Radiator Module Reinforcing Assembly for Crash Force Diversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiator modules in motor vehicles lack adequate safety features to prevent penetration of structural elements into the passenger compartment during accidents, which can result in serious injuries to occupants. Additionally, the design flexibility and manufacturing costs are compromised by the need for additional structural elements and complex mounting procedures.

Innovation Solution

A radiator module with a reinforcing assembly connected to the radiator, which includes a radiator mesh structure and two water tanks, is designed to absorb and divert forces during accidents. The reinforcing assembly, comprising a reinforcing brace made from a stable material like steel or titanium, is fastened to the water tanks and radiator mesh structure, enhancing the module's structural integrity and safety features while simplifying mounting and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a radiator module is mounted in the wheel housing region close to the passenger compartment, then cooling efficiency is improved, but safety is compromised due to potential penetration of structural elements into the passenger compartment during accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidpenetration risk to passenger compartment
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the radiator module with a reinforcing assembly into a single integrated unit. The reinforcing assembly is directly connected to the radiator structure, merging the cooling function with the safety function in one component system, thereby eliminating the need for separate safety structures while maintaining both cooling efficiency and occupant protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiator module serves multiple functions: it provides cooling for the engine or battery while simultaneously acting as a safety barrier through its integrated reinforcing assembly. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to fulfill both thermal management and crash protection roles, improving safety without sacrificing cooling performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional structural elements are added to prevent penetration during accidents, then safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration protectionVSAvoidstructural element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing assembly is integrated directly into the radiator module structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components (radiator and reinforcement structure) into a single unified design. This reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall structural complexity while maintaining penetration protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiator structure itself is designed to serve dual purposes: as a thermal management component and as a protective barrier. By making the radiator structure multi-functional, additional dedicated safety structures are unnecessary, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional structural elements and complex mounting procedures are implemented, then penetration protection is improved, but mounting time and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration protectionVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing assembly and radiator are manufactured as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations. The combined structure requires a single mounting procedure rather than multiple sequential steps, thereby reducing mounting time and simplifying installation while maintaining penetration protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The radiator module effectively absorbs and diverts forces during accidents, reducing the risk of structural elements penetrating the passenger compartment and enhancing occupant safety. The simplified mounting process and reduced material usage lower manufacturing costs and improve design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The reinforcing assembly, which is connected to the radiator, is designed to absorb and/or divert forces during an accident

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce absorption: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

A radiator which is struck by an airstream is commonly used. After passing through the radiator, the air is guided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

a radiator which is struck by an airstream is commonly used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250170885A1Radiator module of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
  • US20250170885A1 patent drawing
  • US20250170885A1 patent drawing
  • US20250170885A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiator module of a motor vehicle, comprising a radiator that includes two water tanks between which a radiator mesh structure is located. The radiator module has a reinforcing assembly connected to the radiator for absorbing and/or diverting forces during a crash. A region of a motor vehicle is also provided.