Cooling Module Fastening Layout for Fill-Induced Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixing devices for cooling modules in motor vehicles do not account for the mass variation and resulting position change when the module is filled with liquid, leading to vibrational stresses and premature wear due to the deformation of these devices.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle arrangement featuring a primary fixing device with a mobile stud that moves between two stable positions, exerting an effort from top to bottom on the module, and a secondary fixing device, such as rubber, to support the module's weight, ensuring the module remains stable and secure regardless of its filled or empty state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fixing devices are used to mount the cooling module, then the module can be fixed to the support element, but the fixing devices deform when the module is filled with liquid, creating clearance and vibrational stresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing device stabilityVSAvoidmodule position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates a movable pad that can dynamically adjust its position between two stable positions. The pad travels a distance K along the vertical direction to accommodate the mass variation of the module when filled with liquid, maintaining continuous contact and eliminating clearance while absorbing vibrational stresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device changes its physical state by allowing the pad to move between two stable positions. This parameter change in pad position compensates for the mass variation (parameter change) of the module when filled with liquid, maintaining proper contact and preventing deformation issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cooling module is filled with liquid after assembly, then the module can store and circulate fluid, but the mass increase causes position variation and clearance in the fixing devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule fluid storage capabilityVSAvoidmodule positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is pre-configured with a movable pad that has sufficient travel capacity K to accommodate the future mass increase when the module is filled with liquid. This preliminary design ensures that the fixing device can handle the position variation Δz without creating clearance, maintaining positioning precision throughout the module's operational lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the module dimensions are increased to meet regulatory standards, then the module can provide adequate cooling capacity, but the fixing devices experience greater deformation and clearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling module volumeVSAvoidfixing device reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable pad with travel capacity K provides dynamic adjustment capability that scales with increased module dimensions. This allows the fixing device to accommodate greater mass and position variations resulting from larger module volumes required by regulatory standards, maintaining reliability despite increased deformation demands.

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 arrangement maintains a consistent position and reduces wear on components by compensating for the mass variation of the module when filled, preventing vibrational stresses and extending the lifespan of the module and its components.

Implementation Method 1

said pad being arranged and configured to exert a downward force on the module along a direction when it is moved to the second stable position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The secondary fixing device may in particular be made of rubber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4263256B1Arrangement of a fluid storage and/or circulation module for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 RENAULT SA
  • EP4263256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4263256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4263256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a liquid storage and/or circulation module (2), a support element (3) of the module (2) and at least one primary fastening device (4) comprising a stud (6) mounted to move relative to the support element (3) in order to be moved so as to exert a downward force on the module (2) in a direction (100), a stroke of the stud (6) in said direction (100) being greater than or equal to a variation in position in direction (100) of the module (2) relative to the support element (3) between a configuration in which the module (2) is empty and a configuration in which the module (2) is filled with liquid.