and a second sleeve-body section  62  separate from the first sleeve-body section  60  as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The first sleeve-body section  60  is integral with the first insulative ring  52 . The second sleeve-body section  62  is integral with the second insulative ring  54 . In the illustrative embodiment, the combined the first sleeve-body section  60  and the first insulative ring  52  is identical to the combined second sleeve-body section  62  and the second insulative ring  54  to facilitate installation and manufacturing of the insulative sleeve  38 . 
     During installation and assembly of the electrical conductor assembly  30 , the first sleeve-body section  60  is inserted into the outer mount sleeve  34  from the inner end  42  until the first insulative ring  52  engages the inner end  42  of the outer mount sleeve  34 . The second sleeve-body section  62  is inserted into the outer mount sleeve  34  from the outer end  44  until the second insulative ring  54  engages the outer end  44  of the outer mount sleeve  34 . The electrical conductor  36  may then be inserted into the insulative sleeve  38  from either direction to complete assembly of the electrical conductor assembly  30 . The outer mount sleeve  34  may then be secured to the exhaust housing  15 . 
     In some embodiments, the electrical conductor assembly  30  further includes a first retainer  70  and a second retainer  72  as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The first retainer  70  and the second retainer  72  are each illustratively embodied as a washer that may be press fit with the electrical conductor  36  and in engagement with the first and second insulative rings  52 ,  54 , respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second retainers  70 ,  72  may be a clip, fastener, weld bead, or any other suitable structure that is coupled to the electrical conductor  36 . 
     The first insulative ring  52  is located between the inner end  42  of the outer mount sleeve  34  and the first retainer  70 . The second insulative ring  54  is located between the outer end  44  of the outer mount sleeve  34  and the second retainer  72 . In this way, the retainers  70 ,  72  are insulated from the exhaust housing  15  to disrupt any electrical path from the electrical conductor  36 , through the retainers  70 ,  72 , and to the exhaust housing  15 . 
     The first and second retainers  70 ,  72 , when included, apply radial forces  94  on the electrical conductor  36  and the inward forces  90 ,  92  through the insulative rings  52 ,  54  to the outer mount sleeve  34 . In this arrangement, the retainers  70 ,  72  apply the forces  90 ,  92  on the outer mount sleeve  34  and the insulative sleeve  38 . The insulative rings  52 ,  54  provide the forces  90 ,  92  on the outer mount sleeve  38 , but when the first and second retainers  70 ,  72  are included, the insulative rings  52 ,  54  may not be the cause of the forces  90 ,  92 . The first and second retainers  70 ,  72  may have an inner diameter that is slightly less than the outer diameter of the electrical conductor  36  to provide a friction-interference fit therebetween. 
     The electrical connector  32  includes a cable  80 , a connector head  82  coupled to the cable  80 , and an insulative connector sleeve  84  as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The cable  80  is coupled to the power source  102  to transfer the electrical power therefrom. The cable  80  may be flexible or ridged. The connector head  82  is coupled to a distal end of the cable  80  and is configured to be attached removably to the electrical conductor  36 . The connector head  82  includes the connector retainer(s)  50  that engage the channel  37  formed on the conductor  36 . The insulative connector sleeve  84  surrounds the cable  80  and the connector head  82  to block passage of the electrical power. 
     The insulative connector sleeve  84  includes a sleeve tube  86  and a sleeve head  88  as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The sleeve tube  86  surrounds the cable  80  and the connector head  82 . The sleeve tube  86  and the sleeve head  88  extend past the connector head  82  toward the electrical conductor assembly  30 . The sleeve head  88  may have an outer diameter that is greater than the a diameter of the sleeve tube  86 . The sleeve head  88  is sized to fit around the retainer  72  to block passage of the electrical power from the retainer  72 . 
     Another embodiment of an electrical conductor assembly  230  is shown in  FIG.  7   . The electrical conductor assembly  230  is substantially similar to electrical conductor assembly  30 . Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the  200  series are used to indicate common features between electrical conductor assembly  230  and electrical conductor assembly  30 . The disclosure of electrical conductor assembly  30  is incorporated by reference for electrical conductor assembly  230 . 
