Receiver drier bottle assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receiver drier bottle assemblies face issues such as mechanical failures due to high torque exertion, increased mass and cost, limited space for additional elements, and assembly inconvenience, primarily caused by the protruding connecting block configuration.
Innovation Solution
A compact receiver drier bottle assembly design featuring a plug and screw mechanism that immoblizes the plug within the cover, reducing torque and space requirements, allowing for easier assembly and integration of additional components without interfering with adjacent elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional connecting block configuration is used with the cover, then fluid communication between the connecting pipe and receiver drier bottle is achieved, but substantial portion of the connecting block protrudes outside the cover occupying substantial area, limiting space for mounting other elements and intruding into operating space of adjacent elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting block is nested within the cover structure, with the body of the connecting block positioned inside the cover and only the necessary connection ports extending outward. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint on the cover surface while maintaining all required fluid communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting block transitions from a two-dimensional flange configuration to a three-dimensional integrated structure where the body extends into the cover volume. This dimensional change allows the connection functionality to be achieved with minimal surface area occupation on the cover.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional connecting block configuration is used with the cover, then connection and fluid communication is achieved, but the configuration increases overall mass of the connecting pipe-cover assembly and involves notable machining
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting block is merged with the cover as a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate machining operations for both parts and their assembly, reducing overall machining complexity while the integrated structure minimizes material usage and mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connecting block-cover structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fluid communication pathways, structural support, and mounting surfaces for additional elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing total mass and machining requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional connecting block configuration is used with the cover, then connection is achieved, but alignment of the cover and connecting block causes inconvenience in assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting block and cover are merged into a single piece, eliminating the alignment problem between two separate components. The integrated structure ensures that all connection ports and mounting features are pre-positioned relative to each other, making assembly straightforward without requiring precise alignment operations.
4Reliability
If a conventional connecting block configuration is used with the cover, then connection is achieved, but the connecting pipe is comparatively far from the screw axis resulting in mechanical failures due to higher torque exertion
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure transitions to a three-dimensional integrated design where the connecting pipe emerges closer to the screw axis within the cover volume. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the lever arm and torque exertion on mounting fasteners, improving reliability without adding complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver drier bottle assembly (100) includes a plug opening (10) and a screw opening (40) formed on a receiver drier bottle cover (20) to receive a plug (30) and a screw (50) respectively. The plug (30) is formed with a plug cutout (32) that has first threads (32a). The screw opening (40) is partially overlapping the plug opening (10) and extends to a screw-receiving bore (42). The screw-receiving bore (42) is complementary to the plug cutout (32) and is formed with second threads (42a). The screw (50) with external threads (52) formed thereon is disposed partially on the plug cutout (32) to engage with the first threads (32a) and partially on the screw opening (40) to engage with the second threads (42a). Accordingly, the screw (50) immobilizes the plug (30) when the screw (50) is inserted in the screw opening (40).