Charge Air Cooler Movable End Piece Thermal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charge air cooler arrangements face deformation due to thermodynamic expansions and contractions caused by temperature differences, leading to potential leaks and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A flexible connection between the cooler and the housing allows for movement compensating thermodynamic changes, using movable end pieces that can pivot or be prestressed to counteract deformations, thereby enhancing stability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cooler is rigidly connected to the housing, then structural stability is improved, but deformation damage occurs due to thermodynamic expansions and contractions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end piece is designed to be movably attached to the housing, allowing it to pivot or move within a limited range of motion. This dynamic connection enables the cooler to accommodate thermodynamic expansions and contractions without causing deformation damage, while still maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the end piece and housing is designed to change its mechanical parameters (rigidity, movement range) based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the connection provides stability, while during thermal cycles, it allows controlled movement to prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the cooler is designed for higher cooling capacity, then cooling efficiency is improved, but thermodynamic deformations increase causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable end piece connection allows the cooler to handle higher thermal loads and thermodynamic deformations that result from increased cooling capacity, preventing structural damage while maintaining enhanced cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the end piece is fixed to the housing, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but deformation damage occurs reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable attachment of the end piece to the housing provides a relatively simple connection structure that incorporates pivoting or movement capability. This design extends service life by accommodating thermal deformations without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 extends the service life of the charge air cooler arrangement by preventing damage from thermal deformations and allows for higher loads, improving cooling efficiency by maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the charge air is cooled indirectly or directly by the tube structure as it flows through the cooler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a coolant, in particular water, flows through a pipe structure within the cooler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

thermodynamic expansions and contractions of the cooler and/or the housing can be compensated for

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 4

deformations of the cooler that occur as a result of temperature differences within the cooler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP3237733B1Charge air cooler
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP3237733B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3237733B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3237733B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The invention relates to an intercooler assembly (1), comprising a housing (2) through which flow can pass and to a cooler (3) arranged therein. An extended service life and/or improved efficiency of the assembly (1) is achieved in that the cooler (3) has at least two opposite end parts (13, 14, 15, 16), wherein the cooler (3) is connected to the housing (2) by means of at least one such end part (13, 14, 15, 16) and at least one such end part (13, 14, 15, 16) is movably attached to the housing (2).