Strap adjustment mechanism

TECHNICAL FIELD

0001The present application relates generally to the field of attachment mechanisms for exhaust systems. More specifically, the present application relates to a strap adjustment mechanism for securing components of an exhaust system.

BACKGROUND

0002Combustion engines may include exhaust systems to direct and, in some instances, treat exhaust gases emitted from the combustion engine. For instance, diesel engines may include exhaust system components to treat nitrogen oxide (NO_x) compounds that may be emitted in the exhaust gas from the diesel engine. To reduce NO_xemissions, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process may be implemented to convert the NO_xcompounds into more neutral compounds, such as diatomic nitrogen, water, or carbon dioxide, with the aid of a catalyst and a reductant. A SCR catalyst may be included in a catalyst chamber of an exhaust system, such as that of a vehicle or power generation unit. The exhaust system may include other components for the exhaust system, such as a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), or other components. The components for the exhaust system and/or other components are typically mounted to a vehicle chassis or power generation frame at fixed, predetermined positions. In some instances the components may need to be removed, such as for servicing and/or replacement.

SUMMARY

0003Implementations described herein relate to a strap adjustment mechanism that can accommodate large tolerance ranges, such as those that may exist for high horsepower aftertreatment system components. That is, as some combustion engines increase in size, the exhaust system components, such as aftertreatment components, may also increase in size. Such large components may have large tolerance ranges, which results in varying sizes for the aftertreatment components. Accordingly, to secure such components the straps or other mounting mechanism may need to be sized for each particular component based on the variable size and/or the mounting mechanisms can be configured to be adjustable to accommodate the varying sizes.

0004One implementation relates to a mounting system that includes a mounting bracket, a strap, a pin, a fastener support assembly and a strap attachment member. The mounting bracket includes an attachment opening and the strap includes an end. The pin has a pin opening and is insertable into a looped portion of the end of the strap. The fastener support assembly includes a first member and a second member. The second member is configured to translate along a central axis of the second member relative to the first member and responsive to rotation of the first member. The first member includes a first opening substantially collinear with the central axis of the second member, and the second member includes a second opening substantially collinear with the central axis of the second member. The strap attachment member is insertable through the attachment opening, the first opening of the first member, and second opening and the second member and is configured to engagably couple to the pin via the pin opening.

0005Another implementation relates to a strap adjustment mechanism that includes a pin, a fastener support assembly and a strap attachment member. The pin includes a pin opening and is insertable into a looped portion of an end of a strap. The fastener support assembly includes a first member and a second member. The second member is configured to translate along a central axis of the second member relative to the first member and responsive to rotation of the first member. The first member includes a first opening substantially collinear with the central axis of the second member, and the second member includes a second opening substantially collinear with the central axis of the second member. The strap attachment member is insertable through the first and second openings of the first member and the second member and is configured to engagably couple to the pin via the pin opening.

0006Yet a further implementation relates to a process for securing an exhaust system component to a mounting system. The process includes inserting a strap attachment member through an attachment opening of a mounting bracket of the mounting system and an opening through a fastener support assembly. The process also includes engagably coupling the strap attachment member to a pin inserted through a looped portion of an end of a strap of the mounting bracket. The process further includes tightening the strap attachment member relative to the pin and engaging a second member of the fastener support assembly to cooperatively secure the end of the strap with the pin by rotating a first member of the fastener support assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

0007The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in which:

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block schematic diagram of an example selective catalytic reduction system having an example reductant delivery system for an exhaust system;

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a side elevation view of an implementation of a mounting bracket for mounting system having an implementation of a strap adjustment mechanism;

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of the implementation of the mounting bracket of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> having the implementation of the strap adjustment mechanism;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a magnified view of the strap adjustment mechanism of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>; and

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow diagram of an implementation of a process for securing an exhaust system component using the strap adjustment mechanism.

