Slide-on Heat Exchanger Bracket Reduces Fastener Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling heat exchangers in vehicles require multiple operations, mounting points, and fasteners, increasing the complexity and cost of the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A slide-on heat exchanger restraining bracket that secures two heat exchangers together with one fastener and allows a third heat exchanger to be fixedly coupled using another fastener that extends through the bracket, simplifying the assembly process by reducing the number of required fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure heat exchangers, then the structural integrity is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket combines multiple mounting functions into a single integrated component. The bracket includes a first mounting portion for the first heat exchanger, a second mounting portion for the second heat exchanger, and a third mounting portion for the third heat exchanger, all unified in one structure that requires only a single fastener for assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports three different heat exchangers, provides mounting points for fasteners, and creates sealed passages for fluid flow. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple mounting points are used, then the reliability of heat exchanger attachment is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-configured with multiple mounting portions and integrated sealing elements during manufacturing. The passages are formed as integral parts of the bracket structure before assembly, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing assembly steps while ensuring reliable attachment points.
3Ease of operation
If separate fasteners are used for each heat exchanger, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the number of parts and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated structure. The first, second, and third mounting portions are all part of the same bracket component, allowing all three heat exchangers to be secured using a single fastener passed through the bracket, thereby reducing the total number of fasteners from three to one.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide for a bracket for a heat exchanger assembly including a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger. The bracket can include a first landing, a second landing, a bridge member and a retention member. The first landing can be configured to be fixedly coupled to the first heat exchanger. The second landing can define a first aperture that can be configured to receive a first fastener through the second landing. The bridge member can be fixedly coupled to the first and second landings. The retention member can be fixedly coupled to the second landing. The retention member and the second landing can define a slot that can be adapted to receive a portion of the second heat exchanger.