Fastener-Free Pipe Retainer for HVAC Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle HVAC systems face challenges in securely retaining fluid conduits without the need for fasteners, which complicates assembly and may lead to instability of the thermal management system.
Innovation Solution
A pipe retainer assembly featuring a mount with slots and projections, and a latch mechanism that engages with the mount, allowing for secure retention of conduits without the use of fasteners, utilizing dovetail joints and upset beads for axial maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fastener (screw or bolt) is used to retain the conduit, then the retention strength is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener (screw or bolt) from the conduit retention system, extracting the problematic component that added complexity and assembly time while maintaining retention strength through an alternative mechanism involving the retainer, mount, and upset bead interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit retention system becomes self-service through the interaction between the retainer, mount, and upset bead, where the upset bead deforms under compression to create a self-locking mechanism that secures the conduit without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps
2Strength
If a fastener is used to retain the conduit, then the retention strength is improved, but the assembly time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The upset bead is pre-formed on the conduit before installation, and the retainer is designed with pre-positioned features that guide proper alignment with the mount, allowing for rapid assembly without requiring time-consuming fastener installation while maintaining strong retention
3Strength
If a traditional fastener-based retention system is used, then the retention strength is improved, but the potential for misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer and mount features include asymmetric elements such as the shaped engagement surface and corresponding groove geometry, which provide self-aligning characteristics that guide the components into proper alignment during assembly, eliminating misalignment issues associated with traditional fastener-based systems
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe retainer assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a mount including one of a slot and a projection, and a pipe retainer including a latch and the other of a slot and a projection. The slot is received in the projection and the latch is engaged with the mount. The assembly further includes a fluid conduit held in place by the mount and the pipe retainer. A method is also disclosed.