Engine Accessory Bracket With Integral Coolant Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern smaller displacement internal combustion engines face challenges in managing excess heat generated by advanced technologies, requiring improved engine accessory mounting brackets that are robust and efficient in thermal management while accommodating reduced mounting surfaces and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The engine assembly incorporates an engine accessory mounting bracket with integral fluid channels that provide fluid communication between coolant ports and a rotary valve unit, allowing for efficient thermal management, along with a pulley system and gaskets for secure mounting and sealing, enabling effective heat distribution and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engine accessory mounting brackets are made bulky to support the weight and strain of accessories, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the device occupies extensive space which is problematic for smaller engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting bracket with integral coolant flow channels, merging the structural support function with the thermal management function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate bulky brackets while maintaining mounting reliability through optimized structural design that incorporates cooling passages directly within the bracket material.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support for accessories, guiding coolant flow through integral channels, and serving as a thermal management component. This multi-functionality allows a compact bracket design to replace what would traditionally require larger, dedicated support structures.
2Weight of moving object
If the engine displacement is reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then the vehicle weight is reduced, but the mounting surface area on the engine block is reduced making it difficult to accommodate thermal management components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mounting surfaces to three-dimensional integral structures by incorporating coolant channels within the volume of the mounting bracket itself. This allows thermal management functionality to be achieved without requiring additional mounting surface area on the engine block, as the cooling channels are embedded within the bracket's three-dimensional structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant flow channels are nested within the mounting bracket structure, similar to a nested doll configuration. This allows the thermal management system to be contained within the existing bracket volume rather than requiring separate external components that would need additional mounting space on the reduced engine surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate mounting brackets and coolant systems are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the engine compartment packaging is inefficient and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting bracket and coolant distribution system into a single integrated component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. While the integral design adds complexity to the bracket itself, it eliminates the need for separate coolant hoses, adapters, and mounting hardware, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process and improving engine compartment packaging efficiency.
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 solution provides a compact, robust mounting system that effectively manages engine heat, enhances combustion efficiency, and improves packaging within the engine compartment, supporting the weight and strain of accessories while optimizing coolant flow and reducing friction.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid channel of the engine accessory mounting bracket provides fluid communication between the first coolant port of the internal coolant passageway of the engine and the first valve port of the rotary valve unit
Data Source
AI summary
An engine assembly having a thermal management device assembly is disclosed. The engine assembly includes an engine having an internal coolant passageway having at least one coolant port. The thermal management device assembly includes a rotary valve unit mounted on an engine accessory mounting bracket. The engine accessory mounting bracket includes an upper mounting platform having a mounting surface extending between an exterior face and an interior face of the mounting bracket, and at least one fluid channel extending through the mounting bracket from the mounting surface to the interior surface. The rotary valve unit is mounted onto the upper mounting platform. The at least one fluid channel of the engine accessory mount provides fluid communication between the coolant port of the internal coolant passageway of the engine and a valve port of the rotary valve unit.