Post calibration catalytic converter canning apparatus and method
View Patent ↗A method and apparatus for assembling an exhaust treatment device such as a catalytic converter employs post calibration to achieve a desired bulk gap density of a support mat surrounding a substrate in the device housing. The mat is gauged under pressure to a thickness yielding the target bulk gap density and the pressure is saved for use in comprising the device housing against the mat after soft stuffing of the mat/substrate subassembly into the housing.
1. Apparatus for applying uniform radially inwardly directed pressure on a compressible support mat surrounding a substrate for an exhaust treatment device, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of interface pads defining a space adapted for receipt of the support mat and substrate;
each pad associated with a pressure measuring load cell and movable radially inwardly against the support mat, wherein each interface pad is coupled to a support frame via a leaf spring.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each interface pad is coupled to its associated load cell via a coil spring.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the exhaust treatment device comprises a catalytic converter, the substrate comprises a catalyst-containing member and the support mat comprises a shock-absorbent, resilient, insulative support.