0013It will be recognized that some or all of the figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0014Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems for a strap adjustment mechanism for securing components of an exhaust system. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

I. Overview

0015Exhaust systems, such as those for vehicles, power generation units, and/or other implementations having an internal combustion engine, are typically predetermined based on the design of the vehicle, power generation unit, and/or other implementation in which the exhaust system is to be utilized. The components of the exhaust system, which may include aftertreatment components, may typically have mounting systems and/or brackets to mount or secure the exhaust system components at locations and/or configurations of a vehicle chassis, a power generation unit frame, and/or other frame. Such mounting systems and/or brackets may utilize straps or other features for securing the exhaust system component to the bracket and/or mounting system. The straps or other features attach to the bracket and/or mounting system to secure the component thereto. In some implementations, the straps or other features are coupled to the bracket and/or mounting system via a fastener, such as a bolt, screw, clamp, clip, crank, etc. In some instances, the exhaust system components for high horsepower aftertreatment system components may be large components that may have large tolerance ranges, which can result in varying sizes for the aftertreatment components. To secure such components the straps or other mounting mechanism may need to be sized for each particular component based on the variable size and/or the mounting mechanisms can be configured to be adjustable to accommodate the varying sizes.

0016In some implementations, a fastener support assembly may be utilized to secure the component via the strap and/or other feature and may be adjustable to loosen or tighten the strap and/or other feature to secure the exhaust system component. Such a fastener support assembly may be a bolt support assembly that includes a bolt support assembly nut and a top support block that has a saddle for engaging with a pin for the strap and/or other feature. The pin may be inserted through an end loop of the strap and include an opening with threading for engaging with threads of a bolt. In some implementations, the bolt support assembly that be positioned between a mounting bracket and the end of the strap to loosen or tighten the strap via rotation of the bolt support assembly nut to actuate the top support block relative to the mounting bracket. The bolt support assembly may include a through opening through which a bolt may be inserted to engage with threading of the opening through the pin. The bolt may be inserted through an opening in the mounting bracket and the through opening of the bolt support assembly to initially engage with the threading of the pin in the end loop of the strap to initially secure the strap to the mounting bracket. The bolt support assembly may be adjusted to engage the pin and strap with the saddle of the top support block to further secure the strap and exhaust component to the exhaust system. The bolt and bolt support assembly may further be torqued to a predetermined torque level to cooperatively secure the exhaust system component via the strap.

II. Overview of Aftertreatment System

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts an aftertreatment system <b>100</b> having an example reductant delivery system <b>110</b> for an exhaust system <b>190</b>. The aftertreatment system <b>100</b> includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) <b>102</b>, the reductant delivery system <b>110</b>, a decomposition chamber or reactor <b>104</b>, and a SCR catalyst <b>106</b>.

0018The DPF <b>102</b> is configured to remove particulate matter, such as soot, from exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust system <b>190</b>. The DPF <b>102</b> includes an inlet, where the exhaust gas is received, and an outlet, where the exhaust gas exits after having particulate matter substantially filtered from the exhaust gas and/or converting the particulate matter into carbon dioxide.

0019The decomposition chamber <b>104</b> is configured to convert a reductant, such as urea, aqueous ammonia, or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), into ammonia. The decomposition chamber <b>104</b> includes a reductant delivery system <b>110</b> having a dosing module <b>112</b> configured to dose the reductant into the decomposition chamber <b>104</b>. In some implementations, the urea, aqueous ammonia, or DEF is injected upstream of the SCR catalyst <b>106</b>. The reductant droplets then undergo the processes of evaporation, thermolysis, and hydrolysis to form gaseous ammonia within the exhaust system <b>190</b>. The decomposition chamber <b>104</b> includes an inlet in fluid communication with the DPF <b>102</b> to receive the exhaust gas containing NO emissions and an outlet for the exhaust gas, NO_xemissions, ammonia, and/or remaining reductant to flow to the SCR catalyst <b>106</b>.

0020The decomposition chamber <b>104</b> includes the dosing module <b>112</b> mounted to the decomposition chamber <b>104</b> such that the dosing module <b>112</b> may dose a reductant, such as urea, aqueous ammonia, or DEF, into the exhaust gases flowing in the exhaust system <b>190</b>. The dosing module <b>112</b> may include an insulator <b>114</b> interposed between a portion of the dosing module <b>112</b> and the portion of the decomposition chamber <b>104</b> to which the dosing module <b>112</b> is mounted. The dosing module <b>112</b> is fluidly coupled to one or more reductant sources <b>116</b>. In some implementations, a pump <b>118</b> may be used to pressurize the reductant from the reductant source <b>116</b> for delivery to the dosing module <b>112</b>.