     The electrical conductor assembly  230  includes a conductor  236  that has an outer end  244  that is curved as shown in  FIG.  7   . The curved outer end  244  of the conductor  236  allows the conductor to receive an electrical connector  232  having a different shape than electrical connector  32 . The electrical conductor  236  can be shaped as desired to fit any type of electrical connector. 
     The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting: 
     Clause 1. An exhaust aftertreatment system for an over-the-road vehicle, the exhaust aftertreatment system comprising
         an exhaust housing defining an interior space configured to direct exhaust gases to atmosphere downstream of the exhaust aftertreatment system,   a doser coupled to the exhaust housing and configured to inject a reagent into the interior space for mixture with the exhaust gases, and   a selective catalytic reduction unit coupled to the exhaust housing downstream of the doser and configured to receive the exhaust gases and the reagent,   wherein the selective catalytic reduction unit includes:
           (i) a catalyst arranged within the interior space and configured to encourage chemical reaction between the exhaust gases and the reagent and reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases,   (ii) an electrical connector coupled to a power source and configured to provide electricity to the selective catalytic reduction unit to selectively heat the catalyst, and   (iii) an electrical-conductor assembly including an outer mount sleeve fixed to the exhaust housing and defining a conductor receiving space, an electrical conductor arranged to lie within the conductor receiving space and extending between and interconnecting the electrical connector and the catalyst, and an inner insulative sleeve arranged to lie within the conductor receiving space, the inner insulative sleeve including a sleeve body arranged between the outer mount sleeve and the electrical conductor, a first insulative ring arranged at an inner end of the outer mount sleeve, and a second insulative ring arranged at an outer end of the outer mount sleeve.   
               

     Clause 2. The aftertreatment system of clause  1 , any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the sleeve-body includes a first sleeve-body section and a second sleeve-body section separate from the first sleeve-body section, and wherein the first sleeve-body section is integral with the first insulative ring and the second sleeve-body section is integral with the second insulative ring. 
     Clause 3. The aftertreatment system of clause  2 , any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first sleeve-body section and the second sleeve-body section are press-fit with the electrical conductor so that the first insulative ring and the second insulative ring apply a compressive load on the outer mount sleeve. 
     Clause 4. The aftertreatment system of clause  2 , any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the electrical-conductor assembly further includes: (iv) a first retainer coupled to the electrical conductor and the first insulative ring to locate the first insulative ring between the inner end of the outer mount sleeve and the first retainer and (v) a second retainer coupled to the electrical conductor and the second insulative ring to locate the second insulative ring between the outer end of the outer mount sleeve and the second retainer. 
     Clause 5. The aftertreatment system of clause 4, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein first and second retainers are press-fit with the electrical conductor and cooperate to provide a compressive load through the first insulative ring and the second insulative ring to the outer mount sleeve. 
     Clause 6. The aftertreatment system of clause 1, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, further comprising a control system including the power source, a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one of the catalyst and the exhaust gases, and a controller configured to selectively provide power from the power source to the catalyst to heat the catalyst when the temperature is below a predetermined threshold. 
     Clause 7. The aftertreatment system of clause 1, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the electrical conductor includes an outer end arranged outside of the interior space and an inner end arranged within the interior space, and wherein the outer end is formed without threads and includes an annular channel that is configured to engage one or more connector retainers that extend into the annular channel such that the electrical connector is free to pivot about the outer end of the electrical conductor. 
     Clause 8. A selective catalytic reduction unit for an exhaust aftertreatment system having an exhaust housing defining an interior space, the aftertreatment system comprising
         a catalyst arranged within the interior space and adapted to encourage chemical reaction between exhaust gases and reagent flowing therethrough to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases,   an electrical connector configured to transfer electricity to selectively heat the catalyst, and   an electrical-conductor assembly including an outer mount sleeve fixed to the exhaust housing and defining a conductor receiving space, an electrical conductor arranged to lie within the conductor receiving space and extending between and interconnecting the electrical connector and the catalyst, and an inner insulative sleeve arranged to lie within the conductor receiving space, the inner insulative sleeve including a sleeve body arranged between the outer mount sleeve and the electrical conductor, a first insulative ring arranged at an inner end of the outer mount sleeve and configured to impart an outward force on the outer mount sleeve, and a second insulative ring arranged at an outer end of the outer mount sleeve and configured to impart an inward force on the outer mount sleeve such that a compressive load is applied on the outer mount sleeve through the first and second insulative rings to retain the electrical conductor and the insulative sleeve in place relative to the exhaust housing.       

