Heat Exchanger Bracket Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger attachment systems require multiple components and fasteners, making them complex and time-consuming to install and remove, and often necessitate tools for tightening or loosening.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first and second bracket, where the first bracket is secured to the heat exchanger via a coupling plate with notches and a protrusion, and the second bracket is secured to the vehicle or subcomponent with hooks and a clip, allowing direct engagement and secure attachment without fasteners, utilizing a lever mechanism for quick release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components and fasteners are used for heat exchanger attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated bracket assembly. The first bracket includes both the coupling plate for attaching to the heat exchanger and the protrusion for securing to the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing the total number of components while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple attachment tasks simultaneously. The coupling plate provides a universal attachment interface for the heat exchanger, while the protrusion with notch configuration provides universal compatibility with corresponding recesses in vehicle mounting locations, allowing one component to serve multiple attachment purposes.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners and components are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation and removal time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional elements (coupling plate, protrusion, notch) that can be independently manufactured but work together as an integrated system. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where each element performs its specific function without requiring complex alignment or multiple fastening operations, reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion acts as an intermediary element between the coupling plate and the vehicle mounting structure. It provides a mechanical interface that translates the attachment force from the heat exchanger through the protrusion into the vehicle structure via the notch, enabling secure attachment without requiring direct fastening between the coupling plate and vehicle, thus simplifying the installation process.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but tools are required for tightening or loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to be self-servicing, where the protrusion and notch configuration creates a self-locking mechanical interface. The geometry of the protrusion fitting into the notch provides inherent securing without requiring external fasteners or tools, allowing installation and removal to be performed by simply engaging or disengaging the mechanical interface through manual manipulation.
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 design simplifies the attachment process by reducing the number of components needed and eliminating the need for tools, enabling quick installation and removal of heat exchangers while ensuring secure attachment to vehicles or subcomponents.
Implementation Method 1
The first bracket is secured to the heat exchanger via brazing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for attaching a heat exchanger to a vehicle includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is secured to the heat exchanger and has a first plate. The first plate includes front and back surfaces. The first plate defines first and second notches on opposing peripheral edges of the first plate. The second bracket is secured to the vehicle. The second bracket has a second plate, a hook, and a clip. The second plate has an outer surface. The hook and the clip extend from opposing edges of the outer surface. The outer surface is configured to engage the front surface of the first plate. The hook and the clip are configured to extend through the first and second notches, respectively, and to engage the back surface of the first plate to secure the second bracket to the first bracket.