Elastomeric Radiator Mount Grip Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator support structures for motor vehicles are prone to high forces and bending moments, which can lead to joint failure, especially at the connections between radiator tubes and manifolds, and face challenges in easy assembly due to variations in spacing of support posts.
Innovation Solution
A mount system with elastomeric material and tapered slots that grip radiator support portions, allowing for easy assembly and distributing forces through an instantaneous center within the radiator, reducing bending moments and accommodating variations in support post spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid support structures are used to bear substantial radiator weight, then structural strength is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to high forces and bending moments at joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the mount material from rigid to elastomeric (flexible), allowing the mount to deform elastically under load. This parameter change enables the mount to accommodate misalignment and reduce bending moments at joints, making assembly easier while maintaining structural strength through elastic deformation rather than rigid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastomeric material that combines flexibility with load-bearing capacity. This composite material approach allows the mount to simultaneously provide structural strength to support radiator weight and flexibility to ease assembly by accommodating variations in support post spacing without creating excessive joint forces.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed-spacing support posts are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases due to variations in support post spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility through elastomeric mounts that can deform to accommodate variations in support post spacing. Instead of requiring precise fixed spacing, the flexible mounts adapt to different spacing configurations, allowing the radiator assembly to accommodate manufacturing variations while maintaining proper support and alignment.
3Reliability
If rigid mounts are used to securely support the radiator, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional force distribution mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric mounts are self-adjusting components that automatically adapt to the radiator weight and spacing variations without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms. The material's inherent elastic properties provide force distribution and alignment accommodation, achieving reliable support through the material's natural behavior rather than through complex mechanical adjustment systems.
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 mount system enhances the ease of assembly, reduces the risk of joint failure by minimizing bending moments, and accommodates manufacturing variations in support post spacing, providing a secure and durable radiator support solution.
Implementation Method 1
The mount may be formed from a moulded elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
A length of one or both of the first and second slots may be tapered in a direction along that in which the mount is arranged to allow the radiator support portion to be introduced therein
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a mount for supporting a motor vehicle radiator in a substantially upright, transverse orientation, the mount comprising resiliently flexible coupling means for coupling the mount to a support portion of the radiator, the coupling means comprising a pair of opposed grip members for gripping the support portion, the mount being configured wherein when the support portion of the radiator is placed between the grip members and the support portion is urged against the mount, the grip members exert a gripping force on the support portion to retain the support portion therebetween.