Heat Exchanger Module Bracket for Receiver Drier Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for attaching a receiver drier bottle to a heat exchanger in automotive air conditioning systems are either space-consuming or require significant modifications, failing to effectively restrict bottle vibrations without damaging the components.

Innovation Solution

A compact heat exchanging module with a dual attachment system, where the bottle is secured to the heat exchanger using a first attachment means and to a frame using a second attachment means, which restricts movement and absorbs vibrations without altering existing system components, ensuring minimal space usage and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the bottle is attached only to the heat exchanger by a single attachment means, then the structure is simple, but the bottle vibrates and causes damage to the junction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment structureVSAvoidjunction durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two separate attachment means: a first attachment means connecting the bottle to the heat exchanger, and a second attachment means connecting the bottle to the frame. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and vibration absorption across multiple connection points, preventing damage to any single junction while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If existing solutions are used to restrict bottle vibrations, then the bottle is secured, but a lot of space is consumed in the engine compartment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration restrictionVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second attachment means integrates the frame structure into the vibration restriction system. By utilizing the existing frame as part of the attachment system rather than adding separate vibration-damping components, the solution restricts bottle vibrations effectively while consuming minimal space in the engine compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the bottle is securely attached to restrict vibrations, then movement is limited, but the attachment may damage the bottle during setup or maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement restrictionVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The second attachment means employs a flexible band that can be easily installed and removed without damaging the bottle. The band's flexibility allows it to conform to the bottle shape during installation and be easily released during maintenance, while still providing effective movement restriction when secured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11454434B2Heat exchanger module with a bracket for holding a receiver drier

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 VALEO AUTOSYSTY

AI summary

A heat exchanging module includes a heat exchanger, a frame, and a bottle. The heat exchanger may be attached to the frame. The bottle may be attached to the heat exchanger by a first attachment mean at a first portion of the bottle. Additionally, the bottle may be attached to the frame with a second attachment mean located at a second portion of the bottle.