0021The dosing module <b>112</b> and pump <b>118</b> are also electrically or communicatively coupled to a controller <b>120</b>. The controller <b>120</b> is configured to control the dosing module <b>112</b> to dose reductant into the decomposition chamber <b>104</b>. The controller <b>120</b> may also be configured to control the pump <b>118</b>. The controller <b>120</b> may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., or combinations thereof The controller <b>120</b> may include memory which may include, but is not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other storage or transmission device capable of providing a processor, ASIC, FPGA, etc. with program instructions. The memory may include a memory chip, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory from which the controller <b>120</b> can read instructions. The instructions may include code from any suitable programming language.

0022The SCR catalyst <b>106</b> is configured to assist in the reduction of NO_xemissions by accelerating a NO_xreduction process between the ammonia and the NO_xof the exhaust gas into diatomic nitrogen, water, and/or carbon dioxide. The SCR catalyst <b>106</b> includes inlet in fluid communication with the decomposition chamber <b>104</b> from which exhaust gas and reductant is received and an outlet in fluid communication with an end of the exhaust system <b>190</b>.

0023The exhaust system <b>190</b> may further include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) in fluid communication with the exhaust system <b>190</b> (e.g., downstream of the SCR catalyst <b>106</b> or upstream of the DPF <b>102</b>) to oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas.

III. Implementation of an Adjustable Strap Mechanism for a Mounting System

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref> depict an implementation of a mounting bracket <b>200</b> for a mounting system. The mounting bracket <b>200</b> includes a first vertical member <b>210</b> and a second horizontal member <b>230</b>. The first vertical member <b>210</b> and the second horizontal member <b>230</b> are attached at a first end <b>212</b> of the first vertical member <b>210</b> and a first end <b>232</b> of the second horizontal member <b>230</b>. In some implementations, the first end <b>212</b> of the first vertical member <b>210</b> and the first end <b>232</b> of the second horizontal member <b>230</b> may be welded together. In other implementations, the first vertical member <b>210</b> and the second horizontal member <b>230</b> may be of unitary construction such that the first vertical member <b>210</b> and the second horizontal member <b>230</b> form a single homogeneous continuum of material that is bent at the first end <b>212</b> of the first vertical member <b>210</b> and the first end <b>232</b> of the second horizontal member <b>230</b>. In the implementation shown, the first end <b>212</b> of the first vertical member <b>210</b> and the first end <b>232</b> of the second horizontal member <b>230</b> form a substantially 90 degree angle relative to each other. In other implementations, the first end <b>212</b> of the first vertical member <b>210</b> and the first end <b>232</b> of the second horizontal member <b>230</b> may form an angle less than 90 degrees or greater than 90 degrees (e.g., between approximately 0 degrees, inclusive, and approximately 180 degrees, inclusive, such as 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, etc.). In some implementations, an angled member <b>280</b> may be included where the first end <b>212</b> of the first vertical member <b>210</b> and the first end <b>232</b> of the second horizontal member <b>230</b> are joined and/or meet.

0025The first vertical member <b>210</b> includes a main member <b>220</b>, a mounting pad <b>222</b>, and a pair of vertical attachment plates <b>224</b>. The main member <b>220</b> may be the portion of the first vertical member <b>210</b> that is welded and/or is unitary with the second horizontal member <b>230</b>. The main member <b>220</b> may be constructed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, a composite material, and/or other suitable material.

0026Attached to the main member <b>220</b> is the mounting pad <b>222</b>. The mounting pad <b>222</b> may be an elongate strip of material having a width that is smaller than the main member <b>220</b> and is configured to have the component that is secured to the mounting bracket <b>200</b> abut the mounting pad <b>222</b>. In some implementations, the mounting pad <b>222</b> may be approximately <b>15</b> millimeters thick. The mounting pad <b>222</b> may be constructed of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum, a composite material, and/or other suitable material. The mounting pad <b>222</b> may be welded to the main member <b>220</b> along the edges of the mounting pad <b>222</b>. The mounting pad <b>222</b> and the main member <b>220</b> include a first attachment opening <b>228</b> (e.g., a hole) into which a strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as bolt, may be inserted. In some implementations, the first attachment opening <b>228</b> may permit the strap attachment member <b>260</b> to pass through the first attachment opening <b>228</b> to be secured to another object, such as a nut, a threaded plate, a pin, and/or a portion of a chassis or frame. In some implementations, the strap attachment member <b>260</b> may engage with a pin <b>330</b> inserted through a first end <b>252</b> of an attachment strap <b>250</b>. A fastener support assembly, such as a bolt support assembly <b>300</b>, may be provided to permit adjustability in securing the strap to the mounting bracket <b>200</b>, as will be described in greater detail below.

