Heat exchanger comprising a protective device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers on motor vehicles are vulnerable to damage from debris and stones, and current protective devices often require manual clipping, which is time-consuming and can lead to vibration issues due to inadequate central fixation.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger with a protection device featuring fixing peaks that deform between fins for secure attachment, combined with elastic fittings for additional stability, allowing for easy installation and reduced vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual clipping is used to fix the protective device, then the protective device can be securely attached, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and incompatible with rapid mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented with multiple fixing peaks distributed across its surface, allowing simultaneous engagement with multiple fins during a single pressing operation. This segmentation enables the entire device to be fixed in one action rather than requiring sequential manual clipping at multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing peaks are designed to automatically engage with the fins through elastic deformation when pressure is applied. The device performs its own fixation without requiring external manual intervention - the pressing action itself triggers the elastic deformation of peaks that lock them into the fins, making the system self-fixing.
2Ease of manufacture
If the protective device is fixed only on the periphery of the heat exchanger, then installation is simplified, but vibration problems occur because the central part is not fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device incorporates multiple fixing peaks distributed across both peripheral and central regions. This spatial segmentation ensures that fixation points are spread throughout the entire structure, providing stability against vibration while maintaining installation simplicity through a single pressing operation that engages all peaks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protective device have different fixation characteristics - peripheral areas provide boundary stabilization while central fixing peaks provide core stability. This local differentiation of fixation quality ensures comprehensive vibration resistance throughout the entire device structure.
3Reliability
If fixing peaks with width greater than fin spacing are used, then secure fixation is achieved by deforming between fins, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing peaks are designed with specific dimensional parameters - width greater than fin spacing and length greater than or equal to fin width - that enable reliable fixation through elastic deformation. These parameter choices ensure that the peaks can effectively engage the fins while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances through the elastic compliance of the material.
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 provides a secure, vibration-resistant, and easily installable protection for heat exchangers, enhancing their durability and compatibility with mass production processes.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing peaks are inserted by force between the fins (26) during its installation... The fixing peaks are thus inserted between the fins, deform them, and maintain said protection device.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger (20) comprising a protective device (1), parallel tubes (22) through which a first fluid circulates, and perpendicular fins (26) connecting two successive flat tubes (22), a second fluid circulating between said flat tubes (22) by passing through said fins (26), said protective device (1) having openings so as to allow the circulation of said second fluid through the fins (26), said protective device (1) comprising fixing projections (7) that are inserted forcibly between the fins (26).