Cooling Device Movement Compensation Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling devices for motor vehicles face issues with increased axial overall depth, impaired airflow, and higher production costs due to relative movements between the radiator frame and engine-mounted fan, which are inadequately addressed by existing sealing methods.
Innovation Solution
The movement compensation element is directly integrated onto the coolant cooler, connecting to the radiator or fan frame, eliminating the need for a divided frame and additional components, thereby reducing axial depth and improving airflow while minimizing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a divided frame with movement compensation element is used to compensate for relative movements between fan and cooler, then the reliability is improved, but the axial overall depth increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial sealing approach (requiring axial depth) to an axial sealing approach by positioning the sealing element at the rear end of the cooler. This dimensional change allows the sealing function to be achieved without increasing axial overall depth, as the sealing now occurs in the axial direction at the cooler's rear end rather than radially within the axial space.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement compensation function is extracted from the frame structure and transferred to the sealing element positioned at the cooler-rear end interface. This allows the frame to be simplified to a one-piece construction while the sealing element independently handles the movement compensation, eliminating the need for a divided frame with integrated compensation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a divided frame with sealing element is used to seal the gap between cooler and frame, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and movement compensation function into a single sealing element positioned at the rear end of the cooler. This eliminates the need for a divided frame structure with separate sealing components, achieving both sealing and movement compensation through one integrated element, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the cooler and the one-piece frame, providing both sealing and movement compensation functions. This intermediary positioning at the rear end of the cooler allows effective sealing without requiring the frame itself to be divided or complexly structured.
3Reliability
If a rubber sleeve is used to compensate for relative movements, then the reliability is improved, but the axial overall depth increases and energy loss increases due to impaired airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the movement compensation sealing from within the axial airflow path (rubber sleeve position) to the rear end of the cooler in the axial direction. This dimensional relocation removes the sealing element from the critical airflow path, eliminating the impairment of air flow and the associated pressure drop while maintaining movement compensation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing and movement compensation function is extracted from the axial space occupied by the rubber sleeve and relocated to the rear end of the cooler. This extraction eliminates the interference with the airflow through the cooling device, preventing the energy loss and increased fan output that would result from air flow impairment.
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 configuration reduces pressure loss, enhances cooling performance, and lowers manufacturing costs by minimizing the radial gap between the fan and frame, resulting in improved airflow and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
The movement compensation element is arranged directly on the coolant cooler and bridges the gap between the coolant cooler and the radiator frame, compensating for relative movements
Implementation Method 2
a coolant cooler through which the coolant and ambient air flow
Implementation Method 3
a coolant cooler through which the coolant and ambient air flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a cooling fluid radiator (2), through which the air flows. A blower (3) is arranged behind the cooling fluid radiator in air flow direction. A case (4) is arranged between the cooling fluid radiator and the blower and has a case ring (4a). A movement compensating unit (5) is provided within an area of the case. The movement compensating unit is fastened on one side with the case and on the other side with the cooling fluid radiator.