Hinger HTR Tube Bracket Spacer Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening elements for motor vehicle air conditioning systems require additional components to maintain the distance between fluid conduit ends aligned one behind the other, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with a U-shaped clamping region and a pivotable spacer connected via a film hinge, allowing the spacer to fill and bridge the clamping region, acting as a spacer between conduit ends aligned perpendicularly, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an additional spacer component is used to maintain distance between conduit ends, then the distance between conduit ends can be ensured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spacer function directly into the fastening element by forming a recess in the clamping region that can receive a spacer component. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate spacer components when conduits are arranged one behind the other, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise spacing control between conduit ends
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping region is segmented into multiple functional zones including the clamping surface and a recess area. This segmentation allows the same fastening element to accommodate different conduit arrangements (side-by-side or one-behind-another) by selectively using the recess for spacing when needed, while maintaining simple clamping functionality when not needed
2Ease of operation
If the mounting direction is parallel to the alignment of conduit ends, then the fastening element can be mounted, but an additional spacer component is required to position the conduit ends
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is designed with universal functionality to handle both mounting directions (perpendicular and parallel to conduit alignment) and both conduit arrangements (side-by-side and one-behind-another). The recess in the clamping region provides spacing capability when conduits are arranged one behind the other during parallel mounting, while the same structure serves as a simple clamping region for perpendicular mounting, eliminating the need for different components for different configurations
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
This design reduces component and tool costs, simplifies assembly, and effectively secures fluid conduit ends in all directions, suitable for both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles, while supporting curved conduits and absorbing mounting forces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pivotable spacer (18) connected to one of the U-leg regions (16a, 16b) via a film hinge (19) and capable of partially filling and/or bridging the U-shaped conduit clamping region (15) by a pivotal movement in the direction of the other U-leg region (16a, 16b)
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening element for holding fluid conduit ends of a motor vehicle air conditioning system on an air conditioning system housing in a region of a conduit interface the fastening element including at least one U-shaped conduit clamping region between two opposing U-leg regions connected to one another by a curved or straight U-shaped base region, wherein at least one fluid conduit end, which is aligned with its conduit axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped conduit clamping region, can be clamped in the U-shaped conduit clamping region. At least one pivotable spacer is connected as an integrated component of the fastening element to one of the U-leg regions by means of a film hinge, and is capable of at least partially filling and/or bridging the U-shaped conduit clamping region by means of a pivoting movement in the direction of the respectively opposite U-leg region.