Heat Exchanger Retaining Element for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchanger assemblies for vehicles face challenges in secure attachment to limited spaces within vehicles, requiring a design that is cost-effective, resistant to shocks and vibrations, and compatible with strict interface requirements, while ensuring accessibility for assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger assembly featuring a frame with a retaining element that engages the edges of stacked plates, comprising an elongated core with protrusions that restrict movement in multiple directions, which can be press-fitted or adhesive-bonded, and made of elastic material for enhanced stability and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the heat exchanger is attached to the vehicle interface by means of a frame, then the heat exchanger is securely held and connected to vehicle circuits, but the connection is affected by shocks and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is made of elastic material that can deform under shock and vibration loads, then return to its original shape, absorbing the harmful effects while maintaining the connection between the frame and heat exchanger plates
2Reliability
If the heat exchanger is securely attached in limited vehicle space, then the connection is stable and resistant to shocks, but the accessibility for assembly and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed as a separate component that can be independently installed and removed, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service the heat exchanger by simply detaching the retaining element rather than the entire assembly
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retaining element uses multiple protrusions to engage plate edges, then the movement restriction is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protrusions are integrated into a single elongated core structure, forming a unified retaining element that engages multiple plate edges simultaneously, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining effective movement restriction
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, adjustable, and space-efficient attachment system that withstands vibrations and shocks, facilitating easy assembly and maintenance while ensuring compatibility with vehicle interfaces, thus enhancing the integration and performance of heat exchanger units in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the protrusions are press-fitted between plate edges
Implementation Method 2
between at least part of protrusions and the plate edges there is provided an adhesive bonding these elements
Implementation Method 3
the retaining element is made of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger assembly comprising a frame (10) and a heat exchanger (20), wherein the heat exchanger (20) comprises a core of plates (21) stacked in a first direction, with edges (22) protruding along their outline, characterized in that the frame (10) comprises a retaining element (30) configured to engage plate edges (22) so that the retaining element (30) restricts movement of the heat exchanger (20) with respect to the frame (10) in the first direction, wherein the retaining element (30) comprises an elongated core (31) attached to the frame (10) and plurality of protrusions (32) protruding from this core (31), said protrusions (32) configured to protrude between plate edges (22).