Connection apparatus and integrated assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The vehicle thermal management system has a complex pipeline connection due to numerous components, making it difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A connection apparatus with a base portion and flow passage portion, featuring modules connected by limiting structures and external interfaces, allowing for simple and convenient assembly through snap fitting, threaded connections, and mounting plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are connected by pipelines in a fixed arrangement, then the thermal management system can be assembled, but the pipeline connection becomes complicated and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection apparatus is divided into a base portion and a flow passage portion, which can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. The base portion contains multiple accommodating portions that can independently hold different components, while the flow passage portion contains multiple modules that can be independently assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and easier assembly of the complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are partially located in the accommodating portions of the base portion, creating a nested structure where the flow passage portion is inserted into or integrated with the base portion. The limiting structures further nest the modules within their designated accommodating portions, ensuring proper positioning while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple components are fixedly arranged in the system, then the system structure is stable, but the number of components increases making the system more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are integrated into two main portions: the base portion that houses multiple accommodating portions for different components, and the flow passage portion that contains multiple modules. This merging reduces the apparent number of separate components by organizing them into integrated assemblies, while the limiting structures ensure stable positioning of each component within its designated space.
3Ease of operation
If modules are freely arranged in the base portion, then assembly is flexible, but the modules may move excessively causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting structures are pre-designed and pre-positioned in both the base portion and the modules before assembly. These limiting structures include convex structures on one component and corresponding concave structures on the mating component, which guide the modules into their correct positions during assembly. This preliminary design of positioning features ensures that modules are automatically correctly positioned during assembly, providing both assembly flexibility and positioning stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection apparatus and an integrated assembly. The connection apparatus comprises a base portion (10) and a flow channel portion (20) which are limited and/or fixedly provided. The connection apparatus comprises a plurality of element connection portions and a plurality of external interfaces that can be used for connecting to a system; the base portion (10) comprises at least two accommodating portions; the flow channel portion (20) comprises at least two modules and a connection member (51); the modules are partially located in the accommodating portions; the base portion (10) is provided with a limiting structure that limits the movement of the modules; the base portion (10) is provided with a notch portion at least between two adjacent accommodating portions; the connection apparatus is provided with the connection member (51) that connects at least one group of two adjacent modules; and the connection member (51) is partially located at the notch portion. In this way, components are relatively convenient to process and are then combined, and thus facilitate assembly and use of a system.