Multi-Material Condenser Seal Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals for condensers in motor vehicles deteriorate over time, leading to air bypassing the condenser, which compromises the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system.
Innovation Solution
A seal for a condenser comprising a plurality of fastening members, a connecting member, and a sealing member made of at least two materials with different hardness, designed to connect to the end tube of the condenser, ensuring durability and reliable performance over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foam seal is used for the condenser, then the seal can be connected to the end tube of the condenser, but the seal deteriorates over time leading to air bypassing the condenser
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is constructed from multiple materials with different properties: a foam material for the fastening members providing flexibility and connection capability, and a rubber material for the sealing member providing durable sealing performance. This composite structure allows the seal to both connect to the end tube and maintain reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is divided into distinct functional segments: fastening members for connection to the end tube and a separate sealing member for blocking air. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the fastening members provide adaptability while the sealing member provides durability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for the seal, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the seal cannot provide both connection and sealing functions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The seal uses composite materials with different properties - foam for fastening members providing connection capability and rubber for the sealing member providing sealing performance. This resolves the contradiction by showing that while multi-material construction increases manufacturing complexity, it enables the seal to perform both connection and sealing functions effectively.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A seal for a condenser comprises a plurality of fastening members that are adapted to connect to the condenser. The seal further comprises a connecting member that is adapted to connect to the plurality of the fastening members. The seal further comprises a sealing member that extends from the connecting member and is adapted to block air from passing through the sealing member. The seal further is made of at least two materials, wherein the at least two materials have different hardness.