Power Module Bracket Layout for Compact TRU Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport refrigeration units face challenges in packaging and maintaining components due to space limitations, making assembly and maintenance difficult.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system for the power module of a transport refrigeration unit, featuring a body portion with mounting holes and a mounting arm that connects the power module to a support frame, ensuring precise location and stability, and includes a tensioner slot and leadscrew barrel for belt tensioning, providing sufficient stiffness and strength to withstand vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the TRU is designed to fit in a specified space envelope, then the space utilization is improved, but the assembly and maintenance of components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power module is segmented into distinct functional components (engine, electric machine, bracket system) that can be independently assembled and maintained. The bracket structure divides the mounting function into separate attachment points and structural elements, allowing modular assembly within the constrained space envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system employs nested structural elements where mounting holes, tensioner slots, and reinforcement features are integrated within the bracket body itself. The electric machine and engine are nested within the bracket's mounting structure, maximizing space utilization while maintaining accessibility for maintenance operations.
2Strength
If the bracket thickness is increased to provide stiffness and strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the space envelope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket exhibits local quality variations with different thickness regions optimized for specific functions. The bracket body has sufficient thickness (30-50 mm) in critical load-bearing areas to provide the necessary stiffness and strength, while thinner sections are used where full structural support is not required, thereby reducing overall volume within the space envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is constructed from aluminum alloy material that provides high strength-to-weight ratio and sufficient stiffness. This composite material approach allows the bracket to achieve the required mechanical properties (withstanding vibrations and maintaining drive alignment) with optimized dimensions that fit within the constrained space envelope.
3Manufacturing precision
If the mounting holes are positioned for precise component location, then the assembly precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the body portion provides structural support and precise location for the electric machine and engine, the mounting holes enable accurate component positioning, and the integrated tensioner slot and leadscrew mechanism provide belt tensioning capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise component location.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for a power module of a transport refrigeration unit is provided. The bracket includes a body portion including: an opening for receiving a shaft of an electric machine of the power module; a plurality of first mounting holes extending through the body portion and spaced around the opening for connecting the bracket to the electric machine; and a plurality of second mounting holes for connecting the bracket to an engine of the power module.