HVAC Unit Case Reinforcing Vehicle Body Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current climate-control systems in vehicles face challenges in efficiently reinforcing the vehicle body while accommodating HVAC units, which can compromise structural integrity and passenger comfort due to the need for large gaps to house these units.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced case is integrated into the vehicle body, fixed between structural components to transfer forces and increase torsional stiffness, allowing for the accommodation of HVAC units while maintaining structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large gaps are created in the vehicle body to house HVAC units, then the HVAC units can be accommodated, but the structural integrity and torsional stiffness of the vehicle body are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcement structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second structures of the vehicle body. This reinforcement spans across the gap formed by the HVAC unit accommodation, providing a load path that transfers forces between the first and second structures, thereby maintaining structural integrity while allowing the HVAC units to be housed in the gap
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, creating a new dimensional load path across the gap. This perpendicular reinforcement arrangement allows forces to be transferred across the gap without compromising the longitudinal structural continuity of the vehicle body
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 vehicle body's structural integrity and passenger comfort by providing additional load paths for forces across gaps, thereby supporting the HVAC units without compromising the vehicle's structural reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
The case 44 is disposed in the gap 40a, 40b, abuts the first structure 36a, 36b and the second structure 38a, 38b, and reinforces the vehicle body 32 between the first structure 36a, 36b and the second structure 38a, 38b. The case 44 reinforces the vehicle body 32. Specifically, the case 44 may transfer forces between the first structure 36a, 36b and the second structure 38a, 38b across the gap 40a, 40b
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body and an HVAC unit. The vehicle body has a first structure and a second structure that define a gap. The HVAC unit is fixed to the vehicle body and includes a motor and a case housing the motor. The case is disposed in the gap, abuts the first structure and the second structure, and reinforces the vehicle body between the first structure and the second structure.