Vehicle Cooling Module Mounting Layout for Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles face challenges in space efficiency, cost, energy efficiency, and reliability due to complex cooling systems that require multiple components and mounting arrangements, which complicate assembly, maintenance, and increase energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle cooling module with a compact design featuring a heat exchanger attached to side structures, a fan assembly, and three mounting arrangements, allowing for preassembly and simplified installation, reducing the need for reaction rods and minimizing assembly steps, while ensuring secure and efficient airflow and reduced tension forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple mounting arrangements and reaction rods are used to secure the cooling system components, then the reliability and stability of the cooling system is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling system stabilityVSAvoidmounting arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple mounting functions into a single integrated mounting bracket that simultaneously secures both the heat exchanger and the fan assembly to the vehicle body. This consolidation reduces the number of separate mounting arrangements and reaction rods needed, thereby decreasing device complexity and assembly difficulty while maintaining the reliability and stability of the cooling system through the unified structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket serves multiple functions: it attaches the heat exchanger to the vehicle body, supports the fan assembly, and provides structural rigidity for the entire cooling module. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate reaction rods and multiple mounting arrangements, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable component securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (heat exchanger, fan assembly, mounting arrangements) are used, then the adaptability and serviceability are improved, but the space requirements and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveserviceabilityVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the fan assembly is positioned within or adjacent to the heat exchanger structure, and both are secured by a common mounting bracket. This nested configuration reduces the overall space footprint of the cooling system while maintaining the functional independence and serviceability of individual components through their modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating the heat exchanger and fan assembly into a single mounted unit using one bracket, the patent reduces the total space required for installation while preserving the ability to service individual components. The combined mounting approach minimizes the number of separate mounting arrangements needed, thereby reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional cooling system arrangements are used, then the cooling function is achieved, but the energy consumption increases due to multiple fans and complex airflow paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling functionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the fan assembly to work in conjunction with the heat exchanger in a integrated manner, creating an efficient airflow path that cools both the heat exchanger and the electric machine. This unified cooling approach reduces the need for multiple separate fans and complex airflow management, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances assembly efficiency, reduces space requirements, lowers energy consumption, and simplifies maintenance by providing a reliable, cost-effective, and compact cooling system that can be easily integrated and serviced within vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

one or more heat exchangers arranged to transfer heat from the cooling circuit to ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

one or more fans arranged to blow air through the heat exchangers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4212374B1Vehicle cooling module and vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP4212374B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4212374B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4212374B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A vehicle cooling module (1) configured to cool a fluid of a cooling system (20) of a vehicle (2) is disclosed. The cooling module (1) comprises a first and second side structure (3, 4), a heat exchanger (5) attached to the first and second side structures (3, 4), and a fan assembly (7) comprising at least one fan unit (8') and a fan bracket (10) attaching the at least one fan unit (8') to the first and second side structures (3, 4). The cooling module (1) further comprises a first mounting arrangement (11) arranged on the first side structure (3), a second mounting arrangement (12) arranged on the second side structure (4), and a third mounting arrangement (13) arranged on the fan assembly (7). The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle (2) comprising a cooling module (1).