Driven-Axle Compressor Mounting With Compact Rigid Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for mounting air conditioning compressors in motor vehicles face challenges such as excessive space and weight requirements due to bulky assembly bearings, and complications arise when installing on non-driven axles in vehicles with multiple axle configurations.

Innovation Solution

The use of at least two bearing elements to mount the drive unit on a driven axle increases rigidity and reduces weight and space requirements, allowing for universal application across various vehicle designs, with the option to mount the holding device on both or one side of the body and incorporating decoupling elements for improved vibration management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electric motor is connected to the body via a four-point mount, then the mounting is stable, but the engine mounts take up a lot of space and require significant weight to achieve the required rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by engine mounts
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into two independent parts: a holding device mounted on the axle for securing the compressor, and separate bearing elements for mounting the drive unit directly on the body. This segmentation eliminates the need for a bulky four-point mount structure, reducing space requirements while maintaining stability through distributed mounting points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle serves as an intermediary mounting structure. The holding device is mounted on the axle, which itself is connected to the body, providing indirect but stable support for the compressor. This intermediary approach allows compact mounting without requiring large engine mount structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the electric motor is connected to the body via a four-point mount, then the mounting is stable, but significant weight is required to achieve the required rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidweight of engine mounts
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate bearing elements that can be independently optimized. Each bearing element is a compact, lightweight component mounted at strategic locations, collectively providing the required rigidity without the excessive weight of a traditional four-point mount structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes the mounting parameters from a distributed four-point system to a concentrated bearing element system with optimized positioning. This parameter change allows achieving the same rigidity with reduced weight by concentrating support at critical locations rather than distributing it across a large structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the air conditioning compressor is installed on the non-driven axle, then space is saved, but the compressor must be connected to the vehicle in an alternative way

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidmounting connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed as a universal mounting solution that can be installed on any axle type (driven or non-driven). The standardized interface and mounting mechanism allow the same device to serve multiple functions across different vehicle configurations, eliminating the need for alternative connection methods.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3727912B1Device for mounting an air-conditioning compressor
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 AUDI AG
  • EP3727912B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3727912B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3727912B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (8) for mounting an air-conditioning compressor (7) on a body (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a retaining apparatus (9), which is mounted to the body (2) by means of at least two mounting elements (10, 11) and to which the air-conditioning compressor is attached. The retaining apparatus (9) is arranged on a driven axle of the motor vehicle. In addition to the air-conditioning compressor (7), a drive unit (5) of the motor vehicle is attached to the retaining apparatus (9). The drive unit (5) is mounted to the body (2) by means of at least two further mounting elements (12, 13).