Adhesive-Bonded Protective Grid for Vehicle Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective grids for heat exchangers on motor vehicles are bulky and cumbersome, and their placement is limited by the need for additional fastening mechanisms, which can obstruct the airflow and increase the risk of damage from road debris.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange device with a protective grid securely attached to the heat exchanger using an adhesive bond, featuring pellets with holes that allow the adhesive to spread and form a strong mechanical bond, reducing the need for additional fastening and minimizing bulk while providing effective protection against debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective grid is placed in front of the heat exchanger to protect against road debris, then the heat exchanger is protected from damage, but the protective grid creates additional bulk and occupies limited space in the engine compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The protective grid is merged with the heat exchanger by integrating it directly into the heat exchanger structure. The grid is positioned in front of the heat exchanger and fixed to it, creating a unified assembly that eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or fastening mechanisms, thereby reducing overall bulk while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger structure serves multiple functions: it performs its primary heat exchange function while simultaneously serving as the mounting structure for the protective grid. The grid itself serves dual purposes of protecting the heat exchanger tubes and potentially guiding airflow, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fastening mechanisms are used to attach the protective grid to the heat exchanger, then the grid is securely fixed, but the fastening mechanisms obstruct airflow and increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanisms are extracted or eliminated from the design. Instead of using conventional clips, brackets, or screws to attach the protective grid to the heat exchanger, the grid is integrated directly into the heat exchanger structure, removing the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment function is merged with the heat exchanger structure itself. The grid is positioned and fixed as an integral part of the heat exchanger assembly, eliminating the need for separate fastening systems and reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure attachment.
3Volume of moving object
If the protective grid is positioned close to the heat exchanger to minimize bulk, then space is optimized, but the grid may interfere with the airflow needed for effective heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The protective grid is designed with local variations in its structure to optimize both protection and airflow. The grid openings are sized and positioned to allow sufficient airflow through to the heat exchanger while maintaining protective coverage. The grid structure itself has varying density or opening patterns in different zones to balance protection and airflow requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adhesive bond ensures a secure and space-efficient attachment of the protective grid, reducing the risk of damage from road debris and maintaining airflow efficiency, while the pellets' design enhances vibration resistance and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchange device comprises at least one adhesive bond between the protective grid and the tubes of the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A heat exchange device (1) comprising at least one heat exchanger (2) comprising a plurality of tubes (4) configured for the circulation of a fluid, the tubes (4) being spaced from one another in order to delimit a passage (29) for an air flow, the heat exchanger (2) being delimited by an inlet face (5) through which the air flow is able to enter the heat exchanger (2), the heat exchange device (1) comprising at least one protective grid (3) arranged along the inlet face (5), characterized in that the heat exchange device (1) comprises at least one adhesive bond (17) between the protective grid (3) and the heat exchanger (2).