Tamperproof Bracket for Hybrid Coolant Reservoir Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in preventing unauthorized access to coolant reservoirs, which can lead to improper maintenance and potential safety issues due to fluid leaks or overfilling, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles where coolant levels need to be precisely managed.
Innovation Solution
A tamperproof device comprising a bracket with radially-inward projecting tabs that engages a lobed cap, preventing its rotation and removal, thereby restricting access to the coolant reservoir, ensuring only authorized personnel can access the coolant reservoir using suitable tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coolant reservoir is easily accessible, then ease of maintenance is improved, but unauthorized access and improper maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into multiple portions (first portion with opening and tabs, second portion connecting, third portion for fastening) that work together to create a tamperproof mechanism. The segmentation allows the bracket to engage the lobed cap securely while maintaining structural integrity against unauthorized removal attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the lobed cap and the vehicle body structure. It mediates the access control function by physically blocking unauthorized removal while allowing authorized service with appropriate tools, thus resolving the contradiction between easy access and access control.
2Ease of operation
If the lobed cap can be freely removed, then ease of coolant refilling is improved, but coolant leaks and overfilling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket applies preliminary anti-action by preventing unauthorized removal of the lobed cap before any harmful effects can occur. The radially-inward projecting tabs engage the axial surfaces of the lobed cap, creating a mechanical barrier that stops improper maintenance actions before they can cause coolant leaks or overfilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket provides a cost-effective, simple mechanical solution that doesn't require complex electronic systems or expensive sensors. It uses basic mechanical engagement between tabs and cap surfaces to achieve reliable access control, preventing harmful effects through a straightforward structural design.
3Reliability
If the bracket is designed with multiple portions and tabs, then access restriction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, access control, and mechanical engagement functions. The same bracket structure that restricts access also serves as a mounting component, eliminating the need for separate tamperproof devices and reducing overall system complexity despite its multiple portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The first portion with the opening and tabs combines the access control function with the structural support function, while the second and third portions integrate the connecting and fastening functions, reducing the number of separate parts needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body component, a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), a traction motor, a coolant reservoir having an inlet, and a bracket. The traction motor is electrically connected to the RESS and delivers motor torque for propelling the vehicle. A lobed cap covers the inlet. The bracket extends between the lobed cap and the body component. The bracket defines an opening having radially-inward projecting tabs, each of which engages a different axial side wall of the cap between different adjacent lobes of the lobed cap to prevent rotation and removal of the lobed cap. A method includes providing the above bracket, routing a lobed cap of a coolant reservoir through the opening after installing the cap to the reservoir such that the tabs engage a different axial side wall of the cap between different adjacent lobes of the lobed cap.