Engine Conduit Support Bracket Design for Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing support structures for intake and exhaust conduits in engines add bulk and weight, making them difficult to service and complicating access to engine components.
Innovation Solution
A modular support structure comprising a platform, brackets, and fixtures that extend parallel to the conduits, with lateral and longitudinal posts and stiffeners for added strength, and fixtures with web structures and stems for secure coupling to the engine head, allowing for easier servicing and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support structures are used to support conduits, then the conduits are securely held, but the engine bulk and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate brackets that can be individually positioned and attached to the engine block, rather than using a single large support structure. This segmentation allows for optimized material usage and reduced overall weight while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets are designed with varying thickness and reinforcement at specific locations (thicker at mounting points, thinner in intermediate sections) to provide structural strength exactly where needed while minimizing material usage elsewhere, thereby reducing overall weight without compromising support stability.
2Reliability
If traditional support structures are used to support conduits, then the conduits are securely held, but the engine becomes difficult to service
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented bracket design creates gaps and open spaces between individual support elements, allowing service tools and hands to access engine components from multiple directions without removing the entire support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets are positioned to provide support from the sides rather than directly above or below the conduits, creating lateral clearance that improves accessibility for servicing operations while maintaining effective gravitational and structural support.
3Reliability
If traditional support structures are used, then conduit support is provided, but access to engine components is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate brackets replace a single solid support structure, creating open pathways and gaps that allow tools and hands to reach engine components from various angles while each bracket independently provides necessary support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates intermediate openings and spaced mounting points that act as intermediaries, allowing service access through the support structure itself rather than requiring removal of the entire support system.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for supporting a conduit of an engine includes a bracket assembly having a platform, a pair of brackets, and a pair of fixtures. The platform supports the conduit. Each bracket includes a first lateral post coupled to the platform, a second lateral post coupled to an engine block, a first longitudinal post, and a second longitudinal post. Also, a lateral distance between the first longitudinal post and the second longitudinal post increases in a direction away from the first lateral post towards the second lateral post. Each bracket also includes a stiffener connecting the first longitudinal post and the second longitudinal post. Each fixture includes a pair of legs and couples the platform to an engine head. Further, each fixture includes a web structure having a central portion and a plurality of stems connecting to the pair of legs.