0027Also attached to the main member <b>220</b> is a pair of vertical attachment plates <b>224</b>. The vertical attachment plates <b>224</b> are affixed to a back surface of the main member <b>220</b> and extend outwardly from both sides of the main member <b>220</b> (shown best in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). The vertical attachment plates <b>224</b> each include one or more features, such as openings (e.g., holes) through which a surface attachment member, such as a bolt, a screw, etc., may be inserted and/or applied to, such as a clamp, a crank, etc., to attach the vertical attachment plate <b>224</b> to another surface or object, such as a chassis or frame. In the implementation shown herein, each vertical attachment plate <b>224</b> has four attachment openings, with two attachment openings on one side and another two attachment openings on the other side (shown best in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). In some implementations, a first vertical attachment plate <b>224</b> may be coupled to the main member <b>220</b> substantially near the first end <b>212</b> of the first vertical member <b>210</b> and a second vertical attachment plate <b>224</b> may be coupled to the main member <b>220</b> substantially near a midpoint of the main member <b>220</b>. In other implementations, the vertical attachment plates <b>224</b> may be coupled to the main member <b>220</b> at any position along the main member <b>220</b>. The vertical attachment plates <b>224</b> may be welded to the main member <b>220</b> to affix the vertical attachment plates <b>224</b> to the main member <b>220</b>. In other implementations, the vertical attachment plates <b>224</b> may be of unitary construction with the main member <b>220</b>.

0028The second horizontal member <b>230</b> includes a main member <b>240</b>, a mounting pad <b>242</b>, and a horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b>. The main member <b>240</b> may be the portion of the second horizontal member <b>230</b> that is welded and/or unitary with the first vertical member <b>210</b>. The main member <b>240</b> may be constructed of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum, a composite material, and/or other suitable material.

0029Attached to the main member <b>240</b> is a mounting pad <b>242</b>. The mounting pad <b>242</b> may be an elongate strip of material having a width that is smaller than the main member <b>240</b> and is configured to have the component that is secured to the mounting bracket <b>200</b> abut the mounting pad <b>242</b>. In some implementations, the mounting pad <b>242</b> may be approximately 15 millimeters thick. The mounting pad <b>242</b> may be constructed of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum, a composite material, and/or other suitable material. The mounting pad <b>242</b> may be welded to the main member <b>240</b> along the edges of the mounting pad <b>242</b>. The mounting pad <b>242</b> and the main member <b>240</b> include a second attachment opening <b>238</b> (e.g., a hole) into which a strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt, may be inserted. In some implementations, the second attachment opening <b>238</b> may permit the strap attachment member <b>260</b> to pass through the second attachment opening <b>238</b> to be secured to another object, such as a nut, a threaded plate, a pin, and/or a portion of a chassis or frame. In some implementations, the strap attachment member <b>260</b> may engage with a pin <b>330</b> inserted through a second end <b>254</b> of an attachment strap <b>250</b>. A fastener support assembly, such as a bolt support assembly <b>300</b>, may be provided to permit adjustability in securing the strap to the mounting bracket <b>200</b>, as will be described in greater detail below.

0030Also attached to the main member <b>240</b> is a horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b>. The horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> is affixed to a bottom surface of the main member <b>240</b> and extends outwardly from both sides of the main member <b>240</b> (shown best in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). The horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> includes one or more features, such as openings (e.g., holes) through which a surface attachment member, such as a bolt, a screw, etc., may be inserted and/or applied to, such as a clamp, a crank, etc., to attach the horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> to another surface or object, such as a chassis or frame. In the implementation shown herein, the horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> has two sets of four attachment openings with two attachment openings on one side and another two attachment openings on the other side (shown best in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). In some implementations, the main member <b>240</b> may also include countersunk openings for the surface attachment members (e.g., to receive the head of a surface attachment bolt). In some implementations, the horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> may be coupled to the main member <b>240</b> substantially near a midpoint of the main member <b>240</b>. In other implementations, the horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> may be coupled to the main member <b>240</b> at any position along the main member <b>240</b>. The horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> may be welded to the main member <b>240</b> to affix the horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> to the main member <b>240</b>. In other implementations, the horizontal attachment plate <b>244</b> may be of unitary construction with the main member <b>240</b>.

