Coolant Conduit Fixing Assembly with Overmolded Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for fixing coolant supply pipes in motor vehicles are complex and time-consuming due to the difficulty in aligning clamps with circumferential marks, making it challenging to achieve a simple and reliable installation, especially in the vicinity of the engine.

Innovation Solution

A fixing assembly comprising a support plate with a ring overmolded onto the coolant supply conduit and a fixing lug that extends parallel to the conduit's axis, allowing for a latching movement onto the support plate, simplifying the installation process and providing a secure hold with integrated, economical fastening means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixing clips are used with circumferential marks on the conduit, then the conduit can be fixed to the support plate, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming due to alignment difficulties

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

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is pre-formed with an integrated fixing tab at the correct position and orientation before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for alignment marks and complex positioning during assembly, as the fixing tab is already in its final functional position parallel to the conduit axis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing tab is merged with the ring to form a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate alignment marks and fixing elements, simplifying both the device structure and the assembly process while maintaining reliable fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If fixing clips are used with circumferential marks on the conduit, then the conduit can be fixed to the support plate, but the assembly time increases due to difficult alignment in the vicinity of the engine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is pre-formed with an integrated fixing tab at the correct position and orientation before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for alignment marks and complex positioning during assembly, as the fixing tab is already in its final functional position parallel to the conduit axis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of marking the conduit and requiring alignment during assembly, the invention inverts the approach by pre-positioning the fixing tab on the ring itself. The tab's orientation parallel to the conduit axis is established during ring formation, reversing the traditional sequence and eliminating alignment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution enables faster and simpler installation of coolant supply pipes by pre-positioning the ring and fixing lug, reducing assembly time and improving holding security, even under vehicle movement, while minimizing material usage.

Implementation Method 1

The ring is formed by overmolding onto the supply conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOvermolding:

Data Source

PatentEP3475600B1Assembly comprising a coolant supply conduit and an assembly for fixing the conduit in a motor vehicle and corresponding fixing method
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 RENAULT SA
  • EP3475600B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3475600B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an attachment assembly (1) of a pipe for supplying (2, 2') coolant on a motor vehicle body, comprising a support plate (3) intended to be mounted in fixed position on said body, and attachment means (6, 6') for attaching said pipe (2, 2') to said support plate (3), characterised in that said attachment means (6, 6') comprises a ring (4a) confining said supply conduit (2, 2') and an attachment lug (4b) intended to be anchored on said support plate (3).