One-Piece Heat Exchanger Fixing for Compact Vehicle Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger fixing systems in vehicle heat exchange systems require multiple fixing means, leading to increased mechanical bulk, assembly time, cost, and geometric imprecision, particularly when multiple exchangers are stacked.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fixing device with holding members and a flange that integrates with a support frame, using flexible tongues and claws to secure heat exchangers together, minimizing mechanical bulk and connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each heat exchanger is fixed independently to the support frame, then the heat exchangers are securely positioned, but the mechanical bulk and number of fixing means increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent fixing devices into a single integrated fixing device that simultaneously secures multiple heat exchangers to the support frame. This single fixing device includes multiple fixing arms that can engage with different heat exchangers, reducing the total number of separate fixing components needed while maintaining secure positioning of each exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle different types of heat exchangers (condensers, radiators, evaporators) with a single universal structure. The fixing arms and engagement mechanisms can adapt to various heat exchanger configurations, allowing one fixing device to perform the function of multiple specialized fixings.
2Reliability
If multiple fixing means are used to secure stacked heat exchangers, then the heat exchangers are firmly held, but the assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is pre-configured with multiple fixing arms and engagement features that are ready to secure heat exchangers in their proper positions before assembly. The heat exchangers can be pre-positioned on the fixing device, allowing for quicker assembly as the overall structure is already prepared and aligned, reducing on-site assembly time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple fixing functions into a single integrated device, the assembly process is simplified from installing multiple separate fixings to installing one unified fixing device. This reduction in the number of assembly steps directly increases productivity while maintaining the stability required for securely holding stacked heat exchangers.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fixing device (4) for at least two heat exchangers (3) stacked in relation to each other and integrated in a heat exchange system (1) of a vehicle, characterised in that the fixing device (4) is a one-piece assembly comprising components (5) for retaining heat exchangers (3), on the one hand, and a flange (7) for fixing to a support frame (2) of the heat exchange system (1), on the other hand, said retention components (5) being arranged so as to project from a single base plate. The invention also claims a heat exchange system (1) comprising at least two heat exchangers (3) and a fixing device (4) according to the invention.