0031The attachment strap <b>250</b> is used to secure a component, such as an aftertreatment component and/or exhaust component, to the mounting bracket <b>200</b>. The attachment strap <b>250</b> includes a first end <b>252</b> and a second end <b>254</b>. The first and second ends <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> have a looped portion that receives a pin <b>330</b> that engages with threads of a strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt to be secured to the mounting bracket <b>200</b> via the first and second attachment openings <b>228</b>, <b>238</b>. The looped portion of the first and second ends <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> includes an opening through which a portion of the strap attachment member <b>260</b> may be inserted to engage with the pin <b>330</b>. The attachment strap <b>250</b> may be a metal strap in some implementations.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts an enlarged and exploded view of the bolt support assembly <b>300</b>, the pin <b>330</b>, and the looped portion of one of the first and second ends <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b>. The pin <b>330</b> inserted through the looped portion of the first end <b>252</b> and/or the second end <b>254</b> may be a cylindrical member having a threaded opening <b>332</b> into or through the cylindrical member to threadedly engage with the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as via engaging with threads of a bolt. The pin <b>330</b> has ends <b>334</b>, <b>336</b> against which the first end <b>252</b> or second end <b>254</b> is secured when a force is applied to the pin <b>330</b> opposite the attachment strap <b>250</b>, such as when the strap attachment member <b>260</b> engages with the pin <b>330</b>. In some implementations, the pin <b>330</b> may be integrated into the first end <b>252</b> and/or second end <b>254</b>, such as via welding, unitary formation, etc.

0033The attachment support assembly, such as the bolt support assembly <b>300</b>, includes a first member <b>310</b> and a second member <b>320</b>. The first member <b>310</b> includes a first opening that may be substantially collinear with a central axis of the second member <b>320</b>. The first member <b>310</b> may be a bolt support assembly nut having a threaded opening <b>312</b> into which a portion of the second member <b>320</b> may be threaded. The threaded opening <b>312</b> may be sized such that a portion of the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a threaded portion of a bolt, may extend through the first member <b>310</b> when the second member <b>320</b> is threaded into the threaded opening <b>312</b> of the first member <b>310</b>. The first member <b>310</b> may further include exterior features <b>314</b>, such as flat portions, to which a tool, such as a wrench, may be applied to rotate and/or torque the first member <b>310</b>.

0034The second member <b>320</b> includes a second opening substantially collinear with the central axis of the second member <b>320</b>. In some implementations, the second member <b>320</b> may be a top support block having a support portion <b>322</b> and a first member engagement portion <b>324</b>. The support portion <b>322</b> includes a saddle <b>326</b>, such as an arcuate portion curved to substantially conform to a portion of the curvature of the pin <b>330</b> and/or an end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b>. The first member engagement portion <b>324</b> includes a threaded exterior configured to engage with the threaded opening <b>312</b> of the first member <b>310</b>. Thus, the first member engagement portion <b>324</b> may thread into a portion of the first member <b>310</b>. Accordingly, when the first member <b>310</b> is rotated in a first direction relative to the second member <b>320</b>, the threaded interior of the threaded opening <b>312</b> of the first member <b>310</b> engages with the threads of the threaded exterior of the first member engagement portion <b>324</b> of the second member <b>320</b> and the support portion <b>322</b> of the second member <b>320</b> is advanced away from the first member <b>310</b>. Similarly, when the first member <b>310</b> is rotated in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the second member <b>320</b>, the threaded interior of the threaded opening <b>312</b> of the first member <b>310</b> engages with the threads of the threaded exterior of the first member engagement portion <b>324</b> of the second member <b>320</b> and the support portion <b>322</b> of the second member <b>320</b> is advanced toward the first member <b>310</b>. Thus, rotation of the first member <b>310</b> moves the second member <b>320</b> relative to the first member <b>310</b>. The second member <b>320</b> also includes a through opening <b>328</b> sized to permit a portion of the strap attachment member <b>260</b> through the second member <b>320</b>.