     Clause 9. The selective catalytic reduction unit of clause 8, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the sleeve body includes a first sleeve-body section and a second sleeve-body section separate from the first sleeve-body section, and wherein the first sleeve-body section is integral with the first insulative ring and the second sleeve-body section is integral with the second insulative ring. 
     Clause 10. The selective catalytic reduction unit of clause 9, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first sleeve-body section and the second sleeve-body section are press-fit with the electrical conductor and the first insulative ring and the second insulative ring apply the compressive load on opposing ends of the outer mount sleeve. 
     Clause 11. The selective catalytic reduction unit of clause 10, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the electrical-conductor assembly further includes: (iv) a first retainer coupled to the electrical conductor and the first insulative ring to locate the first insulative ring between the inner end of the outer mount sleeve and the first retainer and (v) a second retainer coupled to the electrical conductor and the second insulative ring to locate the second insulative ring between the outer end of the outer mount sleeve and the second retainer. 
     Clause 12. The selective catalytic reduction unit of clause 11, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein first and second retainers are press-fit with the electrical conductor and cooperate to provide the compressive load through the first insulative ring and the second insulative ring to the outer mount sleeve. 
     Clause 13. The selective catalytic reduction unit of clause 8, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the electrical conductor includes an outer end arranged outside of the interior space and an inner end arranged within the interior space, and wherein the outer end is formed without threads and includes an annular channel that is configured to engage one or more connector retainers that extend into the annular channel such that the electrical connector is free to pivot about the outer end of the electrical conductor. 
     Clause 14. An electrical connection system configured to interconnect a power source and an electrical component, the electrical connection system comprising
         an electrical connector coupled to the power source and   an electrical-conductor assembly removably coupled with the electrical connector, the electrical-conductor assembly including an outer mount sleeve adapted to be fixed relative to the electrical component and defining a conductor receiving space, an electrical conductor arranged to lie within the conductor receiving space and extending between and interconnecting the electrical connector and the electrical component, and an inner insulative sleeve arranged to lie within the conductor receiving space,   wherein the inner insulative sleeve includes a sleeve body arranged between the outer mount sleeve and the electrical conductor, a first insulative ring surrounding the electrical conductor and arranged at an first end of the outer mount sleeve, and a second insulative ring surrounding the electrical conductor and arranged at a second end of the outer mount sleeve to locate the outer mount sleeve axially between the first insulative ring and the second insulative ring.       

     Clause 15. The electrical connection system of clause 14, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a first force is provided on the first end of the outer mount sleeve and an opposite, second force is provided on the second end of the outer mount sleeve such that a compressive load is applied on the outer mount sleeve through the first and second insulative rings to retain the electrical conductor and the insulative sleeve in place relative to the exhaust housing. 
     Clause 16. The electrical connection system of clause 15, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the sleeve body includes a first sleeve-body section and a second sleeve-body section separate from the first sleeve-body section, and wherein the first sleeve-body section is integral with the first insulative ring and the second sleeve-body section is integral with the second insulative ring. 
     Clause 17. The electrical connection system of clause 16, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein first insulative ring and the second insulative ring are press-fit with the electrical conductor such that the first insulative ring and the second insulative ring apply the compressive load on the outer mount sleeve. 
     Clause 18. The electrical connection system of clause 14, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the electrical-conductor assembly further includes: (iv) a first retainer coupled to the electrical conductor and the first insulative ring to locate the first insulative ring between the first end of the outer mount sleeve and the first retainer and (v) a second retainer coupled to the electrical conductor and the second insulative ring to locate the second insulative ring between the second end of the outer mount sleeve and the second retainer. 
     Clause 19. The electrical connection system of clause 18, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein first and second retainers are press-fit with the electrical conductor and cooperate to provide the compressive load through the first insulative ring and the second insulative ring to the outer mount sleeve. 
     Clause 20. The electrical connection system of clause 14, any other clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the electrical conductor includes an outer end configured to couple with the electrical connector and an inner end configured to couple with the electrical component and wherein the outer end is formed without threads and includes an annular channel that is configured to engage one or more connector retainers of the electrical connector that extend into the annular channel such that the electrical connector is free to pivot about the outer end of the electrical conductor.