A receiver drier bottle assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receiver drier bottle assemblies for vehicle air conditioning systems face issues such as mechanical failures due to high torque exerted by connecting pipes, increased material and machining costs, packaging problems, and stress concentrations, resulting from a bulky connecting block configuration that occupies space and interferes with adjacent elements.
Innovation Solution
A compact receiver drier bottle assembly design featuring a plug and screw configuration that immobilizes the plug within the cover, reducing torque and stress concentrations, allowing for additional element mounting without protrusion, and requiring less material and machining, thus addressing mechanical failures and cost concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional connecting block configuration is used, then the connecting pipe can be mounted on the cover, but the connecting block occupies substantial area and interferes with adjacent elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting block function with the cover by integrating the mounting structure directly into the cover body. The cover includes an integrated mounting structure with a recess that receives the connecting pipe, eliminating the need for a separate bulky connecting block. This integration reduces the area occupied on the cover while maintaining the mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting pipe is nested within a recess formed in the cover. The recess is configured to receive and hold the connecting pipe in a space-efficient manner, allowing the pipe to be accommodated within the cover's footprint rather than requiring additional external space.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional connecting block configuration is used, then connection can be formed, but substantial machining and material are required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The cover and mounting structure are merged into a single integrated component. The cover includes an integrated mounting structure with a recess that is formed as part of the cover manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate machining operations on a distinct connecting block. This integration reduces both material usage and machining complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional connecting block configuration is used, then the connecting pipe can be mounted, but the pipe exerts higher torque causing mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is integrated into the cover, creating a more rigid and stable connection. The recess in the cover provides direct structural support to the connecting pipe, reducing leverage and torque effects. This integrated structure distributes mechanical loads more effectively, enhancing reliability and resistance to mechanical failures.
4Ease of manufacture
If two separate holes are formed on the cover for mounting the connecting block, then the block can be secured, but stress concentrations and weakening of the cover occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is integrated into the cover as a unified component with a recess that receives the connecting pipe. This eliminates the need for separate mounting holes and fasteners, thereby avoiding stress concentrations at hole locations. The integrated structure maintains the cover's structural integrity and strength while providing the necessary mounting capability.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
A receiver drier bottle assembly (100) includes a plug opening (10) and a screw opening (40) formed on a receiver drier bottle cover (20) to receive a plug (30) and a screw (50) respectively. The plug (30) is formed with a plug cutout (32) that has first threads (32a). The screw opening (40) is partially overlapping the plug opening (10) and extends to a screw-receiving bore (42). The screw-receiving bore (42) is complementary to the plug cutout (32) and is formed with second threads (42a). The screw (50) with external threads (52) formed thereon is disposed partially on the plug cutout (32) to engage with the first threads (32a) and partially on the screw opening (40) to engage with the second threads (42a). Accordingly, the screw (50) immobilizes the plug (30) when the screw (50) is inserted in the screw opening (40).