0035When the strap attachment member <b>260</b> is engaged with the pin <b>330</b>, such as threading a bolt into a threaded opening of the pin <b>330</b>, the rotation of the first member <b>310</b> in the first direction relative to second member <b>320</b> can cause the support portion <b>322</b> of the second member <b>320</b> to compress against the looped portion of the first end <b>252</b> or second end <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> and the corresponding pin <b>330</b>, thereby further securing the attachment strap <b>250</b> and applying a further load to the interface of the strap attachment member <b>260</b> and the pin <b>330</b>. Similarly, the rotation of the first member <b>310</b> in the second direction relative to second member <b>320</b> can cause the support portion <b>322</b> of the second member <b>320</b> to loosen relative to the looped portion of the first end <b>252</b> or second end <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> and the corresponding pin <b>330</b>, thereby loosening the attachment strap <b>250</b> and reducing the load to the interface of the strap attachment member <b>260</b> and the pin <b>330</b>.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> depicts an implementation of a process <b>400</b> for securing an exhaust component to a mounting system utilizing an implementation of the adjustable strap mechanism described herein. The process <b>400</b> may include setting a top support block, such as the second member <b>320</b>, to a shortest length relative to a bolt support assembly nut, such as first member <b>310</b> (block <b>402</b>). Setting the top support block to a shortest length relative to the bolt support assembly nut may include threading a portion of the top support block, such as the first member engagement portion <b>324</b>, into a threaded opening of the bolt support assembly nut to reduce the distance between a support portion of the top support block and the bolt support assembly nut to a minimum.

0037The process <b>400</b> further includes aligning a through opening of the bolt support assembly <b>300</b>, such as the through opening <b>328</b> of the second member <b>320</b>, with an attachment opening of a bracket, such as first attachment opening <b>228</b> or second attachment opening <b>238</b>, and inserting a strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt (block <b>404</b>). The through opening <b>328</b> of the second member <b>320</b> of the bolt support assembly <b>300</b> and the first attachment opening <b>228</b> or second attachment opening <b>238</b> of the mounting bracket <b>200</b> may be aligned to be substantially collinear and the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt, is inserted through the first attachment opening <b>228</b> or second attachment opening <b>238</b> and the through opening <b>328</b> of the second member <b>320</b> such that a head of the bolt abuts the mounting bracket and a threaded portion of the bolt extends past the support portion <b>322</b> of the second member <b>320</b>.

0038The process <b>400</b> includes aligning a threaded opening <b>332</b> of the pin <b>330</b> with the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt, and engaging the strap attachment member <b>260</b> with the threaded opening <b>332</b> of the pin <b>330</b> (block <b>406</b>). The bolt may be engagably coupled to the pin by being threaded into the threaded opening <b>332</b> of the pin <b>330</b> while ensuring that rotation of the bolt relative to the attachment strap <b>250</b> does not apply a torque on the attachment strap <b>250</b> that results in warping of the attachment strap <b>250</b> and/or twisting of the attachment strap <b>250</b> relative to the exhaust system component to be secured.

0039In some implementations, the setting of the top support block to a shortest length relative to the bolt support assembly nut (block <b>402</b>), aligning of the through opening of the bolt support assembly with an attachment opening of a bracket and insertion of a bolt (block <b>404</b>), and aligning of the threaded opening of the pin with a bolt and engaging of the bolt with the pin (block <b>406</b>) may be repeated for each end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of each attachment strap <b>250</b> to secure the exhaust system component to one or more mounting brackets <b>200</b>.

0040The process <b>400</b> also includes tightening the strap attachment member <b>260</b> until the attachment strap <b>250</b> substantially conforms to an exterior profile of the exhaust system component to be secured (block <b>408</b>). The strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt, can be tightened until the attachment strap <b>250</b> compresses against the exhaust system component and begins to secure the exhaust system component. For instance, for an SCR catalyst, the attachment strap <b>250</b> may compress against the exterior of the SCR catalyst and resiliently deform about the curvature or exterior profile of the SCR catalyst as one or more bolts are tightened by engaging and threading into the threaded opening <b>332</b> of the pin <b>330</b>. In some implementations, the strap attachment member <b>260</b> may be tightened relative to the pin <b>330</b> until there is a small gap, such as between 1 millimeter, inclusive and 10 millimeters, inclusive, between the saddle <b>326</b> of the second member <b>320</b> and the corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b>. The tightening the strap attachment member <b>260</b> until the attachment strap <b>250</b> substantially conforms to an exterior profile of the exhaust system component to be secured (block <b>408</b>) may be repeated for each strap attachment member <b>260</b> for each end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of each attachment strap <b>250</b> to secure the exhaust system component to one or more mounting brackets <b>200</b>.

