Heat Exchanger Sealing Assembly for Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of motor vehicle air conditioning systems with heat exchangers of varying sizes and refrigerant types requires significant development effort to achieve airtight and vibration-insulated sealing, as existing solutions are complex and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece full-circumferential shroud with a standard or collapsible frame, where the heat exchanger is injection molded within a seal assembly, allowing for easy assembly and adaptation to different sizes, with optional inserts for precise fitment and tongue-and-groove connections for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heat exchangers of different sizes are used to meet varying air conditioning requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for receiving devices, spacer elements, and inserts
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a universal receiving space that can accommodate heat exchangers of different sizes without requiring additional adapter elements or spacer components. The sealing assembly adapts to different heat exchanger dimensions through its flexible design, allowing the same housing structure to serve multiple functions across different market requirements.
2Reliability
If complex sealing and vibration decoupling solutions are implemented, then airtightness and vibration insulation are improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to considerable development effort
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly and vibration decoupling function are merged into a single integrated component that combines both functions. This unified design eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and vibration isolation components, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable airtightness and vibration insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly utilizes flexible material properties to achieve both sealing and vibration decoupling functions. The flexible shell can deform to accommodate different heat exchanger sizes while maintaining airtight contact, and simultaneously provides vibration isolation through its elastic characteristics, reducing the need for complex rigid structures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly (1) of a heat exchanger (2) for installation in the housing of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, and to a method for assembling a motor vehicle air conditioning system with such an assembly (1). The assembly (1) according to the invention comprises a heat exchanger (2) whose outer shape is defined by an air inlet side (L-IN), an air outlet side (L-OUT) located parallel to it at the rear, and a lateral boundary (3) surrounding it. It further comprises a sealing assembly (5; 6, 7) by means of which the lateral boundary (3) of the heat exchanger (2) can be installed airtight and vibration-isolated in an air-conducting duct (8) of the housing of the air conditioning system.The assembly arrangement according to the invention (1) is characterized in that the outer part of the sealing assembly (5; 6) encloses at least the lateral boundary (3) of the heat exchanger (2) in one piece and completely.