Engine-Compartment HVAC Mounting for Space and Vibration Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC installation fixing systems in electrically powered and autonomous motor vehicles fail to ensure adequate vibration and mechanical resistance while optimizing space in the passenger compartment, and they complicate maintenance and assembly.

Innovation Solution

The HVAC installation is mounted in the engine compartment with two fixing reinforcements secured to the apron, featuring a guide tab for assembly assistance and a fixing frame with four lugs arranged symmetrically, ensuring secure attachment and vibration resistance through integral deck mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If HVAC installation is mounted inside the passenger compartment, then the HVAC system is easily accessible, but the space in the passenger compartment is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHVAC accessibilityVSAvoidpassenger compartment space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The HVAC installation is extracted from the passenger compartment and relocated to the engine compartment. The fixing reinforcement is taken out as a separate integral component mounted on the deck, allowing the HVAC system to be positioned in the engine compartment where it does not occupy passenger space while remaining accessible for maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If HVAC installation is mounted in the engine compartment with separate fixing reinforcements, then passenger compartment space is optimized, but the vibration and mechanical resistance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger compartment spaceVSAvoidvibration and mechanical resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing reinforcement is prepared in advance as an integral component mounted on the deck before the HVAC installation is installed. The reinforcement includes pre-formed guide tabs and fixing lugs that ensure proper positioning and secure attachment, guaranteeing vibration and mechanical resistance from the outset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing reinforcement merges multiple functions into a single integral component: it provides structural support, ensures vibration resistance through integral deck mounting, and includes guide tabs for assembly guidance. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and ensures reliable fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If HVAC installation uses multiple fixing lugs and studs, then mechanical resistance is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical resistanceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tabs on the fixing reinforcement provide self-guiding functionality during assembly. The tabs automatically align the HVAC installation with the correct positioning, allowing the fixing lugs and studs to engage naturally without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional alignment tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3887180B1Motor vehicle comprising an installation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, mounted in the engine compartment

Publication Date: 2024.02.14 RENAULT SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) comprising a passenger compartment (12), an engine compartment (14) and an engine wall (16) delimiting the passenger compartment (12) from said engine compartment (14). The motor vehicle comprises a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning installation (18) mounted in the engine compartment (14) and fastened on two fastening reinforcements (20) that are integrally secured to the engine wall (16).