0041The process <b>400</b> includes applying a first torque to the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt (block <b>410</b>). The first torque applied to the strap attachment member <b>260</b> may be. In some implementations, the first torque may be applied to a bolt securing one end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> while ensuring that there is still a small gap, such as 1 millimeter, inclusive, to 5 millimeters, inclusive, between the saddle <b>326</b> of the second member <b>320</b> and the corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b>. The first torque may also be applied to a bolt securing the other end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> while ensuring that there is still a small gap, such as 1 millimeter, inclusive, to 5 millimeters, inclusive, between the other saddle <b>326</b> of another second member <b>320</b> and the corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b>. The application of the first torque to the strap attachment member <b>260</b> (block <b>410</b>) may be repeated for each bolt support assembly <b>300</b> for each end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of each attachment strap <b>250</b> to secure the exhaust system component to one or more mounting brackets <b>200</b>.

0042The process <b>400</b> also includes engaging the saddle <b>326</b> of the second member <b>320</b>, such as a top support block, with the corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> by rotating the first member <b>310</b>, such as a bolt support assembly nut (block <b>412</b>). That is, the first member <b>310</b> may be rotated relative to the second member <b>320</b> such that the threads of the threaded opening <b>312</b> of the first member <b>310</b> engage with the threads of the threaded exterior of the first member engagement portion <b>324</b> of the second member <b>320</b> and the support portion <b>322</b> of the second member <b>320</b> is advanced away from the first member <b>310</b>. Thus, the saddle <b>326</b> of the support portion <b>322</b> secures the corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> between the saddle <b>326</b> and the pin <b>330</b>. In some implementations, engaging the saddle <b>326</b> of the second member <b>320</b> with the corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> by rotating the first member <b>310</b> (block <b>412</b>) may be repeated for each bolt support assembly <b>300</b> for each end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of each attachment strap <b>250</b> to secure the exhaust system component to one or more mounting brackets <b>200</b>.

0043The process <b>400</b> further includes applying a securing torque to the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt, and to the first member <b>310</b>, such as a bolt support assembly nut (block <b>414</b>). Applying the securing torque may include applying a small torque to the first member <b>310</b> for each bolt support assembly <b>300</b> to further engage the saddle <b>326</b> of the first member <b>320</b> with the corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> without twisting or substantially rotationally deforming the attachment strap <b>250</b>. The application of the securing torque may also include applying a small torque to the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt, to further apply a load to the interface of the strap attachment member <b>260</b> and the threaded opening <b>332</b> of the pin <b>330</b>, such as applying a further load to the threads of the bolt and the threads of the threaded opening <b>332</b>. The application of a securing torque to the strap attachment member <b>260</b> and to the first member <b>310</b> (block <b>414</b>) may be repeated for each bolt support assembly <b>300</b> for each end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of each attachment strap <b>250</b> to secure the exhaust system component to one or more mounting brackets <b>200</b>.

0044To release the exhaust component from a mounting system having an adjustable strap mechanism described herein, the reverse of process <b>400</b> may be performed.

0045In some instances, fatigue or wear may result in slackening of one or more of the attachment strap <b>250</b>, the interface of the strap attachment member <b>260</b> and the pin <b>330</b>, the first member <b>310</b> of the bolt support assembly <b>300</b> relative to the second member <b>320</b>, etc. Accordingly, the bolt support assembly <b>300</b> may be utilized to retighten and further secure the exhaust system component to the mounting bracket <b>200</b>. To do so, the saddle <b>326</b> of the second member <b>320</b>, such as a top support block, may be re-engaged with a corresponding end <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> of the attachment strap <b>250</b> by rotating the first member <b>310</b>, such as a bolt support assembly nut, relative to the second member <b>320</b> (block <b>412</b>) and a securing torque can be applied to the strap attachment member <b>260</b>, such as a bolt, and to the first member <b>310</b>, such as a bolt support assembly nut (block <b>414</b>).

0046While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations 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.

0047Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated in a single product or packaged into multiple products embodied on tangible media.

0048As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. Additionally, it is noted that limitations in the claims should not be interpreted as constituting “means plus function” limitations under the United States patent laws in the event that the term “means” is not used therein.

0049The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

0050The terms “fluidly coupled,” “in fluid communication,” and the like as used herein mean the two components or objects have a pathway formed between the two components or objects in which a fluid, such as water, air, gaseous reductant, gaseous ammonia, etc., may flow, either with or without intervening components or objects. Examples of fluid couplings or configurations for enabling fluid communication may include piping, channels, or any other suitable components for enabling the flow of a fluid from one component or object to another.

0051It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system shown in the various exemplary implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.