Mounting plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting plates for expansion valves in refrigerant circuits of motor vehicles are thick and heavy, making them costly and environmentally unfriendly, while still requiring sufficient durability and torque resistance.
Innovation Solution
A flat, substantially rectangular mounting plate with raised edges to reinforce the plate, reducing the need for excessive thickness, and featuring U-shaped cutouts and threaded holes for secure attachment to the expansion valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mounting plate is made thick to ensure durability and corrosion resistance, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate transitions from a purely two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional structure by raising edges at substantially 90 degrees. This vertical dimension addition provides structural reinforcement without increasing the plate's horizontal footprint or requiring greater thickness, thereby maintaining strength while reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly thickening the entire mounting plate, the invention applies localized reinforcement by raising only the edges of the plate. This creates varying thickness zones where edges provide structural support while the central area remains thin, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio.
2Strength
If the mounting plate is made thick to withstand torque in threaded holes, then the torque resistance is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds vertical dimension by raising edges to provide torque resistance without requiring the entire plate to be thick. The raised edges create sufficient material around threaded holes to withstand torque loads while keeping the overall plate thin and cost-effective to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies reinforcement locally at the edges where threaded holes are positioned, rather than uniformly throughout the plate. This localized approach provides necessary torque resistance at critical areas while minimizing material usage and production costs in non-critical areas.
3Reliability
If the mounting plate is made thick to ensure durability under fluctuating temperatures, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
By raising edges vertically at substantially 90 degrees, the invention creates a three-dimensional structure that provides thermal mass and structural stability without requiring increased plate thickness. This helps the mounting plate withstand temperature fluctuations while maintaining low weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge-raising creates localized reinforcement zones that provide thermal and structural stability where needed most, while the thinner central area reduces overall weight. This differential thickness strategy optimizes durability under temperature fluctuations without excessive material usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plate (1, 21) for an expansion valve in a refrigerant circuit is provided. The mounting plate includes has a flat body with a substantially rectangular design, comprising two short sides (8) and two long sides, wherein the body has edges, wherein two basically U-shaped cutouts are formed in the body, through which connecting tubes pass, e.g. vaporizer connecting tubes, wherein at least part of the edges of the body are raised in order to reinforce the body.