Condenser Unit Fan Frame Integration for Roof AC

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production and assembly of roof-mounted air conditioning systems for vehicles are complex and costly due to the need for multiple fastening means to secure the condenser unit, which complicates the integration and thermal expansion management within the system.

Innovation Solution

The condenser is fixed to a carrier using a fan frame with specifically designed support and retaining regions, eliminating the need for additional fastening means and allowing for thermal expansion through a combination of fixed and loose bearings, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fastening means are used to secure the condenser unit, then the condenser is firmly fixed in position, but the production and assembly complexity increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fan frame structure. The fan frame integrates support regions and retaining regions that simultaneously perform positioning, supporting, and securing functions for the condenser, eliminating the need for separate fastening means and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining fixing stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fan frame is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as a structural support element and as a fastening mechanism. It incorporates support regions for bearing the condenser weight and retaining regions for securing the condenser in position, making a single component perform multiple functions that previously required separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the condenser is firmly fixed to prevent movement, then positioning stability is improved, but thermal expansion stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic fastening through the combination of fixed support regions and loose retaining regions. The support regions provide stable positioning while the loose retaining regions allow the condenser to expand and contract thermally without generating excessive stress, enabling the system to adapt to thermal changes while maintaining positional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system uses different fastening parameters in different regions: tight fastening in support regions for stability and loose fastening in retaining regions for thermal accommodation. This variable fastening approach allows the system to maintain positioning stability while accommodating thermal expansion through controlled parameter variation across different functional zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If additional fastening means are used to secure the condenser, then fixing reliability improves, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fan frame integrates multiple fastening functions into a single manufactured component, reducing the total part count and associated production costs. By combining support and retaining functions in one piece, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate fastening components, thereby reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining fixing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple fastening components are used to secure the condenser, then the condenser is securely fixed, but the overall system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidsystem compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple fastening functions into the single fan frame structure eliminates the need for multiple separate components, thereby reducing the overall system volume. The consolidated design maintains secure fixing while achieving a more compact configuration compared to systems using multiple discrete fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the assembly and production of the condenser unit, reduces costs, and enables efficient thermal management without stress, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective roof-mounted air conditioning system.

Implementation Method 1

a condenser blower (18) which is arranged within the fan frame (17) on the air outlet opening (48)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

at least one condenser for condensing the refrigerant and at least one delivery device for driving the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit are arranged. With the help of the evaporator, which is configured as a heat exchanger, an airstream can be cooled which is then to be fed to the vehicle interior to be air conditioned. The heat extracted from the air flow in the process can be conducted via the condenser for example to a surroundings of the vehicle.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat Exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10675942B2Condenser unit of a roof-mounted air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2020.06.09 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • US10675942B2 patent drawing
  • US10675942B2 patent drawing
  • US10675942B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A condenser unit for a roof-mounted air conditioning system may include a condenser having a plurality of condensation tubes. The longitudinal ends of the plurality of condensation tubes may be connected to a first and second collection tube of the condenser. A carrier may secure the condenser unit to a vehicle roof having a first support region assigned to the first collection tube to support the first collection tube and a second support region assigned to the second collection tube to support the second collection tube. A fan frame may define a flow duct leading from the condenser to a condenser blower. The fan frame may be secured to the carrier having a first retaining region assigned to the first collection tube and a second retaining region assigned to the second collection tube. The condenser may be held on the carrier via the fan frame.