Rotary Elastic Stop Support for Heat Exchanger Frame Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current suspension systems for heat exchanger frames in automobiles fail to simultaneously meet the requirements of efficient suspension, vibration filtering, and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to the need for symmetrical suspension supports that increase manufacturing and logistical complexities and costs.

Innovation Solution

A suspension support system featuring a rotating elastic stop that can take multiple angular positions, allowing a single type of support to function as both right and left configurations, providing efficient suspension and compensation for thermal expansions while maintaining structural integrity and reducing stress on the chassis and heat exchanger frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate right and left suspension supports are manufactured, then the suspension system can meet vibration filtering requirements, but manufacturing complexity and logistics costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration filtering performanceVSAvoidnumber of different support types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing a single symmetrical support structure that can be configured for both right and left sides through rotational adjustment. The support features a vertical axis of symmetry with identical structural elements on both sides, allowing it to function universally without requiring separate asymmetric right and left components. This reduces the number of different support types while maintaining the vibration filtering performance through proper orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a single suspension support design that serves both right and left mounting positions. The support structure includes symmetrical features and adjustable elements that allow it to be installed on either side of the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate right and left specific supports. This multi-functional design reduces manufacturing complexity and logistics costs while maintaining reliable vibration filtering performance.

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

2Strength

If rigid fixing is used at lower points, then the frame is held securely in place, but thermal expansion induces stresses that can cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe positioning stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion stress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating elements that allow the suspension support to adapt to thermal expansion forces. The symmetrical design includes flexible mounting features and elastic elements that enable the support to move slightly with thermal expansion while maintaining secure positioning. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate dimensional changes due to temperature variations without generating excessive stresses that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by designing the suspension support with materials and structural features that change their mechanical properties in response to temperature variations. The support structure includes elements with appropriate thermal expansion coefficients and flexible connections that adjust their stiffness and positioning parameters according to thermal conditions, thereby maintaining secure frame positioning while accommodating thermal expansion forces without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If symmetrical suspension supports are used for both right and left sides, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the ability to control stiffness independently on each side is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidindependent stiffness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the suspension support into modular symmetrical segments that can be independently adjusted or configured. Each half of the symmetrical support contains independent adjustment mechanisms, mounting features, or elastic elements that can be tuned separately. This allows the overall symmetrical structure to maintain cost-effective manufacturing while enabling independent stiffness control on each side through segment-level adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by incorporating adjustable and adaptable features within the symmetrical support structure. The design includes mechanisms such as adjustable mounting positions, variable stiffness elastic elements, or configurable connection geometries that allow the stiffness parameters to be independently tuned for each side after manufacturing. This dynamic adjustability enables the symmetrical support to provide customized stiffness control for right and left sides while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enables a single suspension support to meet all suspension requirements, including vibration filtering, while reducing economic costs and simplifying manufacturing and logistics by eliminating the need for separate right and left supports, and ensuring correct positioning of the heat exchanger frame across varying thermal conditions.

Implementation Method 1

thermal expansion of the frame induces elastic deformation of the pads, making it possible to avoid any tension in the structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the frame supporting the heat exchanger elements is subjected to strong temperature variations, between -40°C and 140°C, which induce thermal expansions in the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

suspension supports are known in the form of revolution pads clipped onto the vehicle chassis, or a vehicle body element, and having low radial stiffness... in particular, suspension support techniques aimed at decoupling the stiffness along the Y axis from the displacement along the Y axis have been developed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4105051B1Support for a motor vehicle part comprising a rotary elastic stop
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 DELMON GRP
  • EP4105051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4105051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4105051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a support (100) for suspending a part on an automobile chassis, comprising a main plane, including an outer frame (110), an inner frame (120), an elastic suspension element (130), the support comprising a pin (112) projecting from the outer frame and extending into said main plane, and an elastic stop (140) fitted transversely onto said pin, said stop and said pin being configured so that said stop is capable of assuming a plurality of angular positions around said pin, including at least a first angular position of use in which said stop protrudes from the main plane, on a first side of said main plane, and a second angular position of use, in which said elastic stop protrudes from the main plane, on a second side of said main plane,said stop being configured to be attached to said automotive part when it is in one of the angular positions of use.