Radiator Frame Fastening Element with Dual Retaining Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radiator frames for internal combustion engine cooling modules are prone to premature mechanical failure due to high forces and vibrations during vehicle operation, particularly in the transverse direction, leading to potential fractures of the fastening elements.
Innovation Solution
The radiator frame incorporates a fastening element with at least two retaining faces that distribute the force symmetrically, reducing the bending moment and mechanical stress on the fastening element, thereby enhancing its durability and preventing premature failure without altering the existing attachment interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single retaining face is used in the fastening element, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mechanical stress is concentrated leading to premature failure and fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is segmented into multiple retaining faces (at least two) instead of a single retaining face. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress across multiple contact points, preventing stress concentration and reducing the risk of fractures while maintaining structural integrity under vibratory loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining faces are positioned at specific locations on the fastening element to optimize stress distribution. By strategically placing multiple retaining faces rather than uniformly distributing them, the design addresses local stress concentration points critical to preventing failure under transverse loads.
2Strength
If multiple fastening elements are used to secure the cooling module, then the mechanical strength and stability are improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retaining faces are merged into a single integrated fastening element rather than using separate fastening components. This combining approach provides the mechanical strength of multiple fastening points while reducing the total number of components and simplifying assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastening element with multiple retaining faces serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides multiple contact points for stress distribution, maintains positional stability, and simplifies assembly. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening elements.
3Reliability
If the fastening element is designed to withstand high vibratory loads, then the reliability under operating conditions is improved, but the material requirements and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element design accounts for dynamic vibratory loads by incorporating multiple retaining faces that adapt to load directions. This dynamic load distribution approach allows the use of standard materials and manufacturing processes while achieving the required resistance to high-frequency vibrations during engine operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiator frame (10) for a cooling module of an internal combustion engine, having a fastening element (100) for fastening the cooling module to/on/in a radiator of the internal combustion engine, the fastening element (100) having a retaining face (123), by which the cooling module (1) can be locked in a translational and optionally a rotational direction, and an individual fastening element (100) has at least two retaining faces (123) in such a way that said fastening element (100) can be seated on mating faces at/on/in the radiator.