Heat Exchanger Assembly Spheroid Joint Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive heat exchangers face challenges in adapting to different core sizes and positions due to the need for various attachment means and tank designs, making it difficult to implement changes during serial production.

Innovation Solution

A heat exchanger assembly featuring a releasable spheroid joint connection system, where spheroid joint members on the heat exchanger tanks allow for relative movement and alignment along multiple axes, enabling flexibility in accommodating various core sizes and orientations with minimal changes to the existing design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed attachment means are used, then the heat exchanger is securely mounted, but it becomes difficult to adapt to different core sizes and positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different core sizes and positionsVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment means and tank designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spherical joint members that enable dynamic, multi-directional movement between the heat exchanger tank and the mounting portion. This spherical connection allows the assembly to adapt to different core sizes and positions without requiring multiple fixed attachment designs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical joint connection serves multiple functions: it provides secure mounting, enables adaptation to various core configurations, and allows for relative movement compensation. This universal connection type replaces the need for multiple specialized attachment means, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment designs are prepared for different core sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in accommodating various core sizesVSAvoidease of production and inventory management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By using a universal spherical joint connection that can accommodate different core sizes and positions with a single design, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and manage multiple attachment designs, directly improving ease of manufacture and inventory management while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the heat exchanger is rigidly fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but reconfiguration and adaptation become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidstructural stability of mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical joint members provide a dynamic connection that maintains structural stability through secure mechanical engagement while simultaneously allowing controlled relative movement and reconfiguration. This dynamic stability resolves the contradiction between rigid fixation and ease of reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3964782B1A heat exchanger assembly
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 VALEO AUTOSYSTY
  • EP3964782B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3964782B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b
  • EP3964782B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Heat exchanger assembly, comprising a heat exchanger (10) connected to a first side mounting portion (100) and a second side mounting portion (200), wherein the heat exchanger (10) is connected to the first side mounting portion (100) by means of a first connection assembly (110) and is connected to the second side mounting portion (200) by a second connection assembly (210), the first connection assembly (110) being a releasable spheroid joint.