Patent ID: 8769941

Claim:
A support system for mounting the components of an exhaust aftertreatment system for reducing pollutants in exhaust gas expelled from a locomotive diesel engine to the locomotive structure, said components include a turbocharger mixing manifold and a plurality of discrete exhaust aftertreatment line assemblies, the support system comprising: a primary support structure, including an aftertreatment tray module and a plurality of locomotive body frame panels, wherein said aftertreatment tray module is mounted to said plurality of locomotive body frame panels, whereby each of said locomotive body frame panels is mounted to the frame of said locomotive on either side of said locomotive engine, and whereby said aftertreatment tray module carries a mass load of said exhaust aftertreatment system and directs said mass load to said locomotive frame via said body frame panels to said locomotive frame rather than to said locomotive engine; and a secondary support structure, including a plurality of support link assemblies mounted to said aftertreatment tray module of said primary support structure, and adapted to carry said exhaust aftertreatment line assemblies, wherein said primary and secondary support structures (a) carry the physical mass load of said exhaust aftertreatment system, (b) isolate said exhaust aftertreatment system from external loads and forces, and (c) allow for the physical translation resulting from thermal expansion of certain components of said exhaust aftertreatment system.