Motor Vehicle Heat Exchanger Sealing via Raised Edge and Rigid Plastic Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heat exchangers in motor vehicles face sealing drawbacks and poor performance due to inadequate sealing and securing mechanisms between the exchanger and the intake manifold, leading to leaks and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a housing with raised edges and a rigid plastic seal that provides a secure seal-tightness, acting both as a seal and a mechanical guide during assembly, ensuring effective sealing and positioning between the exchanger and the intake manifold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional closing cover is used to close the opening in the manifold, then the assembly is simple, but sealing performance deteriorates and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated directly into the housing structure as a continuous element rather than being a separate component. The housing itself forms the sealing interface through its raised edges and integrated seal geometry, eliminating the need for separate closing covers and ensuring reliable sealing through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the manifold, creating a reliable sealing interface. The seal is fixed to the raised edges of the housing and provides the necessary sealing contact with the manifold, mediating the connection between these two components.
2Ease of operation
If the exchanger is simply inserted into the manifold, then assembly is easy, but mechanical securing is insufficient and performance drops
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-formed with raised edges and integrated seal features during manufacturing, so that when the exchanger is inserted into the manifold, the sealing and securing mechanisms are already in place. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable mechanical securing without complicating the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure itself provides the securing and sealing functions through its own geometry - the raised edges and integrated seal form self-contained mechanical features that automatically provide securing when the exchanger is inserted, without requiring additional external fastening components.
3Device complexity
If no integrated seal is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but seal-tightness is poor and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the housing structure itself. The raised edges and integrated seal geometry are formed as part of the housing during its manufacturing process, combining the structural and sealing functions into a single integrated component rather than separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is made from elastomeric material that can deform to conform to the mating surface, providing reliable sealing through elastic deformation. The seal material's flexibility allows it to accommodate minor dimensional variations and ensure consistent sealing contact.
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 enhances the sealing performance and mechanical stability of the heat exchanger, preventing leaks and improving heat exchange efficiency by ensuring a secure fit and consistent contact between the exchanger and the manifold.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (15) made of rigid plastic material, jacketing said at least one raised edge (11) and configured to ensure the seal-tightness between said exchanger (1) and a container of said exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange bundle (7) between said fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger for heat exchange between at least two fluids, especially for a motor vehicle, comprises a bundle (7) for heat exchange between said fluids, and a housing (9) for receiving said bundle (7), said housing (9) having at least one raised edge (11). The heat exchanger also has a seal (15) of a rigid plastic material, said seal enveloping said at least one raised edge (11) and being designed to ensure the tightness between the exchanger and a container of said exchanger. The heat exchanger can also be included in an air intake device including such a heat exchanger and an air intake collector.