Fan Ring Shroud Assembly Clampless Boot Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine cooling system shroud assemblies are inefficient due to the need for additional time and cost in assembly, prone to clamp failure, and result in distorted or failed parts, increasing manufacturing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A shroud assembly with a ring shroud and flexible boot that uses locking features and elasticity to secure the boot to the ring shroud without clamps, reducing part count, manufacturing cost, and assembly time, while maintaining a seal and preventing clamp-related damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clamps are used to secure the flexible boot to the ring shroud and radiator shroud, then the boot is held in a compressed state during assembly, but the clamps are prone to failure which can damage the boot and fan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clamps entirely from the assembly, extracting the problematic component that caused failure. The flexible boot is secured to the ring shroud through interference fit and friction without any clamps, eliminating the source of clamp-related failures while maintaining the necessary compression and secure attachment during assembly and operation
2Ease of manufacture
If the flexible boot is secured with multiple clamps during assembly, then the boot can be attached to both the ring shroud and radiator shroud, but this adds additional time and cost to the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the clamps from the assembly process entirely. The flexible boot is attached to the ring shroud through a clampless interference fit mechanism, and the boot's flexibility allows it to naturally seal against the radiator shroud without requiring additional fastening components. This extraction of clamps significantly reduces assembly time and complexity while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible boot serves its own fastening function through its inherent elasticity and friction characteristics. The boot's material properties enable it to maintain a compressed, secure fit against the ring shroud and radiator shroud without requiring external clamps or fastening mechanisms, making the assembly process simpler and more efficient
3Ease of manufacture
If the boot extrusion and ring extrusion are rolled into a ring shape, then the shroud assembly can be formed, but this process results in an undesirable number of distorted or failed parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shroud assembly into separate components: the ring shroud and the flexible boot are manufactured independently rather than as a single rolled extrusion. This segmentation allows each component to be produced with optimal manufacturing processes, avoiding the distortion and failure issues associated with rolling both components into a ring shape simultaneously, while maintaining proper alignment through the interference fit connection
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, and enhances durability by eliminating clamp-related failures, ensuring a secure and efficient airflow management system.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible boot connects the radiator assembly to the shroud assembly. A first end of the boot lockingly engages the locking feature of the ring shroud to secure the boot to the ring shroud.
Data Source
AI summary
A shroud assembly for an engine cooling fan positioned between an engine and a radiator includes a ring shroud, a radiator shroud, and a flexible boot. The ring shroud is mounted adjacent to the fan and includes a locking feature. The radiator shroud, which is mounted to the rear of the radiator, has a first end with a first aperture for receiving air flowing rearwardly through the radiator, and a second end with a second aperture for discharging air received by the first aperture. A first end of the flexible boot engages the locking feature of the ring shroud to secure the flexible boot to the ring shroud. A second end of the flexible boot contacts the radiator shroud so that the boot provides fluid communication between the ring shroud and the radiator shroud.