Rear Frame Heat Exchanger Integration for Vehicle Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The weight of heat exchange devices and associated components in motor vehicles contributes to increased pollution, necessitating a reduction in overall vehicle weight while maintaining effective heat exchange functionality.
Innovation Solution
A rear frame assembly with a transversal element housing a countercurrent heat exchange device, utilizing a lattice structure optimized for both heat exchange and structural resistance, manufactured via additive manufacturing to minimize material usage and integrate the heat exchange device within the frame, thereby reducing vehicle weight and improving layout efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional heat exchange devices are used in motor vehicles, then heat exchange functionality is ensured, but vehicle weight increases and pollution emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange device is integrated into the rear frame assembly, merging two previously separate components (heat exchanger and frame structure) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and assembly operations, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining both heat exchange functionality and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The rear frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle and simultaneously houses the heat exchange device for thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing weight while ensuring reliable heat exchange capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If heat exchange devices are integrated into the frame, then vehicle layout efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs additive manufacturing (3D printing) to produce the integrated rear frame assembly with complex internal geometries and lattice structures. This manufacturing method enables the creation of optimized heat exchange channels and structural features that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional subtractive manufacturing, thereby improving layout efficiency while managing manufacturing complexity through advanced fabrication technology
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 solution achieves a reduction in vehicle weight by optimizing the heat exchange device's structural features, allowing for lighter construction without compromising heat exchange efficiency, and enhances the vehicle's layout by integrating the heat exchange system within the frame, thus reducing pollution emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange device (12) for the exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid
Implementation Method 2
countercurrent heat exchange device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A frame assembly (10; 10'; 10") for a motor vehicle (1; 1'; 1") comprising a transversal element (11; 11'; 1") extending crosswise to a longitudinal extension direction (X) of the motor vehicle (1; 1'; 1") and a heat exchange device (12; 12'; 12") for the exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The transversal element (11; 11'; 11") comprises a housing (60), which accommodates, on the inside, the heat exchange device (12; 12'; 12").